Cartrack, a South African new player in the vehicle tracking industry is actively pursuing global opportunities, is targeting growth prospects in the United States. By Gugu Lourie

Cartrack provides services related to stolen vehicle recovery, fleet management and insurance telematics through Software as a Service (Saas).

The company has more than 430 000 units installed in cars globally, after recording 24% growth in its maiden results.

Its technology solutions have so far helped to recover stolen vehicles in South Africa valued at R450m.

“The board of directors of the company is pleased to announce that the company is planning to launch a start-up operation in Orlando, USA by the end of this calendar year,” the firm informed investors on Friday.

The company competes with JSE-listed Digicore, which was recently acquired by US-based technology firm Novatel for R1.1bn.

Cartrack seems to be following DigiCore’s footsteps by creating more value for its shareholders, which includes Onecell Holdings and LMA Madeira.

The company has recently been awarded a prisoner tracking tender in Singapore.

This development reflects Cartrack’s flexibility and scalability of its technology platform as well as the innovative capabilities of its in-house agile engineers.

Cartrack is a company to watch closely in this competitive industry. If all goes well it could grow into a bigger global player as it continues to generate strong cash flows and deliver good dividends to its shareholders.

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The fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) market is now so competitive big telcos are doing all they can – including snapping up smaller competitors – to stay ahead of the game. By Gugu Lourie

Oddly, the FTTH market rose out of the ashes of Telkom’s dwindling fixed-line telephone business that provides internet access to South Africans.

It is not a surprise that rival telcos and new players are taking Telkom on as they push for a market share of FTTH.

But the proliferation of companies that deploy fibre across the country is raising fears about the South African market becoming over traded.

JM Busha Asset Managers’ equity analyst Simba Chimhanzi says that there are not too many players seeking to or currently deploying fibre in South Africa.

“Globally, fibre deployment has outpaced South Africa as the established providers primarily have their focus around major metropolitan areas. Smaller and new players are taking initiative to build FTTH in areas that established providers have no presence,” he explains.

 

South Africa is at a turning point for the deployment of broadband access, which is a platform for knowledge exchange and creative development that leads to economic growth and job creation.

As part of its growth trajectory, Telkom aims to use its open access fibre broadband network to deploy FTTH to 500 000 houses by the end of 2016 and to reach one million houses by March 2018 through.

This week, Telkom also launched Openserve, which is aimed at increasing broadband access in the country through open access on its network and increase competitiveness of smaller players. Openserve will be rolling out its high-speed fibre-to-the-home service available on an open access basis to all licensed operators.

MTN, South Africa’s second largest mobile phone operator, is also expanding its FTTH network via acquisition and organic growth. The operator, which is rolling out its fibre across the country, recently bought Smart Village from MultiChoice for an undisclosed amount.

Smart Village fibre network services 29 000 residential homes in Gauteng, the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Vodacom is also quietly deploying its fibre network and services. VumaTel is also connecting Johannesburg northern suburbrs to the fibre network.

Metrofibre Networx, a provider led by ex-Absa CEO Steve Booysen and supported by its active shareholder Sanlam Private Equity, has its eyes on the booming fibre market.

In July telecoms operator Vox Telecom acquired internet service provider, Frogfoot Networks, to hasten its move into the fast-growing fibre market.

There are more players deploying fibre such as Cool Ideas, Cybersmart, Dark Fibre, iBurst, M-WEB, Sainet and Web Africa.

Cell C is also planning to roll-out its fibre network soon.

The rapid proliferation of fibre providers obviously raises eyebrows. But Chimhanzi is unfazed.

“This is good for both the market and consumers as more players enhance the pace and reach of fibre deployment throughout the country,” says Chimhanzi.

 

“If deployment is run under an open access model whereby peers let people on its network, consumers will have more choice when it comes to choosing their preferred internet service provider. This encourages service based competition rather than Infrastructure based competition.”

Furthermore, big telcos such as Telkom, Vodacom and MTN can generate wholesale revenues by allowing rivals to come onto their networks within an open system.

Last month Telkom announced its intention of becoming an open-access operator. The fixed line giant has opened copper access at 200 exchanges on trial basis.

The industry is likely to experience organic and acquisitive growth. Chimhanzi agrees that big telcos are likely to be aggressive buyers of smaller players.

