Bboxx, a utility that manufactures, distributes and finances decentralised solar powered systems in the developing world, is using the Aeris Fusion IoT network to deliver clean energy to over one million African citizens.

Bboxx’s core products are a range of solar home systems that enable both individuals and small businesses to power appliances from lights and mobile phones to refrigerators and computers.

Bboxx has installed the Aeris global subscriber identity module (SIM) at the point of manufacture, reducing supply chain costs and deployment time. By using Aeris’ single global access point name (APN), the Bboxx solar system can also be deployed anywhere in the world, even in the most remote locations, on a simple plug-and-play basis, without any requirement to configure local network settings.

Since partnering with Aeris in 2017, Bboxx has used Aeris’ multi-carrier connectivity so it can deploy its devices faster than if it relied on one single carrier, while having the support from Aeris to scale to new markets. The continued expansion of Bboxx in Africa is also assisted by Aeris’ global SIM, which is deployed at the point of manufacture, enabling Bboxx to reduce its supply chain costs and deployment time.

“Aeris’ high-quality service and IoT expertise have assisted Bboxx to deliver clean energy to communities and households in eleven countries in Africa with minimal deployment time,” said Christopher Baker-Brian, managing director at Bboxx. “By partnering with companies like Aeris, we are making reliable and clean energy more accessible as we continue our mission to unlock potential and transform lives.”

The collaboration means Bboxx devices have reliable IoT connectivity no matter where in the world they are deployed, allowing products to be remotely monitored and expediting deployment timeframes. Companies such as Bboxx operate in the most remote locations, with products purpose-built for off-grid rural environments, require a reliable mobile network that provides consistent connectivity worldwide to enable effortless remote monitoring of energy systems.

To overcome these many life-critical, energy-delivery problems, there is a need for reliable GSM and CDMA connectivity to deliver functional, energy saving technology.

“Aeris’ ability to offer high-quality IoT connectivity at the most optimised total cost of ownership ensures that Bboxx’s solar systems are operational and reliable no matter where they are deployed,” said Paul Tarsey, IoT consultant at Aeris. “We look forward to continuing to help assist Bboxx to expand their capabilities and deliver clean energy to people throughout the world.”

Bboxx has deployed more than 350,000 solar home systems. It has has over 800 staff across nine offices with its head office in the UK and its manufacturing operations in China.