e& and Lenovo Connect expand mobility links

Abu Dhabi’s e& Carrier & Wholesale Services has signed a strategic partnership with Lenovo Connect to deliver global connectivity for electric vehicles, connected cars and industrial IoT systems, strengthening its push into cross-border digital infrastructure as mobility platforms demand faster, safer and more compliant data services.

The agreement brings together e&’s international network reach, 5G capabilities and regulatory experience with Lenovo Connect’s IoT service platform and connected-device expertise. The companies aim to support automotive manufacturers, mobility providers and enterprise customers deploying vehicles and connected assets across the GCC and international markets.

The partnership is designed to address one of the most difficult problems in connected mobility: keeping vehicles, fleet platforms and IoT devices reliably connected as they move across borders and regulatory jurisdictions. For electric vehicles and software-defined cars, connectivity is no longer limited to navigation or entertainment. It underpins battery diagnostics, over-the-air software updates, driver assistance systems, usage-based insurance, predictive maintenance, emergency response and fleet optimisation.

Nabil Baccouche, group chief carrier and wholesale officer at e&, said the tie-up reflected the company’s commitment to advancing connected mobility and IoT innovation worldwide. He said combining Lenovo Connect’s technology leadership with e&’s network reach and connectivity capabilities would allow businesses to scale connected services with greater confidence across international markets.

Charlie Zhao, chief growth officer of Lenovo Connect, said demand for connected mobility and IoT services was making reliable global connectivity increasingly critical. He said the partnership would allow customers to access seamless, secure and scalable connectivity solutions that support innovation, operational efficiency and future growth.

The deal comes as telecom operators, cloud platforms, carmakers and specialist IoT providers compete for a larger share of the connected-vehicle value chain. The enterprise IoT market expanded 13% in 2025 to about $324 billion, with 21.1 billion connected IoT devices in use worldwide by the end of the year. Industry projections point to further growth in 2026 as artificial intelligence, automation and remote asset management become embedded in transport, logistics, manufacturing and utilities.

Automotive IoT is one of the most attractive segments within that market. Connected vehicle sales are projected to rise steadily over the next decade, while revenue from connectivity modules, infotainment head units, telematics and software-linked services is expected to grow as vehicles become more data-intensive. Electric vehicle adoption is adding another layer of demand, because charging behaviour, battery health, range management and energy-network interaction all depend on reliable data links.

For e&, the agreement strengthens its wholesale strategy beyond traditional voice and roaming services. The group has been reshaping its business around digital infrastructure, enterprise technology, cloud, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and international connectivity. Carrier and wholesale services have become more important as global companies seek a single connectivity partner able to manage compliance, coverage, routing and service quality across multiple markets.

Lenovo Connect, established in 2015 as part of Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group, focuses on smart IoT services by bringing together network operators, device manufacturers, platform developers, system integrators and service providers. Its model is built around combining IoT, cloud, big data, artificial intelligence and global service capabilities for businesses that want to deploy connected products without building all the infrastructure themselves.

The partnership also reflects a broader shift from hardware-led automotive technology to service-led mobility platforms. Carmakers are increasingly selling digital services after the vehicle leaves the showroom, including subscription-based navigation, safety tools, remote diagnostics and personalised in-car features. These services require connectivity that can work across regions, support high device volumes and meet stricter cybersecurity and data-handling rules.

The GCC is likely to be a key proving ground for such services. Governments across the region are investing in smart transport, digital roads, urban mobility platforms and electric vehicle infrastructure. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also trying to attract advanced manufacturing, logistics technology and autonomous mobility testing, creating demand for telecom-grade IoT connectivity that can support vehicles, chargers, sensors and fleet systems.

The challenge for service providers will be execution. Connected vehicles generate large volumes of sensitive data, including location, driving behaviour, vehicle performance and user preferences. This makes cybersecurity, lawful data transfer, privacy compliance and service resilience central to commercial adoption. Automakers and fleet operators also need predictable pricing and reliable service-level agreements, especially when vehicles travel across countries with different telecom rules.