“They (large players) can also take an aggressive, predatory approach of acquiring the smaller ISPs that are providing ‘last mile’ connectivity into the homes,” says Chimhanzi.
The equity analyst warns that the possibility exists that underfunded and inexperienced companies might take short cuts and roll-out substandard cables.

 

“Fibre optic cables are very expensive to install, and this poses the risk of smaller inexperienced players providing sub-standard installation and connectivity,” explains Chimhanzi. “Organisational bodies like the FTTH Council Africa, bring governments, operators and regulators together to address these challenges and risks and therefore ensure a robust and efficient FTTH deployment not only in South Africa but across Africa.”

But the big question is whether the FTTH Council Africa is doing enough to police the deployment of fibre in South Africa.

That said, the industry and customers residing where fibre is being rolled-out are likely to benefit from faster broadband access in the near future

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Dial a Nerd is set to bolster the offering of Turrito Networks in the small medium enterprises (SMEs) market. By Gugu Lourie

Dial a Nerd, a technology support company known for 17 years for sending a nerd to fix your computer, has been snapped up by Turrito Networks, a subsidiary of JSE-listed investment group MICROmega.

Turrito Networks, a converged communication provider, is buying a 51% stake in Dial a Nerd.

The deal will be finance through equity and shares.

Colin Thornton, who founded Dial a Nerd in 1998, and his brother Aaron will both remain substantial shareholders in the firm. While other shareholders, Roberto Caprio and Phil Case, who joined in 2002 and 2006 respectively, will be selling their shareholding.

The firms did not disclose more terms of the deal.

MICROmega – a R2.2 billion firm that operates in the technology, stockbroking industries and occupational health and safety spaces – owns 66% of Turrito Networks.  The listed investment company has seen its share price rise more than 500% in the past three years after the return of Dave King, a controversial businessman, as an executive chairman.

King came back after settling a long-standing tax dispute with the South African Revenue Service.

MICROmega has grown organically and through acquisitions of companies such as Aspirata Auditing Testing Certification, Freshmark Systems, Rdata and Amanzi Meters.

Dial a Nerd is set to bolster the offering of Turrito Networks in the small medium enterprises (SMEs) market.

“With the acquisition of Dial a Nerd, Turrito Networks is now able to offer an end-to-end IT solution, resulting in a single point of responsibility and none of the finger pointing endemic to the IT industry,” says Brian Timperley, managing director of Turrito Networks.

“Dial a Nerd already has a large SME customer base and can now offer them all market available connectivity, hosting and Cloud solutions.

“The two companies, working closely together, can now handle every aspect of an SME’s IT, from the keyboard right through to the internet with a wider range of skills and the same massive focus on superior service.”

The deal makes Turrito Networks a more sizable company and enables it to be the first service provider to encompass every aspect of IT for the SME market.

This will include managed desktop and LAN (local area network) through to managed connectivity and WAN (wireless area network), as well as managed hosting and cloud solutions.

The transaction enables Dial a Nerd to offer more comprehensive solutions.

The deal enables both firms to handle every aspect of an SME’s IT, from the keyboard right through to the Internet with a wider range of skills.

“There is benefit in the substantial financial backing offered by the MICROmega, which enables far more investment in our growth,” says Colin Thornton, co-managing director of Dial a Nerd

Dial a Nerd employs about 60 people and plans to increase its workforce.

When asked if Turrito Networks is a good fit for Dial a Nerd, Thornton says connectivity is an absolutely essential piece of the IT environment.  The company has worked with other internet service providers in the past.

“However, without having a major relationship with one of them we could never leverage truly great service and pricing for our customers. With Turrito Networks that has changed.”

On the other hand, Turrito Networks regards Dial a Nerd as an important element in its growth strategy.

“There are significant synergies between the two organisations and the benefits to Turrito Networks and Dial a Nerd are mutual and substantial,” says Timperley.

 

“Dial a Nerd customers require superior connectivity, especially with the advent and rapid uptake of Cloud services, and Turrito Networks customers need exceptional support extending right to their desktops and Local Network. It’s a powerful partnership, and one that is sure to stir things up in the SME space.”

Turrito Networks already operates in various African countries.

Timperley says the company “will be looking to introduce Dial a Nerd and expand both brand northwards”.

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With less than a week to go before the start of MyWorld of Tomorrow, Business Connexion (BCX) is pleased to announce that a host of sponsors and exhibitors will be present at the second annual technology and lifestyle expo. By Staff Writer

Taking place from 22 – 24 October at the Sandton Convention Centre, MyWorld of Tomorrow is an African-led movement inspired by technological innovation and bringing thought leaders, communities and experiences together under one roof, creating discussion and solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT) and its meaning for Africa.

