Jun 30 2016
Icontrol Networks, a leader in the smart home industry, today announced a partnership with Telstra, Australia's leading telecommunications and information services company, to power Telstra Smart Home.
This continues Icontrol's global expansion, and marks the fourth continent to offer Icontrol-powered smart home solutions.
"This is an exciting milestone – expanding to our fourth continent strengthens Icontrol's position as a global provider of connected home platforms to leading service providers," said Bob Hagerty, CEO of Icontrol Networks. "We know that do-it-for-me smart home systems in other regions see remarkably high customer satisfaction rates. We're excited to partner with the leading telecommunications service provider in Australia to bring the peace-of-mind and security that so many people love to even more homeowners around the globe."
In addition to many of the major telecommunications service provider and security companies in North America, Icontrol also powers solutions in Europe and Asia. In Japan, Icontrol supports iTSCOM's Intelligent HOME and Connected Design, and in Israel, Icontrol powers Bezeq's Bhome.
The announcement follows Telstra's extensive review of the market to determine that Icontrol's Converge and Touchstone platform, developed out of Icontrol's Austin business unit, was the best for a broadband service provider.
"With the explosion in connected devices being used in Australia, the smart home market is predicted to be worth more than AU$1 billion annually in Australia in the next five years," said John Chambers, Executive Director of Home and Premium Services for Telstra. "With the strength of the Telstra mobile network and our service and support teams, Telstra is best placed to help lead this digital revolution and bring Australians the home of the future."
"With such an exciting opportunity, we knew we needed to rely on a partner that has been proven time and time again by other large companies, yet was still flexible enough for us to tailor our solution to the needs of Australians. Working with Icontrol, we've created a simple, flexible platform that connects devices Australians love, from a range of approved brands, through one simple, easy-to-use app."
Two Telstra Smart Home packages will be available at launch:
- The 'Watch and Monitor' option will give customers peace of mind by allowing them to keep an eye on things when they're away from home with motion sensors and a camera that can be set up to send instant alerts to their device.
- The 'Automation and Energy' option comes with smart power plugs and motion sensors, helping customers set up tailored energy solutions for their home.
Telstra Smart Home will work with a range of vendors, including Zen Thermostat, an inaugural member of the Icontrol Labs program. Launched in September 2014, the program was created to help bring promising connected device start-ups to market.
Telstra Smart Home should be available later this year.