Telecom IoT refers to internet of things (IoT) solutions that are enabled by telecommunications networks.
These networks allow billions of devices to communicate with each other over the internet, enabling a multitude of applications, such as smart homes, connected cars, smart cities, connected health, and industrial automation.
Telecom IoT solutions are typically used in combination with other technologies, such as cloud computing, edge computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, to provide a comprehensive platform for digital transformation. Telecom IoT solutions are used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of operations, enable new services, and create new revenue streams.
The Opportunities IoT Opens to Telecoms
Telecom companies are already capitalizing on the growth of IoT devices. The existing infrastructure of internet cables and mobile phone towers provide connectivity.
By providing IoT device management capabilities, telecom operators may take one step further. A Self-Provisioned network of IoT devices using a telecom network for connectivity.
For a telecom operator, it is important to be able to manage and bill IoT connections separately from traditional mobile lines. It is also important to be able to monitor IoT device usage, not only by the telecom operator but also by the IoT operator and end user.
Many mobile network providers have already started developing IoT-based services. IoT providers need easy connectivity without extra bureaucracy.
There are going to be almost 30 billion connected IoT devices worldwide by 2030. (Statista IoT devices forecast)
IoT Business Cases for Telecoms
Utilities (energy and water metering)
Agriculture (irrigation control, chemical application, livestock health)
Smart cities (traffic management, environment monitoring, waste management)
Manufacturing (automation, predictive maintenance)
Logistics (tracking of vehicles, transport conditions monitoring).
To take advantage of this opportunity, telecom operators need a telecom IoT platform. Through this platform, the telecom operator as well as IoT integrators and operators can manage the connectivity as mentioned before. For a telecom operator the main purpose is to be able to:
Easily Add/Remote IoT connections to the network
Group IoT devices into groups (IoT operators, end-users, functional groups)
Billing rules for the IoT connections.
Monitor IoT device usage
IoT device alarms based on unexpected behavior
Best Practises for cellular connection (3G, 4G, 5G)
Connectivity through the cellular (mobile) network has many advantages. Being able to connect IoT devices anywhere, no matter the location is required for many IoT applications. Both SIM card-based IoT devices, as well as eSIM devices are available.
Mobile Network operators (MNO) as well as Mobile Virtual Network operators (MVNO) should be able to provide IoT connectivity for IoT operators and end customers easily and cost-effectively. This requires the following functionality from the network point of view:
Easy Self-Provisioning functionality (Telecom API).
Mobile/ Web App for Provisioning and Monitoring of IoT devices
Grouping functionality for the IoT devices.
Separate billing rules for IoT Connectivity
Alerts for unconnected devices and other unexpected behavior.
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