SmartCom brings cost-effective cellular solutions to Agri SA members

SmartCom, part of the SmartCall and UUNET group, has concluded a national deal with Agri SA whereby its members, affiliate members, employees, input suppliers and associate organisations will be offered cellular connectivity to the Vodacom network at reduced cellular subscriptions and air-time rates.

The venture will also involve SmartCom developing enhanced mobile security solutions for the farming community in South Africa, in conjunction with a security company that Agri SA will appoint to provide a national security network for the farming community.

"SmartCom has demonstrated a good understanding of our market and community needs and have created a package solution that will not only benefit our members with increased savings, but also lead to the development of tailored solutions that will be beneficial to their way of life," says Japie Grobler, president of Agri SA.

The agreement, which is effective as of 1 April 2001, gives all Agri SA members a discount on standard SmartCom subscriptions and air-time contract packages as well as a restructuring possibility through Vodacom. Additionally, SmartCom has committed to investing a portion of the total revenue received each month from the Agri SA agreement back into a security trust, the Agri Securitus Fund, to develop enhanced mobile security measures for the Agri SA members, in addition to the projects developed by the Trust Fund. For example, SmartCom are looking to develop a short digit number service, which can be used as a pre-set distress signal. "This agreement will be marketed to almost 65 000 members," says Nick Zografos, CEO of SmartCom. "By concluding a national deal with a controlling body such as Agri SA, we are able to offer cost-effective mobile communication to an industry on the whole rather than just for a specific individual client. We will also dedicate resources in developing innovative solutions specific to the requirements of the farming community in South Africa. These will include customised mobile security solutions."

"SmartCom is working to ensure Agri SA`s smooth migration to the new service offering with minimal integration trauma and costs," says Zografos.

"Security has become an important issue for Agri SA in SA, and it is refreshing to see a business taking the time to address very real community concerns," says Grobler.