RCL is pleased to announce the sale of Pod Group, the world’s first IoT Enterprise Network Operator (ENO), to Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), a global security technology group headquartered in Munich.
Combination of Enterprise Focused IoT Connectivity and Secure eSIM Technology Set to Accelerate IoT Adoption
Cambridge/Munich, July 7th 2021 – Pod Group, the world’s first IoT Enterprise Network Operator (ENO), has today announced that it has been acquired by Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), a global security technology group headquartered in Munich. The acquisition will build on Pod Group’s positioning as a provider of the connectivity, infrastructure and managed services required by enterprises to own and control their IoT networks, whilst complementing G+D’s offering of trusted connectivity enablement for the IoT with tailored connectivity management services.
Pod Group’s innovative approach to IoT connectivity is designed to simplify IoT deployments by providing enterprises with access to an entire ecosystem of integrated IoT connectivity technologies. These include eUICC/eSIM, Private LTE and Advanced SIM App Technology (for example Zero Touch Provisioning) all supported by a centralised management and billing platform, Pod IoT Suite. The acquisition by G+D, a global leader in eSIM will help Pod Group accelerate market adoption of eSIM for the IoT by reducing barriers to entry, cost of adoption and maximising enterprise ownership and control.
Pod Group’s 20+ years of expertise in implementing IoT connectivity solutions for enterprises across a broad variety of sectors, combined with G+D’s nearly 170 years focusing on trust and security of both physical and digital assets, will create a powerful proposition in the market, allowing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to make their services easily accessible to a wide range of enterprises through Pod and G+D’s combined eSIM/connectivity enablement solution.
Sam Colley, CEO of Pod Group commented, “The acquisition of Pod Group by G+D has been driven by synergies and a mutual understanding of some of the existing barriers to mass IoT becoming a reality. G+D and Pod Group, together, will now be able to accelerate the growth of Pod’s ENO ecosystem allowing us to deliver secure enterprise grade connectivity and security solutions seamlessly, which is becoming increasingly important as spectrum opens up for the deployment of private LTE and 5G networks. As well as benefiting enterprise customers, we feel it also represents a great opportunity for both parties to deepen their relationships with existing ecosystem partners and vendors through broader collaboration.”
Carsten Ahrens, CEO G+D Mobile Security GmbH commented, “We are truly excited about this acquisition. As a dependable IoT provider for solutions connecting to private and public networks, Pod and their products ideally complement G+D’s trusted connectivity portfolio. The enriched offerings will now enable IoT Ecosystems to connect, manage, bill and secure devices globally, in a seamless and cost-effective approach. The joint portfolio comprises proven connectivity management, proven security and performance in supporting hundreds of millions of mobile devices worldwide. Together with Pod we will accelerate our work to unleash the full potential of IoT solutions for enterprises and MNOs, globally.”
About Pod Group
Pod Group is a specialist in IoT SIM cards and advanced connectivity solutions for enterprise IoT applications, bringing over 20 years’ experience and innovation to the telecommunications market. An Enterprise Network Operator (ENO), Pod goes beyond traditional connectivity service providers to offer unique, customised solutions designed to give enterprises of all sizes ownership and control of their IoT connectivity, from the SIM card right up to a complete private network. With offices worldwide and access to 600+ networks in 185 countries, Pod’s global team supports enterprises across a broad range of sectors as they take ownership of their IoT connectivity. For more information about Pod IoT connectivity solutions, visit www.podgroup.com
About Giesecke+Devrient
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is a global security technology group headquartered in Munich. As a partner to organizations with highest demands, G+D engineers trust and secure essential values with its solutions. The company’s innovative technology protects physical and digital payments, the connectivity of people and machines, the identity of people and objects, as well as digital infrastructures and confidential data. G+D was founded in 1852. In the fiscal year 2020, the company generated a turnover of 2.31 billion euros with around 11,500 employees. G+D is represented by 74 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 32 countries. Further information: www.gi-de.com