Since Vodacom’s strategic R1 billion acquisition of a 51% stake in IoT.nxt in 2019, the IoT specialist has become instrumental in driving its Beyond Mobile strategy, enabling digital transformation across multiple industries through cutting-edge connectivity solutions.
The Technology Edge
At the core of this partnership is IoT.nxt’s innovative edge-to-cloud platform that seamlessly bridges legacy systems with modern data sources, delivering real-time business intelligence.
The company’s competitive advantage stems from three key technological differentiators:
- Raptor edge gateway technology – Enables rapid IoT deployment at scale
- Web-Commander software stack – Provides unified data aggregation with 3D visualisation capabilities
- Multi-directional rules engine – Facilitates intelligent edge data processing
This technological agility has allowed IoT.nxt to successfully integrate with enterprise platforms including SAP, IBM and Microsoft, establishing its leadership in industrial IoT solutions.
Strategic Value for Vodacom
Videsha Proothveerajh, Director of Vodacom Business, emphasises the strategic importance of the partnership: “IoT.nxt is central to our Beyond Mobile strategy, enabling us to expand our IoT footprint across Africa and into global markets.
“As the first South African operator with a fully deployed NB-IoT network, we leverage IoT.nxt’s platform to deliver scalable, integrated solutions.”
Proothveerajh further explains: “This partnership strengthens Vodacom’s leadership in IoT connectivity.
“By building on our award-winning platform, we enable clients to deploy scalable use cases that integrate seamlessly with Vodacom’s network coverage, advanced connectivity services including NB-IoT, LTE and 5G, and our extensive enterprise customer base.”
Transformative IoT Solutions
The collaboration has yielded several groundbreaking implementations:
- Energy Sector Innovation: Digital transformation of Eskom’s pit-to-bur coal supply chain automation
- Education Technology: Real-time tracking solutions for mobile classrooms
- Global Telecom Infrastructure: Cell Site Management now deployed across 40,000+ base stations worldwide
- Energy Management: South Africa’s first virtual energy wheeling solution in partnership with Mezzanine
- Public Safety: Advanced firearm management systems for law enforcement
Market Expansion
IoT.nxt is currently scaling operations across three key verticals:
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Energy & Utilities: Smart metering solutions and ESG management platforms
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Security Solutions: AI-driven surveillance and asset protection systems
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Global Telecom: Expansion of Cell Site Management into European and North American markets
Proothveerajh notes: “The convergence of IoT and AI in these focus areas creates significant opportunities to deepen our market penetration and deliver more value to customers.”
Regulatory Compliance & Future Growth
Operating within the Vodacom and Vodafone ecosystems ensures IoT.nxt maintains rigorous compliance with:
- Data sovereignty regulations
- Telecommunications certifications
- Cybersecurity requirements
The company is particularly excited about future satellite-based NB-IoT developments that could dramatically expand connectivity in remote areas.
“To date, the company has not faced significant regulatory hurdles. Looking ahead, developments in satellite-based NB-IoT regulation may unlock significant potential for scaling IoT solutions even further, particularly in hard-to-reach or underserved areas,” said Proothveerajh .
“Given the complexity of IoT solutions, we continue to focus on data sovereignty laws, telecom and spectrum certification, cybersecurity laws, and procurement and localisation requirements all impact how we deliver commercially and ensure a world-class service offering. “
With 160 employees primarily based at its Centurion headquarters, IoT.nxt maintains strategic European operations including:
- A fully-fledged office in The Hague, Netherlands
- An associate office in London established in 2017
- The company’s website lists several local and global companies as clients such as AECI, Anglo American, Bidvest, Sibanye Stillwater, Siemens, Toyota, T-Systems, etc.
Founded in 2015 by Nico Steyn, Bertus Jacobs and Terje Moen, IoT.nxt has grown from a South African startup to a globally competitive IoT solutions provider. For more read: South Africa’s IoT.nxt sets up shop in The Netherlands
Through its innovative technology platform and strategic partnership with Vodacom, IoT.nxt continues to solidify Vodacom’s position as a full-stack IoT enabler, driving digital transformation across industries with smart, connected solutions that deliver measurable business value.
