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Dublin-based telecoms and tech company Cubic Telecom has said that, thanks in large part to a global deal struck with Audi, it will create 60 new employment positions over the next 12 months.
The announcement comes in the wake of Cubic becoming the provider of in-car internet solutions to Audi, which has begun equipping all of its models with Audi Connect. Audi Connect, which comes with complimentary cellular internet connection for the first few months of ownership, allows drivers to access weather, traffic, internet radio and streaming services, as well as connect to Audi itself for vehicle and servicing information. An in-car wifi connection is also available as an option.
To do all that, the cars need to be able to talk to the internet (so to speak) and they do that through a SIM card provided by Cubic. The SIM card allows 100Mbps high-speed internet access on the road, letting drivers and passengers avail of online services including Google Street View, traffic and parking information, and a range of infotainment features, including email, calendar and social media integration. The first generation of Cubic-enabled Audi vehicles launched earlier this summer in Europe and are now available in Ireland.
On a recent visit to Dublin, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pointed to Cubic Telecom as an innovative Internet of Things company on the global stage, calling it "a fantastic example of an Irish start-up that not only has built something that is significant for Europe, but worldwide."
Speaking at the event, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, said: "Cubic Telecom is a brilliant example of an Irish company excelling on the world stage, and its partnership with a global brand like Audi is further testament to this. This announcement is yet more evidence that the Irish economy remains productive and innovative and our indigenous tech sector is growing from strength to strength."
Barry Napier, CEO of Cubic Telecom, said: "Cubic is enabling in-car connectivity on an international scale through partnerships with tier one mobile operators. Our expanding company will help us innovate further in the Internet of Things space, and create industry-leading products and services. The future is ripe with potential and we look forward to taking Cubic technology global."
Henning Dohrn, Managing Director of Audi Ireland, said: "Tech is powering the next revolution in motoring and our partnership with Cubic Telecom is one of its key instigators. Cubic Telecom distils Audi's connectivity down to a single SIM card, providing Audi drivers hassle-free access to useful online services, making their drives more convenient and efficient."