SABESP Launches Largest IoT Initiative for Sustainable Water Management in Brazil

SABESP Launches the Largest IoT Initiative for Sustainable Water Management in Brazil

SABESP, the water and sewage company of São Paulo, Brazil, has announced the initiation of the world’s largest Internet of Things (IoT) project aimed at smart water management. This innovative venture is a collaboration with Vivo, a major player in Brazil's technological landscape and one of the largest mobile operators in South America, along with IDEMIA Secure Transactions, a global leader in payment and connectivity solutions. This initiative marks a critical milestone in Brazil's digital and ecological transformation.

Scheduled to unfold over a strategic 14-year partnership, the project will connect 4.4 million smart water meters across São Paulo and São José dos Campos. Utilizing Vivo’s connectivity expertise combined with IDEMIA’s secure and scalable eSIM-IoT technology, the initiative aims to safeguard natural resources while enhancing a vital public service. By optimizing SABESP’s water supply network and detecting leaks effectively, this collaboration represents a significant leap forward in Brazil's IoT sector.

The project integrates Vivo’s extensive connectivity capabilities with IDEMIA Secure Transactions' cutting-edge eSIM-IoT solutions designed to provide robust, energy-efficient, and reliable connectivity, including in remote areas. Built according to the latest GSMA standard SGP.32, the solution includes advanced cryptographic flexibility to ensure future-proofing for a post-quantum era.

This large-scale deployment exemplifies how IoT can modernize essential services, emphasizing safety, reliability, and performance. Denis MAIA, the Executive Director for Customers and Technology at SABESP, stated, “Smart metering systems enable SABESP and its customers to better monitor hourly water consumption and quickly detect anomalies and leaks. More frequent and accurate water balances will make network management more efficient—critical factors considering Brazil’s ongoing issues with high water loss rates. This transformation reaffirms SABESP’s commitment to conscious water use and modernization of basic sanitation services.”

Enhancing Sustainability and Customer Relations Through Technology

Beyond improving operational efficiency, this collaboration also highlights how digital innovation can address environmental challenges and strengthen customer relationships. Smarter water management and advanced monitoring systems will help reduce waste, conserve resources, and bolster São Paulo's sustainability agenda, directly enhancing the quality of life for millions.

Adriano PEREIRA, Head of IoT and B2B Innovation at Vivo, noted, “This project demonstrates that Vivo’s role extends far beyond mere connectivity. By merging network scale with end-to-end integration capabilities—from data collection and IoT infrastructure to solution design and operational implementation—we enable smarter and more sustainable public services. Our contribution towards an efficient management of utilities directly reflects technology that has real ecological impact, improving people's lives through partnerships capable of delivery.”

At its core, the initiative sets a tangible example of how technology serves sustainability and customer empowerment. By facilitating precise consumption monitoring and early leak detection, the connected infrastructure promotes conscious water use. Additionally, digitizing water meter services enhances consumer transparency, allowing users to engage in more responsible resource management, illustrating how IoT innovations can generate both ecological and social value.

Luiz RENATO FRAGA RIOS, Head of Revenue Protection at SABESP, emphasized their goals, stating, “Our aim is to empower our customers to become effective managers of their water consumption. The IoT technology will transform our relationship with customers, enabling faster leak resolutions post-water metering to conserve billions of liters of water.”

Setting New Standards in Connected Infrastructure

This partnership underscores the strength of long-term collaboration among industry leaders. IDEMIA Secure Transactions and Vivo exemplify how joint innovation and trust can accelerate progress towards secure, sustainable, and connected ecosystems, not only in Brazil but as a model for utilities and cities worldwide looking to upgrade their infrastructure.

Diego CECCHINATO, SVP of Connectivity Services Latin America at IDEMIA, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “We are honored to contribute to one of the most significant IoT initiatives ever launched globally, in collaboration with SABESP and Vivo. This partnership illustrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand to yield real impact, protect natural resources, and reinforce critical infrastructure for the future.”

This endeavor not only highlights Brazil’s ongoing commitment to efficient water management but also reinforces the instrumental role of innovative technology in addressing pressing global challenges regarding resource consumption and sustainability.