Tata Communications, the wholesale communication arm of the Tata Group, said it has agreed to buy Teleena, a Netherlands-based Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity specialist and mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE).
The company was already the single largest shareholder in Teleena with a 35% stake, following an investment in January 2017, and has extensive dealings with the company.
Tata Communications said Teleena’s technology reduces the operational complexity and cost of mobility and IoT deployments for businesses and is a key part of MOVE, TCom’s global communication’s platform unveiled last year.
“The acquisition is an investment in technology and talent to complement Tata Communications’ growth strategy in the global mobility and IoT market.
“It gives the company full access to Teleena’s technology portfolio, including its MVNE platform, its Operational Support System and Business Support System (OSS/BSS) solution and the expertise of Teleena’s mobility and IoT industry specialists,” Tata Communications said.
It will take over all of Teleena’s customers and employees.
IoT refers to the extension of the internet to ‘things’, such as smart meters, home appliances and vehicles. It is expected to generate the majority of Internet traffic going forward.
“The growth rate in the global mobility and IoT market is phenomenal: by 2021, enterprises’ spending on mobility alone is set to surpass USD 1.7 trillion,” said Anthony Bartolo, Chief Product Officer, Tata Communications.
“Our vision is to create an environment where anything can be ‘born connected’. Providing everyone and everything in the world with seamless connectivity globally will support businesses’ digital transformation,” he said, adding that the acquired technology and talent will play a crucial role in achieving the aim.
Among the companies that are using MOVE to launch services are children’s smartwatch makers Omate and Doki Technologies, new mobile network virtual operators (MVNO) like Singapore-based MyRepublic and smart logistics company W-Locate.
“I look forward to working with Anthony and his team to help Tata Communications’ customers make the most of the transformational potential of IoT and mobility,” said Kim Bybjerg, CEO of Teleena.