Deutsche Telekom announced the launch of its Qivicon smart-home platform in the Netherlands. The German operator is notably working through incumbent operator KPN to offer the services, as its own subsidiary T-Mobile Netherlands is not active on the fixed market. KPN will offer the DT platform under the name KPN Smartlife.
Qivicon was first launched in Germany in 2013 and has built a network of around 40 partners offering related products and services, such as connected appliances, lighting, heating and security systems. The partners include Philips, Osram, Miele, Samsung, Huawei, Sonos and Netamo. Qivicon was launched in Austria last year with the energy company Eww, while the Netherlands is the first market where DT is working with another telecom operator.
KPN has been testing Smartlife, with services such as SmartLife Veilig and Comfort, since July last year with a small group of customers. The services are available nationwide since October 2015, also for customers who are not subscribers to KPN internet services. KPN broadband subscribers receive a discount of 50 percent the first six months. A starter package costs EUR 299 for the home gateway and a number of sensors, such as a smart smoke alarm and window security detectors. Additional products are available such as an IP camera. Subscriptions costs EUR 10 per month to start, or EUR 19 with extra services. KPN works with partners such as Trivion for security services and Philips for connected home services.
