Zain Group, based in Kuwait and operating across eight Middle Eastern markets, has introduced a new Global M2M (Machine-to-Machine) offering, aiming to simplify IoT connectivity for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across various industries. This strategic move positions Zain as the connectivity partner of choice for global OEMs seeking to enter the Middle East market.
With the global IoT market experiencing significant growth and nearly 19 billion connected devices, it might seem like an easy opportunity for telecom companies. However, even large players like Vodafone have faced difficulties, opting to spin off their IoT units due to the market’s fragmented nature, competing protocols, and networks. Zain’s approach is to act as a gateway connectivity provider, offering OEMs seamless access to the region’s markets through a single point of integration and contractual relationship.
Zain claims to be the first regional operator to offer global connectivity through the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI), which enables OEMs to integrate their devices into multiple regional markets without needing a local presence. This solution simplifies the process, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and significantly reducing the operational challenges typically associated with market entry.
The company has partnered with MAVOCO AG, a provider of connectivity management platforms, to offer advanced connectivity management technologies, including full self-service and open integration capabilities. Zain already manages millions of devices within its footprint, and the new Global M2M offering is expected to drive further growth in connected devices across the region.
Kamil Hilali, Zain Group’s Chief Strategy Officer, emphasized the importance of this service: “This offering addresses the significant challenges OEMs face in the region, including compliance with local regulations and high integration costs. By providing a unified solution, Zain is empowering global manufacturers to connect to the Middle East, helping accelerate digital transformation and socio-economic growth.”
Zain’s Global M2M offering also tackles specific region-based challenges, including permanent roaming restrictions in markets like Saudi Arabia and Oman. The solution ensures full regulatory compliance and eliminates the need for OEMs to engage with multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) across different countries, reducing integration complexity and costs.
Additionally, the global IMSI-based solution offers competitive roaming rates and worldwide coverage, streamlining processes through a unified contractual relationship. This offering is designed for a wide range of market segments, including international car manufacturers, industrial equipment providers, smart meter companies, connected device manufacturers, and enterprises involved in freight, shipping containers, and cold supply chain management.
Zain is confident that this new offering will provide it with a first-mover advantage in delivering universal connectivity services to OEMs, further establishing its position as a leader in digital transformation in the Middle East.