Far more than just a conference and exhibition, MyWorld of Tomorrow is a platform for interaction and knowledge sharing in the technology and innovation space across industries.

The conference line-up includes both international and local thought leaders, such as Paul Maritz, Dion Chang, Clem Sunter and Emma Sadleir, and will cover a variety of topics ranging from the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, renewable energy and innovation.

The exhibition, which runs alongside the conference and only finishes on Saturday, is set to be an immersive experience of current technological innovations and a showcase of what is yet to come.

Sponsors and partner include Business Connexion, who will showcase an augmented reality experience, Telkom, IBM, HP and Cisco. Also present at the event will be the Technology Innovation Agency, Huawei and Dell.

EMC² will have their data science and big data analytics team who were part of the team analyzing motorcycle racer John McGuinness’ performance to understand what makes the world famous “Morecambe Missile” the success he is onsite and visitors will have the opportunity to view John’s bike and racing suit.

Other brands that will be showcasing their innovation at the event include Oracle, Canon, Maxtec, Cell C, Lenovo and Belgium Campus, an ICT university focusing on IT learning and development, as well as technology in education. Rectron, MakerBot, Westcon CompTech, IFS, Fujitsu, NetApp, ThingWorx, MpeloTech, Locomute, The University of Pretoria, Sage Pastel, NGA, The Innovation Hub, FastNet, Dassault Systems and Mercedes Benz will also be showcasing solutions.

“There will be something for every member of the family on show at the event,” says Zinhle Modiselle, general manager of marketing at Business Connexion. “We will have a variety of experiences on show, from 3D printing, to a connected car and a complete 3D experience and the HDIYouth ‘Ready.Steady.Success!’ platform aimed at our young people. Oneal and #Kellman from CliffCentral will be broadcasting live from the event on Friday and, on Saturday, DJ Sphectacula and DJ Naves will be performing.”

The extensive exhibition showcases South Africa’s most innovative companies with the latest in technology and solutions.  This fascinating space will allow conference delegates and general visitors to experience the technology of tomorrow, in an informative and engaging manner.

For more information, please visit www.mwotafrica.com

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The first Vodacom store to start selling the device will be Vodacom World in Midrand, which is set to open at 6 am today (Friday 16 October 2015). Breakfast snacks and coffee will be on offer for eager customers.  By Staff Writer

Vodacom packages include:

iPhone 6s

16GB

Available on a range of contracts including the Vodacom Smart S for R549 per month for 24 months. This deal includes an extra 1GB of data for the first three months.

Customers can trade in their iPhone 6 128GB for an iPhone 6s 16GB and pay only R299 on a Vodacom Smart S contract.

64GB

Available on a range of contracts including the Vodacom Smart S for R799 per month for 24 months. This deal includes an extra 1GB of data for the first three months.

128GB

Available on a range of contracts including the Vodacom Smart S for R899 per month for 24 months. This deal includes an extra 1GB of data for the first three months.

iPhone 6s Plus

16GB

Available on a range of contracts including the Vodacom Smart M for R699 per month for 24 months. This deal includes an extra 1GB of data for the first three months.

64GB

Available on a range of contracts including the Vodacom Smart M for R799 per month for 24 months. This deal includes an extra 1GB of data for the first three months.

128GB

Available on a range of contracts including the Vodacom Smart M for R899 per month for 24 months. This deal includes an extra 1GB of data for the first three months.

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At a glittering event attended by the A-list celebrities in the entertainment world, MTN launched and unveiled the pricing of its iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. By Staff Writer

MTN’s head office store in Johannesburg, and its flagship shops in Cape Town and Durban were doing brisk trade way past midnight catering to customers who wished to be among the first to acquire this iconic handset.

“MTN is excited to once more provide its customers with the opportunity to own the most advanced iPhone ever made. We have made a substantial investment of R12 billion into our network to ensure that we deliver the services that come with cutting edge devices such as the iPhone 6S,” says Larry Annetts, Chief Marketing Officer: MTN South Africa.

 

 

“This is part of our efforts at offering our customers with a distinct customer experience.”

MTN will be offering the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus on an optional 36 months contract as well.

This extended contract, which is a culmination of customer feedback, offers control and choice to customers and will substantially reduce the monthly. premiums.

