Get the latest announcements from MEF Members across the mobile ecosystem globally in this weekly review of member news…
Zscaler and Stacuity Partner to Extend Zero Trust Security to Cellular-Connected IoT and OT Devices
Zscaler™ and Stacuity have announced a partnership to integrate Stacuity’s Global Software-Defined Cellular Network with the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform. This collaboration will bring the benefits of Zero Trust security to cellular connected devices, enhancing security for OT and IoT devices, and addressing the unique challenges of digital transformation of connected devices.
Digital transformation requires a Zero Trust architecture to be effective. Traditional network-centric architectures rely on a trusted environment that, once breached, allows attackers to move laterally and steal data. This model is not only a security risk but also complex and an impediment to transformation.
Zero Trust architecture, on the other hand, controls access through business policies rather than central network configuration, simplifying security and enabling transformation.
Stacuity’s redesign of the conventional consumer-centric mobile core network enables the Zero Trust approach to be extended into cellular networks, removing the need for client-side applications, agents and configuration. For endpoints that cannot support client connectors, such as constrained IoT/OT devices, the Stacuity network provides seamless integration with Zscaler Internet Access™ (ZIA™), Zscaler Private Access™ (ZPA™), and Privileged Remote Access for administrative access to IoT/OT devices.
HONG KONG, July 16, 2024 – VOX Solutions, a frontrunner in comprehensive A2P voice and messaging monetization solutions, unveils a groundbreaking partnership with Orange, the largest mobile operator in Burkina Faso. The partnership between Vox Solutions and Orange Burkina Faso forms an exclusive direct connectivity alliance, guaranteeing the secure and dependable transmission of A2P messages to Burkina Faso’s clients and international enterprises. The common objective is to safeguard mobile interactions from the rapidly escalating risks of message fraud and artificial traffic inflation (AIT).
Ehsan Ahmadi, CEO & Founder of VOX Solutions, articulates his commitment to addressing these challenges. “Our fundamental mission is to support mobile operators such as Orange Burkina Faso in sustaining consistent revenue growth and fostering innovation. Addressing messaging fraud and AIT are central to the challenges we are eager to confront. We are privileged to commence this journey and remain steadfast in aiding our partners in achieving their business goals. This collaboration represents a significant step toward improved communication experiences and lasting success.”
Read more…
Sinch launches “Customer Connections” resource hub to empower omnichannel marketers
ATLANTA, Georgia, USA and STOCKHOLM, Sweden – July 10, 2024 – Sinch (Sinch AB (publ) – XSTO: SINCH), which is pioneering the way the world communicates through its Customer Communications Cloud, announced the launch of its “Customer Connections” hub, an online resource center designed to support CX professionals and marketers in building lasting customer relationships through world-class experiences across all digital channels.
“Effective customer communication involves understanding the unique needs of your audience and focusing on what can truly elevate their experience with a brand,” said Jonathan Bean, Chief Marketing Officer at Sinch. “With so many ways to engage today, it is essential for businesses to maintain a seamless digital communications experience and embrace an omnichannel approach. This means not only integrating communications across the right mix of channels at the right stage of the customer journey, but also being present where and when customers expect and want to be reached.”
Read more…
ENGIE Vianeo partners with BICS to support smart EV charging stations
ENGIE Vianeo, the EV charging business of energy company ENGIE Group, is partnering with international communications enabler BICS to connect its charging stations to the Internet of Things (IoT). The solution will provide real-time data which allows for remote maintenance and enhanced decision-making. Partnering with BICS will deliver seamless connectivity, security and regulatory compliance to support ENGIE’s rapid European rollout plans.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular across Europe – new electric car registrations reached nearly 3.2 million in 2023, increasing by almost 20% from 2022. However, this is driving demand for more accessible charging infrastructure. Last year, the EU approved a new law to add more chargers across its member states, with specific targets for 2025 and 2030. This legislation put specific emphasis on installing stations across main highways.
“The appetite for electric cars is growing across Western Europe,” says Clémence Fischer, Managing Director, ENGIE Vianeo. “We aim to meet this demand by rapidly expanding our number of charging stations. In France alone, we aim to have 12,000 charge points by the end of 2025. In Belgium, we expect to double the current number of charging stations to exceed 5,000 charge points by the same date. Managing such a large, dispersed estate presents challenges, so alongside BICS, we’re investing in technology to give us complete visibility over our infrastructure. This will help us improve the prompt response of our services and keep stations maintained and running reliably, so they’re always ready and available when customers need them.”
Read more…
EZ Texting Supercharges SMS Communication in Canada with Launch of Toll-Free Numbers
SAN FRANCISCO, July 1, 2024 /CNW/ — In celebration of Canada Day, EZ Texting, the leading provider of business SMS solutions, today announced the highly anticipated launch of toll-free numbers (TFNs) for Canadian businesses. This new offering empowers businesses of all sizes to enhance customer communication, build brand trust, and streamline operations.
Getting started with EZ Texting’s powerful messaging suite is effortless. Businesses can start now with a new Canadian toll-free number at $39 a month, with the ability to scale to additional numbers for $25/mo.
“This is a game-changer for Canadian businesses. Toll-free numbers have long been associated with established, trustworthy brands in the US. Now, Canadian companies of all sizes can leverage that same level of credibility to build stronger brands and customer relationships,” said Vijesh Mehta, CEO of EZ Texting. “With EZ Texting’s streamlined verification process and competitive pricing, there’s no barrier to entry. This is about empowering businesses to communicate more effectively, and ultimately, achieve greater success.”
Read more…
Mobile Money Spend in Emerging Markets to Top $2.37 Trillion by 2029, as Providers Pivot to Advanced Services
Hampshire, UK – 15th July 2024: A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in fintech and payments markets, found mobile money spend in emerging markets will reach $2.37 trillion by 2029, from $1.58 trillion in 2024.
It predicts that this growth of 51% will be driven by operators expanding their portfolios to include higher-margin advanced services, such as powering merchant payments in-store or via eCommerce, or providing international remittances.
Research co-author Mélissa Amouny explained: “As banks struggle with the distribution of financial services in emerging markets and mobile money services have excellent reach via their agent networks, partnerships between banks and mobile money services are a strong fit. MFS providers must strike partnerships with banks to offer the capabilities needed, and with platform providers to improve their technical infrastructures, to best address the advanced services opportunity.”
