The IoT Connectivity Ecosystem Is Evolving Rapidly — Are You Ready?
By Adi Shelach
January 26, 2022
Connectivity
Rapid changes in technology and business models in the global roaming and IoT connectivity ecosystems are bringing uncertainties to the market. These unknowns may cause disruptions to IoT connectivity service cost and availability. At the same time, they’re muddying the waters when it comes to making the right solution choices to serve your customers better. In this volatile environment, a solution working for you today might not work well for you tomorrow.
It’s vital to understand which solutions can guarantee future-proof service to ensure your IoT deployment can handle these disruptions. A future-proof solution will combine end-to-end compatibility between SIM, module and cellular network. It can remotely change SIM and module attributes and features using a connectivity management platform (CMP).
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Factors Influencing the IoT Connectivity Market
The connectivity landscape is evolving as 2G and 3G networks sunset so 5G and alternatives like cellular LPWA can come online. Advances in SIM and module technologies, such as embedded SIM (eSIM) and integrated SIM (iSIM), generate opportunities and potential obstacles.
IoT use cases within verticals are changing. High-usage applications are more common. Businesses are extending their reach from local to regional and global, and there is greater demand for mission-critical solutions.
Mobile network operators (MNOs) are changing their business models as the global roaming market evolves. Recognizing revenue disparities between inbound IoT roaming and local business, they’re looking to improve IoT traffic monetization. Some MNOs are restricting roaming IoT traffic. Others may layer restrictions regarding which roaming IoT devices are allowed on their network — or add charges.
These factors influence IoT connectivity service cost and functionality and impact your business. Are you prepared?
Avoid the Impacts of Disruption with a Future-Proof Solution
You need to know which solutions guarantee future-proof service to ensure your IoT deployments can weather market disruptions. Future-proof solutions combine long-term harmonization between SIM, module, CMP and connectivity. These solutions include mechanisms to adjust SIM and module parameters securely and remotely across mobile networks as they exist now and in the future. Multi-IMSI and embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) technologies support these capabilities.
Multi-IMSI is a SIM capability that includes exchangeable home MNO identifying numbers or profiles. It enables manual or rule-based automatic switching between local networks in the deployment country. This switching can be triggered by cost, coverage and traffic events or by sending an over-the-air command manually. These capabilities enable access to better coverage and backup for mission-critical customers.
eUICC enables changing or adding a SIM profile. eUICC can support multiple profiles on one SIM, such as native localization profiles and a multi-IMSI roaming profile.
The result of integrating these features into one solution is a flexible, redundant IoT connectivity platform. This platform mitigates the effects of the unknowns from the ever-changing global roaming and IoT connectivity ecosystem. Consider how such a future-proof solution could benefit your business.
eUICC and Multi-IMSI Together Are a Business Game-Changer
If you have deployments in several markets, you may need specific technologies from particular operators. With eUICC and multi-IMSI operating in conjunction, you can switch providers securely and remotely as needed. This will optimize operations aligned with your business requirements and resources.
eUICC empowers IoT service providers to check for coverage at the time of device installation. Then they can download the MNO profile with the best coverage for the location. This translates to a more efficient deployment and improve experience for the end customer.
eUICC enables localization, so you can address deployments in various regions without managing multiple SIMs. Where there are restrictions for permanent roaming, eUICC allows you to download a local profile. You can transition to other operators with ease.
These capabilities rely on compatibility between cellular technologies and modules. They require visibility into the status of deployed SIMs and modules and ongoing cost changes.
The best service and coverage and the optimal network enabled by a future-proof solution can increase customer loyalty. It can also bring about positive word of mouth to help your business grow.
Prepare for the Future Now
The technology and connectivity landscapes are constantly evolving. While your current global roaming and IoT connectivity solution might be working, ongoing market disruption might mean that it won’t work in the future. Remaining with your present solution could lead to increased costs and decreased performance. You’ll need the flexibility to ensure your deployment can meet your needs as they change for the best customer service and business growth.
When choosing a provider, top on your list should be one that delivers an end-to-end solution to support market evolution. This provider should offer the right new solutions when the old ones no longer perform. That includes legacy “Safe Harbor” connectivity provider brands. As the industry moves to eSIM and iSIM, you’ll want confidence that your solution provider complies with regulations and requirements and has a solid manufacturing process.
Telit has a successful history of partnering with major IoT technology companies and service delivery providers. Telit NExT™ IoT connectivity services include a high-performance IoT connectivity management platform enabling seamless coverage and control. You can prepare for what the future presents — now.
Telit NExT, with its connectivity management platform and Telit modules, provides scalable global IoT connectivity and support for eUICC and multi-IMSI. All our pieces work together seamlessly — from managing devices and connectivity to data and everything in between.
