The telco, operating in eight markets, wants to be the connectivity partner of choice for device OEMs looking to crack the Middle East
With just under 19 billion connected IoT devices globally and solid growth, it is easy to think the market is a no brainer for telcos but even the largest, like Vodafone, have opted instead to spin-off their IoT units after finding the market fiendishly fragmented with competing protocols and even networks.
Kuwait-headquartered Zain Group has come up with an interesting approach to address the market and that is to be a gateway connectivity provider for OEMs to the eight Middle Eastern markets it serves. It has launched a Global M2M offering which it said represents a “comprehensive solution” designed to simplify IoT connectivity for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across industries. At the same time, Zain claims to have become the first regional operator to offer global connectivity using global International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI).
Zain’s solution is set to empower OEMs from across the globe to seamlessly integrate their devices into multiple regional markets through a single point of integration and contractual relationship. This development enables partner OEMs to access all the required connectivity for their devices, eliminating the necessity to establish local presence while ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
In partnership with MAVOCO AG, a provider of connectivity management platforms, Zain said it is able to offer its customers state-of-the-art connectivity management and control technologies, with full self-service and open integration capabilities. Zain already has several million devices across its footprint and it reckons the launch of the Global M2M offering will further facilitate and enable the proliferation of connected devices across the region.
“The introduction of our Global M2M offering is a strategic move that accompanies the recent launch of Zain’s new 4WARD strategy, capitalising on our strategic footprint and superior connectivity to position Zain as the regional partner of choice,” said Zain Group chief strategy officer Kamil Hilali.
Local compliance
“This service addresses the significant challenges faced by OEMs operating in or looking to operate in the region, including compliance with local regulations and high integration costs,” he said. “By providing a unified solution that ensures compliance and simplifies connectivity across our extensive network, Zain is empowering the connection of global manufacturers to the Middle East. This will boost the pace of digital transformation of enterprises and governments, driving socio-economic growth across the region.”
Hilali reckons the service addresses several region-specific challenges OEMs may have entering the Middle East. It ensures full regulatory compliance by adhering to local requirements in markets such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, where permanent roaming restrictions pose significant hurdles.
The solution simplifies integration through a single connectivity point, eliminating the complexity and cost of engaging multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) across different countries.
Additionally, the global IMSI-based solution provides competitive roaming rates and worldwide coverage, allowing OEMs to avoid establishing local entities and thereby reducing operational costs and legal complexities. The offering further streamlines processes by presenting a unified contractual relationship, enabling OEMs to leverage their scale without fragmentation by country or operator.
Through this launch, Zain is targeting a diverse range of market segments seeking more intelligent coverage, including international car manufacturers, industrial equipment manufacturers, smart meter providers, connected device companies, and enterprises involved in international freight, shipping containers, and cold supply chain management.
“We are confident of the opportunity to capture a first-mover advantage in the provision of comprehensive, universal connectivity services to OEMs and further solidify Zain’s position as a leader and partner of choice for digital transformation,” said Hilali.
