Top IoT news in Telecom
Telecom Tech Outlook
A NEW CHANNEL FOR IOT: MOBILE OPERATORS’ UNIQUE APPROACH:
Predominantly, two wireless technologies are expected to power the Internet of Things (IoT), and one of those is completely in control of the mobile operators (MOPs). For in-home IoT devices, Wi-Fi is the preferred technology, but cellular service is preferred for wide-area IoT device access in town. A satellite can be used as a wide area option for a few applications, but it is not feasible in terms of low device cost and low power draw. MOPs are boosting the availability of IoT focused network services like Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE Cat M1; their more significant contribution must be in giving a sales channel for packaged IoT solutions.
The lag in growth of smartphone sales was recognized, and MOPs are hoping to recharge the wireless industry with IoT lines. These lines might not generate monthly revenue similar to smartphone lines, but the potential numbers are massive, and the revenue stream is stable than consumer lines. MOPs are adding many third-party IoT apps to their product line to propel the IoT. Tier 1 MOPs are giving more than 70 product offerings, including mobile dispatch, mobile device management, fleet management, mobile data collection, and much more. In a few cases, the offerings may address a single application, whereas other offerings might combine analogous functions like mobile dispatch and fleet management. The offerings hold significant appeal from a customer standpoint. The services are contained as a packaged deal, where the monthly per-device price will include network services, endpoints (compatible smartphone apps), and IoT application.
The MOPs offer consulting and design services that can support the customers in developing wide-reaching solutions that can merge with existing applications and provide transformative impact, but it greatly restricts the potential buyer pool. MOPs have access to extensive sales resources, but the salesperson needs an incentive to seek this opportunity. App sales are entirely different from all the aspects when a smartphone and a data plan are sold; the seller will not care about how the products are used. In-app sales solution is provided to the customer, and it must fit in with the consumer’s needs, overall operations, and business processes. MOPs are set up to be the key distribution channel and launch pad for IoT. They are expected to get their network plans that can coincide with their app aspirations.(more)
2. IOT IS EMERGING IN THE TELECOM SECTOR:
The telecom industry has emerged as one of the most prominent investors in the internet of things (IoT) technology with the rapid rise of wireless cellular communication. Telecom industry is the fourth largest buyer of IoT technology, with the companies spending over $110 million per day. The companies expected to see their budget increase to $169 million by the year 2018.
The study revealed that 33.4 percent of the budget was allotted for monitoring of telecom products and services, 30 percent on customer monitoring, 18.4 percent on on-premise monitoring and tracking of customer experiences, and 18.1 percent on supply chain monitoring. By leveraging IoT, organizations can enhance these Functions while at the same time ensuring cost-effectiveness.
IoT can enable telecom companies to remotely monitor their cellular base stations and data centers across the world, including the auxiliary equipment needed to avert downtime. IoT sensors can be fitted to equipment such as backup generators, air conditioners, energy meters, and so on to enable health monitoring of individual towers. It can also be used to increase operation efficiency, make adjustments, and dispatch crews to the locations if needed.
The infrastructure used by the telecom companies is highly expensive and is often prone to the theft of core components. However, IoT can enable access management and intrusion detection. In remote locations subject to harsh environmental conditions, the incorporation of fire, water, and air sensors can aid the organization in taking effective measures against long-term exposure to the elements.
Innovation and development in the digital and physical infrastructure will enable the telecom companies to enhance their connectivity and services. It will also assist them in deploying low power wide area networks (LPWAN) from their current infrastructure.
Telecom companies can widen their client pool by incorporating IoT, leading to factory optimization, cold chain management, energy utility monitoring, and vehicle tracking dealerships. IoT offers an excellent opportunity for telecom companies to interact with their clients and cement their customer base by extending targeted solutions. It will not only enable them to decrease operational costs but also to efficiently monitor their assets. The telecom industry can leverage IoT to offer enhanced connectivity as well as intelligent, value-added services. Although it is taking the first steps in this direction, we are yet to see the full potential of IoT in the telecom sector.(more)
