**World’s Largest IoT Connectivity Project for Smart Water Management Deploys in São Paulo, Brazil**
SABESP, the water and sanitation company of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, has announced the deployment of the world’s largest Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity project for smart water management. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Telefonica/Vivo, a key player in Brazil’s technological transformation and one of the largest mobile operators on the continent, and IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST), a global contributor in payment and connectivity solutions, marking a significant step in the country’s digital and environmental transformation.
### A pioneering project in Brazil’s digital transformation
Through this 14-year partnership, 4.4 million smart water meters will be securely connected in São Paulo City and São José dos Campos. According to Sabesp’s technical architecture and requirements, Vivo’s connectivity expertise combined with IDEMIA Secure Transactions’ secure and scalable eSIM IoT technology will help protect natural resources and enhance an essential public service by enabling SABESP to optimise its water distribution network and detect leaks. The initiative represents a historic step in Brazil’s IoT sector.
The large-scale rollout demonstrates how IoT can be effectively deployed to modernise essential services, with security, reliability and performance at its core.
By uniting Vivo’s extensive connectivity expertise with IDEMIA Secure Transactions’ secure and scalable eSIM IoT technology, the project ensures robust, energy-efficient and resilient connectivity, even in remote areas. The connectivity relies on IST’s eSIMs and eSIM IoT platform, fully compliant with the latest GSMA SGP.32 standard, embarking advanced cryptographic agility to ensure postquantum future-proof readiness.
Smart metering allows SABESP and its customers greater visibility into hourly water consumption and the rapid identification of anomalies and leaks. And with more frequent and accurate water balances, there will be greater efficiency in the management of distribution networks, essential factors in a scenario where Brazil still registers very high rates of water loss. This transformation reinforces Sabesp’s commitment to the conscious use of water and the modernisation of basic sanitation services.
### Driving sustainability and customer relationship through technology
Beyond operational efficiency, the initiative underscores how digital innovation can address environmental challenges and customer relationships. Smarter water management and monitoring will help reduce waste, preserve resources and strengthen São Paulo’s sustainability agenda by directly contributing to better quality of life for millions of residents.
This project reflects how Vivo’s role goes far beyond connectivity. By combining network scale and reach with end-to-end integration capabilities, from data ingestion and IoT infrastructure to solution design and operational execution, we enable smarter, more sustainable essential services. Our contribution to more efficient utilities management is a direct expression of this: technology that generates real environmental impact and touches people’s lives, delivered by a partner with the depth to make it work.
At its core, this project represents a concrete example of technology serving sustainability and customer empowerment. By enabling precise consumption monitoring and early detection of leaks, the connected infrastructure helps promote conscious consumption of water. The digitalisation of water metering services also improves transparency for consumers to take part in more responsible resource management, demonstrating how IoT innovation can create both environmental and social value.
### A partnership setting new standards for connected infrastructure
This collaboration illustrates the power of long-term partnerships between industry leaders. Building on years of joint work, IDEMIA Secure Transactions and Vivo are demonstrating how shared innovation and trust can accelerate progress toward more secure, sustainable and connected ecosystems, not only in Brazil, but as a model for global utilities and cities aiming to modernise their infrastructure.
We are proud to partner with SABESP and Vivo in Brazil on one of the most significant IoT initiatives ever launched in the world. This collaboration shows how innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand to create real impact and protect natural resources, while strengthening critical infrastructure for the future.
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## FAQ
**What is the project about?**
The project involves deploying 4.4 million smart water meters in São Paulo City and São José dos Campos, using IoT connectivity to enable real-time monitoring, leak detection, and efficient water distribution.
**Which companies are involved?**
SABESP (water and sanitation company), Telefonica/Vivo (Brazilian mobile operator), and IDEMIA Secure Transactions (global connectivity and payment solutions provider).
**What technology is being used?**
The project uses secure and scalable eSIM IoT technology from IDEMIA Secure Transactions, compliant with the GSMA SGP.32 standard, ensuring robust and future-proof connectivity.
**What are the main benefits?**
Benefits include optimized water distribution, faster leak detection, reduced water loss, enhanced sustainability, and greater transparency for consumers in managing water consumption.
**How does this project contribute to sustainability?**
By enabling smarter water management and monitoring, the project helps reduce waste, preserve resources, and support São Paulo’s environmental and sustainability goals.
**What makes this project significant for Brazil’s IoT sector?**
It represents the largest IoT connectivity project for smart water management in Brazil, demonstrating the effective large-scale deployment of IoT for essential public services.
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## Conclusion
The deployment of 4.4 million smart water meters in São Paulo marks a transformative step in Brazil’s digital and environmental journey. By leveraging advanced IoT connectivity, secure eSIM technology, and long-term industry partnerships, SABESP is setting a new standard for smart utilities management. This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency and water conservation but also empowers consumers with greater visibility and control over their resource use. As a model for cities worldwide, the project illustrates how technology and sustainability can work hand in hand to protect vital resources and build a smarter, more resilient infrastructure for the future.
