SqwidNet cutting back on staff to save network

[Jan]

SqwidNet down, but not out

It’s do-or-die for Internet of Things provider SqwidNet, which started retrenching staff this week as part of an effort to keep its network online.

CIVH Group CEO Raymond Ndlovu told MyBroadband that the retrenchments at SqwidNet were needed because the company saw low revenue growth over the past few years.

This was because of slower than anticipated uptake of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in South Africa, compounded by the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, subsequent lockdowns, and low economic growth in general.

 

[ToxicBunny]

I wonder how much this may have to do with their pricing structure more than general uptake of IOT stuff?

I seem to remember their pricing model being a bit off the wall.

 

[The_MAC]

RSA is not ready for IOT, not yet - wait till GSM is switched off, then maybe we will see an uptake..

 

[Thor]

The world uses Lora, they went the opposite side.

 

[chopsuey]

Tried requesting some tech info from them in their early days after being featured on MyBB a couple of times, but they never got back to me... maybe I was not the only one receiving this level of service.

 

[Thor]

IoT idea, build a small (so it can fit on my cat's necklace) GPS tracker (that uses Lora and not Bluetooth).

You will make a killing, I have three cats, I will buy 4 of these things.

Every cat owner I know would buy it.

It has to be small though, so no LTE or Simcard, it must use Lora.

 

[Petec]

These peeps can still turn it around. Buuuuut there needs to be logic involved in there somewhere. The fact that I have my doggo chipped, but can only scan him at a physical handheld, and not actually GPS track him, is a MAJOR fail.
Sqwiddie needs to go LoRa, and half this country will buy stuffs.

 

[elvis_presley]

Tried requesting some tech info from them in their early days after being featured on MyBB a couple of times, but they never got back to me... maybe I was not the only one receiving this level of service.

I'm in the same boat. Was really interested until I tried to get more info, then it just slid off my radar.

 

[elvis_presley]

IoT idea, build a small (so it can fit on my cat's necklace) GPS tracker (that uses Lora and not Bluetooth).

You will make a killing, I have three cats, I will buy 4 of these things.

Every cat owner I know would buy it.

It has to be small though, so no LTE or Simcard, it must use Lora.

Google "sigfox pet tracker" - there's some out there. The problem is the size of the batteries make them prohibitively bulky for even these super low power WANs.

Of course, buying anything sigfox right now would be a bad idea, because the network could disappear at any time!

 

[Thor]

Google "sigfox pet tracker" - there's some out there. The problem is the size of the batteries make them prohibitively bulky for even these super low power WANs.

Of course, buying anything sigfox right now would be a bad idea, because the network could disappear at any time!

I had one, bulky, bad UX, and costs R1600 + R1000 shipping, as they import from china.

"Eg we order 15 and shipping cost is R15 000 customer would like 6.
R15 000 Divide by 15= R1 000 X 6= R6 000 shipping cost.

In your case it would the shipping cost for 1 device.
"

This is the product Sqwidnet resold, https://www.invoxia.com/intl/pet-tracker

The sigfox protocol is resource-heavy so battery life takes a hit.

Lora solved this, but sqwidnet laid with sigfox, the inferior one.

Here is the former executive for ecosystems and solutions at SqwidNet, explaining the problems

Future Proofing Africa's Cities - Steve Apps

Steve Apps is a Smart City and Industry 4.0 technology expert. He’s past CTO of Huawei Southern Africa for government services. He was also executive for ecosystems and solutions at SqwidNet, rolling out the SIGFOX IoT network across South Africa. We explore what will stop us from becoming...

futurecitiesafrica.com

But the problem is wider than that, IOT Council of SA needs to step the fck up, they are a mess and very little value proposision

MYBB's editor does work so I cannot insert qoutes anymore, but this was from the AGM

"Chetan Goshalia (Sqwidnet) agrees there’s room for increase in fees; that it’s quite low compared to peers. "

"We should increase fees, and perhaps introduce an “elite membership” tier as floated "

But

"Martin Blignaut from Altron commented that we as the Council need to very clearly articulate what our value prop is to members to make them feel they’re getting value. "

Broader is a skill shortage in SA.

". A focus area that is close to many members is growing technical skills. Right now there may be small shortage with tough market conditions limiting available positions, but soon the IOT industry may need to grow quickly requiring people. "

 

[ghostRgg]

IoT idea, build a small (so it can fit on my cat's necklace) GPS tracker (that uses Lora and not Bluetooth).

You will make a killing, I have three cats, I will buy 4 of these things.

Every cat owner I know would buy it.

It has to be small though, so no LTE or Simcard, it must use Lora.

That already exists.

Add on that there is a way more open source IoT system called Helium based on block chain, that actually has stations up all over ZA, it's no wonder that this is struggling.

IoT is moving forward, just needs people to think of a need and well, you get it.

 

[Thor]

That already exists.

Add on that there is a way more open source IoT system called Helium based on block chain, that actually has stations up all over ZA, it's no wonder that this is struggling.

IoT is moving forward, just needs people to think of a need and well, you get it.

No it doesn't

dog trackers as big as half my hand, yes, Small cat trackers, no.

 

[My_King]

Wanted to see this "Intornat of Thangs"

 

[ghostRgg]

No it doesn't

dog trackers as big as half my hand, yes, Small cat trackers, no.

You have a point, I have seen quite a few tiny ones but none of them are really "retail" versions at all. Might be onto something here.