Brands
Vodafone India modernises for IoT-ready future
MUMBAI: Internet of Things (IoT), the technology that connects any digital device to your phone, is one of the hottest buzzwords in the technology industry this year. Telecom operator Vodafone India has marked itself as the first brand to undergo this evolution in India by asking consumers to be future ready.
Vodafone has repositioned itself as a modern, contemporary, inspiring and future-fit brand with its new tagline, “The future is exciting, Ready?’’. It is a significant metamorphosis for one of India’s most iconic and loved brands from its earlier ‘Power to you’ tagline, which was introduced in 2009. This new positioning, part of Vodafone’s global rebranding exercise across 36 countries, is designed to underline Vodafone’s belief in new technologies and digital services playing a positive role in transforming society.
Although the repositioning is a part of its global campaign, Vodafone wants Indian consumers to understand technology by showcasing Indian characters and Indian scenarios in its campaigns. The new visual identity will place greater emphasis on Vodafone’s iconic ‘speech mark’ logo that will now appear as the central graphical focus overlaid on all marketing and marketing communications collateral in a new 2D design in place of a skeuomorphic 3D approach.
Vodafone India managing director and chief executive officer Sunil Sood said that the telco has marked a 180 per cent growth in SIM cards used for IoT devices in India. Although the numbers are small, the market is still emerging and with government’s smart cities initiative, a lot of IoT solutions would be used, making it an exciting time to reposition itself. Globally, 60 million SIM cards have been sold for IoT solutions.
“India is entering a new exciting era of digital, convergence, big data, IoT, cloud, augmented realities, robotics and AI. The real and virtual worlds are converging at an unprecedented pace to create a bold new future. Our new brand positioning emphasises Vodafone’s mission and purpose to help customers and communities adapt, navigate and prosper from the remarkable new trends reshaping the world,” he adds.
The company recently tied up with various smartphone makers like Intex, Micromax, Lava and Nokia to encourage current non-users of 4G to upgrade and use internet. Vodafone India chief operating officer Balesh Sharma mentioned that the company has a well distributed network in India and now wants to make feature phones more affordable in rural India.
The telecom corporation will invest only selectively in print media but its digital spends will increase. “Our media spends will evolve over the next few years and we will invest heavily in digital and social media as that is where the opportunity lies,” he adds.
It remains to be seen whether Vodafone can replicate its success of earlier campaigns, such as its evergreen Zoozoos, into the unknown territory of IoT.
Brands
Pee Safe signs Smriti Mandhana as ambassador for comfort-led hygiene push
Cricketer to front Comfort Range as brand drives open dialogue on periods
MUMBAI: Pee Safe has roped in Smriti Mandhana, vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, as its new brand ambassador, marking a fresh push to position comfort at the centre of feminine hygiene.
The partnership, announced as the brand marks its ninth foundation year, will see Mandhana front Pee Safe’s Comfort Range, which includes products such as period panties, panty liners, ultra-thin pads, night pads and toilet seat sanitisers. The move aims to deepen the brand’s connect with consumers while normalising conversations around menstrual health.
By bringing in a high-profile sportsperson known for her calm and confident demeanour, the brand is betting on relatability and influence to challenge lingering taboos. The collaboration is rooted in a shared intent to make comfort a non-negotiable aspect of hygiene, rather than an afterthought.
Speaking on the association, Pee Safe founder Vikas Bagaria said, “At Pee Safe, the vision has always been to redefine feminine hygiene by placing comfort, dignity, openness, and access at its core. Smriti Mandhana reflects this philosophy effortlessly. Her confidence and willingness to break social barriers are a powerful voice for change.”
Sharing her perspective, Smriti Mandhana added, “I don’t think comfort should ever be something you have to think twice about or compromise on. It should just be a given. That’s what stood out to me about Pee Safe, as they’re trying to make comfort a priority, not an afterthought.”
The brand also plans to use the association to strengthen its reach among urban consumers while expanding its footprint across markets. With rising awareness and evolving attitudes, the category is seeing a shift towards products that blend functionality with ease and confidence.
By aligning with Mandhana, Pee Safe is not just endorsing products but pushing a broader message. In a space often clouded by hesitation, the brand is placing comfort and conversation front and centre, aiming to make both feel entirely natural.
