Vodafone’s IoT connectivity unit is to become a standalone business by April of next year (2024) following a major 10-year deal with Microsoft that will see both firms invest in the business, and the UK-based operator also commit $1.5 billion over the period to develop cloud and AI services with the US firm. Microsoft has also committed to use Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services in some fashion in return.
Vodafone will join the Azure ecosystem, making its IoT platform available to Microsoft’s developer and third-party community via open APIs.
