Deutsche Telekom, the incumbent German telecommunications service provider, says it wants to “smooth the way” for its 13 million customers into smart, connected homes by integrating Magenta SmartHome features in its Speedport Smart router.
Effective immediately, the routers do not just manage phone calls, Internet and TV; they can also control smart home devices. “We have been a reliable partner to our customers for many years when it comes to telecommunications and entertainment. So it’s only natural to act as partners for security, convenience, and energy conservation, too,” said Niek Jan van Damme, member of the Deutsche Telekom board of Management responsible for Germany.
To this end, in addition to Wi-Fi, the Speedport Smart now also supports the DECT ULE cordless standard – enabling the integration of smoke detectors, thermostats, and many other smart devices. Other protocols can be retrofitted via USB port.
A USB stick for the ZigBee protocol is already available and a stick for the Homematic IP protocol is scheduled for release in fall 2017. Newly shipped Speedport Smart routers will gain the additional features, and routers already installed by customers will receive a firmware update.
“That means we equipped 170,000 households in Germany with a control center for Magenta SmartHome overnight,” explained Henri Vandré, head of Smart Home at Telekom Deutschland GmbH. “And we will be shipping around 1.2 million additional smart routers every year.”
Deutsche Telekom is also eliminating other barriers for customers who want to get started with smart home features: the installation of the smart home features in the Speedport Smart routers includes a free version of the company’s SmartHome service, with many basic functions. Undecided customers can test the benefits of Deutsche Telekom’s Magenta SmartHome Basic offering for themselves.
“A single sensor on your door or window is all it takes to make your home safer. Together with the Speedport Smart, the free starter package and the Magenta SmartHome app, you can set up an alarm system for your doors and windows quickly and easily,” explained Vandré.
“If a sensor-equipped door or window is opened in your absence, an alert is sent to your smartphone.” An upgrade from the free starter version to the full range of features is possible at any time, through the Magenta SmartHome app.
Deutsche Telekom is also launching a new portfolio of components for Magenta SmartHome under its own brand. The devices, with their exclusive Telekom design, feature the established, secure DECT ULE cordless standard and include smoke and motion detectors, door and window contacts, and indoor sirens. Other devices, such as a connector plug for outdoors, will be released soon.
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