The full list of MTN pricing is listed below.

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Mozido Africa, a subsidiary of Mozido, Inc., a global digital commerce and payments solution provider, has selected Johannesburg as its African headquarters. By Gugu Lourie

The Africa head office  of Mozido will be based in Fourways, Johannessburg.

Mozido’s mobile payments solution already benefits millions around the globe by addressing key financial payment challenges. Mozido is committed to the growing movement of innovative mobile payments technology to help future generations live well both in Africa and across the globe.

The firm said the opening of an office in Johannesburg represents a key milestone in its expansion and its commitment to the continent of Africa. A

frica has some of the fastest growing mobile money markets worldwide. Providing African consumers access to Mozido’s innovative platform will change how mobile money is utilised across the continent.

“Our mission is to provide financial accessibility globally. Africa is a vital region for implementing Mozido’s operations and strategically it made sense to have our regional headquarters in Johannesburg,” said Michael Liberty, founder of Mozido. “Currently, Africa leads the world in mobile money use, therefore Mozido will have a great deal to contribute to and learn from the growing and active consumer base.”

African operations are led by Cuthbert Tembedza, executive vice president of business development of Mozido Africa.

Mozido Africa plans to set the standard for mobile money with innovative technology and product solutions that target the entire population of banked, under-banked and unbanked consumers.

“As long as the majority of our people do not have access to financial services, there is work for each of us to do,” said Tembedza. “To date, mobile technology has proven to be a catalyst in addressing financial exclusion. What we need now is to ensure that someday each of the 1.1 billion people in Africa have access to financial services. Mozido’s cloud-based mobile platform will help achieve that goal.”

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Adrian Ephraim, Independent Online (IOL) managing editor informed readers in a letter on the group’s website on Thursday that IOL will be closing comments on its online articles with immediate effect. By Staff Writer

The move by IOL follows  a similar strategy by News24 last month.

“The freedom of expression guaranteed by our Constitution was never meant to override the personal freedoms and human rights of our fellow citizens,” says Ephraim.

He added that let me be clear that commenting on an article is not a right, but a courtesy afforded to you by IOL as a reader.

“If you are prone to being racist or sexist in your thinking, by all means express yourself on other platforms that may find such behaviour acceptable, but not on IOL,” Ephraim explains. “We are of the view that instances of abuse in our comments section have become untenable.”

In 2014 IOL set up an Advisory Panel to investigate online abuse on our platforms after a 16-year-old intern was subjected to horrendous written abuse related to an article she had written last year.

The panel’s report stated in short, that it is desirable to have online comments in the interests of freedom of expression. However, the constitutional rights of readers and members of the public should not be infringed by such comments. And there’s the rub.

“From now on we will only tolerate meaningful contributions that take place with dignity, respect and clarity of thought. This way we can deliver more of the type of journalism you want. When we do publish your opinion, it will be at the discretion of the IOL editorial team,” he said.

“You may e-mail your opinion to IOLletters@inl.co.za and we will consider it for publication. We will also pre-moderate and publish opinion on selected stories, provided they relate to the subject at hand.

“In arriving at our decision, we concluded that we’d rather devote resources to doing better journalism than recruiting more people to fend off the trolls who lurk in the alleys of the comment section, offering zero value to the conversation.”

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Cell C today announced it will offer iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the most advanced iPhones ever, beginning on 16 October. iPhone 6s 16GB will be available starting at R449 per month for 24 months on the Epic 150 plan. By Staff Writer

iPhone 6s Plus 16GB will be available starting at R499 per month for 24 months on the Epic 150 plan. iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5s will also be available.

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus bring a powerful new dimension to iPhone’s revolutionary Multi-Touch interface with 3D Touch, which senses force to enable intuitive new ways to access features and interact with content.

Cell C customers will also be able to purchase the 32GB and 64GB versions of these devices. The iPhone 6S 64GB will be available at R499 on Epic 150 per month and the 128GB version on Epic 150 for R599. The iPhone 6S Plus 32GB is available on the Epic 150 for R549 and the 128GB for R649.

“As always, the iPhone is generating great buzz in the market and the large number of preorders prove that these devices remain exceptionally popular,” said Doug Mattheus, Cell C Executive Head of Marketing.

Customers can buy iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus at Cell C retail shops and online at www.cellc.co.za. For complete details on pricing, please visit www.cellc.co.za. For more information on iPhone, please visit: www.apple.com/iphone.

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