SA-based multinational mobile telecommunications company MTN has partnered with US software company Cisco Jasper to enable their business customers throughout Africa to deliver Internet of Things (IoT) services worldwide.

"The combination of our mobile networks and Cisco Jasper's IoT platform will empower our customers to deliver new connected services that generate recurring revenues, while also enhancing their customers' experiences," said Mariana Kruger, General Manager for ICT Solutions at MTN Business.

"While this solution will initially be rolled out in South Africa, plans are in place to leverage MTN's data centres across its 22 points of presence across Africa."

MTN claims it will be the first mobile operator in South Africa to deploy Cisco Jasper Control Centre, an automated connectivity management platform for IoT.

"The partnership also represents Cisco Jasper's initial expansion into South Africa," notes MTN's statement.

Kruger says this partnership will entrench MTN's position in the IoT and connected vehicles space and will give IoT device and vehicle manufacturers the opportunity to leverage its network.

"Over the past three years, we have invested substantially in our network and have forged strategic partnerships with leading global players in the IoT space. These interventions have put us in a better position to provide our customers with a distinct customer experience. The partnership between Cisco Jasper and MTN has several synergies - both companies have the unrivalled capacity and expertise to provide IoT services to enterprise customers.