Vodafone Ireland Becomes First Operator to Offer Customers Smartwatch Connectivity

Vodafone Ireland has today become the first operator in Ireland to offer smartwatch cellular connectivity through a new add-on service called OneNumber. OneNumber allows customers to stay connected and use a Samsung smartwatch while out and about, independently of their smartphone.

Traditionally, smartwatch users relied on Bluetooth to connect their watch to their smartphone, meaning you had to stay within a certain range of your device. OneNumber, powered by Vodafone’s network, means customers can rely on the strength and reliability of the network to stay connected and contactable on the go, anywhere in the country – without their smartphone nearby. It gives customers the freedom to leave the house, go for a walk, go to the gym, and work anywhere without their phone, while still being contactable.

Research commissioned by Vodafone found over 55% of people would consider leaving their smartphone at home if it meant they could stay connected. Interestingly, the research also found that while a third (32%) of Irish people own a smartwatch, many users aren’t aware of all its functions. A third (32%) of respondents were not aware maps and navigations can be accessed through a smartwatch, and one in five (19%) were unaware of the mobile payment function.

Irish Smartphone Usage

Smartphones have become an extension of our everyday lives and how we function – they are used for so much more than staying connected. The main reason people don’t leave home without their smartphone is to remain contactable, but others use it for more functional purposes when out and about, like mobile payments (32%) and maps and navigation (19%). Nearly a quarter (22%) use their smartphones to stay updated on social media, 20% rely on smartphones to keep on top of work emails and 13% use it for entertainment (music and games).

Wearable Wisdom

One of the most attractive benefits for those who own a smartwatch is tracking health and fitness (47%), followed by staying connected (25%) and easy, quick responses to messages (13%). Almost half (46%) of those who do not already own a smartwatch said they plan to buy one in the future.

No Phone? No problem

Reducing screen-time is something we’re all striving towards, but it doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected. In fact, two-thirds (63%) think wearable technology can help them achieve a more balanced lifestyle by staying connected while reducing screen time on their smartphone. A third (33%) of smartwatch owners agree their screen time has decreased since buying a smartwatch.

OneNumber is available as a no-contract add-on to bill-pay customers for €5 per month, and Vodafone customers who purchase OneNumber in July and August can avail of an offer which gives them three months’ free usage. OneNumber is launching on a range of Samsung LTE watches: Watch5 Pro, Watch5, and Watch4, compatible with a range of Samsung and Android smartphones.

Amanda Nelson, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, said: ‘’We’re delighted to be the first operator to provide smartwatch cellular connectivity to our customers. OneNumber means our customers can stay connected and realise the full benefits of the next evolution of wearable technology. Powered by our network OneNumber gives freedom of movement to those on the go. Whether exercising, on the move or working away from home, customers can stay connected – even without their phones. It’s clear from the findings of our research that there’s a strong appetite for smartwatches and wearable tech, and that their benefits go beyond health and fitness tracking. ‘’

For more information about OneNumber, visit: https://n.vodafone.ie/shop/onenumber.html