Vodafone Qatar & NetComm Wireless Announce Strategic Partnership to Bolster M2M in Qatar

DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) and Vodafone Qatar Q.S.C., today announced a strategic partnership to extend Vodafone Qatar's fixed and mobile networks to devices and machines which are used to enable Smart City applications such as security systems, intelligent transport systems, smart metering and smart medical devices.

The new agreement follows from the success of NetComm Wireless' existing partnership with Vodafone Global Enterprise for delivery of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G across Vodafone Global Enterprise's markets. With Vodafone's unrivaled global experience in connecting machines, businesses of all sizes across all industry and service sectors are set to benefit from the ability to remotely monitor and manage previously isolated assets from a central location in real-time using Vodafone Qatar.

Designed to seamlessly integrate with Vodafone's network in Qatar and around the world and diverse applications, the Vodafone MachineLink 3G and NetComm Wireless' broader portfolio of wireless M2M devices will allow Vodafone Qatar to expand into bringing end-to-end solutions to its customers in Qatar.

Vodafone is the world's leader in Machine 2 Machine (M2M) with experience of deploying smart city solutions across the world. Vodafone Qatar is fully committed to support the Qatar National Vision 2030 and this partnership with NetComm Wireless will deliver the new technology required to drive the continued expansion of one of the world's fastest growing economies.

"In the next 20 years, Qatar will have one of the smartest cities on earth and M2M technology will underpin the delivery of this successful outcome. This new collaboration with NetComm Wireless underpins our strategy to enable Smart Cities in Qatar. Vodafone is investing now to bring our global expertise to Qatar and help to realize the 2030 Qatar National vision. NetComm Wireless' unique understanding of business objectives and industry applications in the Middle East together with Vodafone Qatar being first to market with cutting edge M2M services will deliver countless benefits to our customers," said Kyle Whitehill, CEO, Vodafone Qatar.

"Vodafone Qatar shares our commitment to innovation and we look forward to working together to transform business communications at a time of significant industrial growth and infrastructure development. The combined capacity of Vodafone Qatar's experience in deploying such solutions and NetComm Wireless' 3G/4G M2M technologies will enable a new level of business efficiency, productivity and safety," said David Stewart, CEO and Managing Director, NetComm Wireless.   

The Vodafone MachineLink 3G, developed by NetComm Wireless, has been certified by Vodafone Group and is ready for deployment to business customers on the Vodafone Qatar network.

NetComm Wireless' industrial-strength 3G M2M devices are built to withstand challenging conditions, such as rugged in-vehicle and outdoor environments and feature a Software Development Kit (SDK) for true open management capabilities. The devices are also equipped with TR-069 to support remote asset management and control and multi-system monitoring for always-on connectivity.

About Vodafone Qatar Q.S.C.

Vodafone Qatar Q.S.C., part of the Vodafone Group Plc, is the holder of the Second Public Mobile and Fixed Telecommunications Networks and Services License in the State of Qatar. 

Vodafone Qatar switched on its mobile network on 1 March 2009 and shortly after started delivering great value to its customers with a range of exciting products and services. 

Having built a world class converged IP network, Vodafone launched fibre-based consumer and enterprise fixed-line services commercially in October 2012 and is expanding its fibre services in conjunction with Qnbn deployment of Fibre to Homes and Corporates.

Vodafone's objective is to be the most admired brand in Qatar and the Company is committed to providing world class telecommunications infrastructure to support the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Please visit http://www.vodafone.qa for more details.

For Enquiries: Lana Khachan, Vodafone Qatar Media Relations Manager

Email: lana.khachan@vodafone.com

About NetComm Wireless

NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer of innovative broadband products sold globally to major telecommunications carriers, core network providers and system integrators. For over 31 years NetComm has developed a portfolio of world first data communication products, and is a respected global provider of 3G and 4G wireless devices servicing the major telecommunications carrier, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Rural Broadband markets. NetComm's products are designed to meet the growing needs of today's data-intensive home, business and industrial broadband applications and customized to optimize performance in line with global network advancements. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, NetComm has offices in New Zealand, North America and the Middle East. For more information about NetComm visit: http://www.netcommwireless.com

Enquiries to: Stephanie Wilson, NetComm Wireless Communications Manager

Phone: +61-2-9424-2045 or email: stephanie.wilson@netcommwireless.com

About Vodafone Machine-to-Machine communications

Vodafone Machine-to-Machine (M2M) connects previously isolated machines or devices to the internet, delivering new functionality and enhanced services without the need for human intervention. Supported by over 20 years' experience and 250 dedicated staff, Vodafone's global M2M platform makes it easy for global businesses to centrally manage M2M deployments across multiple territories, with greater control and at a lower cost than previously possible. For more information, please visit http://m2m.vodafone.com.