Vodafone has launched an unlimited data plan for businesses that need live video from IoT smart surveillance cameras over a mobile network.

The UK operator’s Connected Spaces Vision is designed to overcome challenges faced by existing CCTV infrastructure, such as bandwidth limitations, cost and security concerns. It does this by providing what traditional wireless CCTV cannot – secure cloud storage and real-time alerts of people and vehicle detection, while reducing data transmission costs, giving customers peace of mind and predictable costs.

Connected Spaces Vision (www.vodafone.co.uk/business/iot/connected-spaces) has been developed in partnership with AI video compression and analytics company Digital Barriers. The smart surveillance system uses Digital Barriers’ patented AI-based video codec that reduces bandwidth requirements by up to 90% operating over Vodafone’s IoT network. This works with standard IP cameras, enabling them with analytics, so users don’t need to rip out and replace their existing cameras. It’s suitable for businesses that have remote, mobile and temporary operations, where conventional wired CCTV cannot be deployed easily and/or cost effectively. These can include a range of sectors such as:

• Construction – can ensure worker health and safety (for example, receive an alert when a worker enters a no-go zone) and keeps eyes on expensive assets outside of working hours with CCTV that can be easily moved.
• Utilities – can get visibility of remotely deployed assets and be alerted instantly when they are tampered with, without the need to build costly fixed infrastructure in hard–to–reach locations.
• Manufacturing and logistics – can gain live visibility and management insights across all aspects of production, warehousing, transport and logistics. Using mobile technology means cameras can be moved at ease and still allow for real-time alerts.
• Local government – can expand visibility in city centres, transport networks and retail hubs, with CCTV that can be redeployed easily without the need for costly fixed infrastructure investment.
• Security integrators – can deploy mobile cameras to get better visibility of what’s happening at large venues and events, helping attendees stay safe.

“The market for CCTV in the UK continues to grow and with Vodafone Connected Spaces Vision we want to help businesses tackle the biggest obstacles to managing their CCTV estate with reliable connectivity, real-time intelligence and predictable costs,” said Andy May, head of products and services at Vodafone Business (www.vodafone.co.uk). “Utilising Vodafone’s leading IoT network, and Digital Barrier’s patented compression technology, will give customers real-time alerts where and when it matters most.”

Kunal Shukla, CTO at Digital Barriers, added: “We are excited to partner with Vodafone, bringing our industry-leading video platform to a wide range of new customers, helping them unlock the full potential of live video to keep their people and assets safe, as well as drive real-time insights into action across their organisation. Our technology has been proven for a decade at scale with flagship defence and security organisations around the world, cutting their cost of live streaming by as much as 90% and delivering reliable live video over constrained networks.”

UK firm Digital Barriers (digitalbarriers.com) is a video technology provider that empowers individuals, organisations and society with instant insights to make mission-critical decisions. Through its patented AI-based video codec and secure edge platform, it helps customers in various markets – including city law enforcement and public safety, industry, transportation, defence, events, retail, healthcare and hospitality – unlock the potential of real-time video.

For ten years, it has worked with governments, military and specialist law enforcement in the defence sector alongside numerous public and private-sector clients. Today, it partners with global network operators, including Vodafone, to deliver reliable real-time video over cellular and other transmission technologies that offer up to 90% bandwidth cost reduction without sacrificing quality in low-latency environments.