IoT technology needs a strong network operator to digitally connect devices
#Connectivity & IoT

A new connectivity solution for the IoT age

Insights
5 Mins.

While the potential of the Internet of Things has long been recognized, practical issues have stood in the way of the realization. Connectivity that works and is manageable across multiple providers has been one of the key challenges, but now a solution has been found.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing quickly as the underpinning technologies and market conditions are now capable of supporting the deployment of IoT solutions by enterprises of all sizes. IoT service providers are prepared, access to the technology is now affordable, and customers are ready for the solutions.

However, there is one last piece of the puzzle that needs to be filled in: providers who can supply enterprises with flexible, transparent network access and can do this in a way that is manageable for SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) to engage with on a global scale. The technical aspects of connectivity are not the main issue, however: many networks don’t cater for the small, customized data packages required by SMEs. Furthermore, these types of companies need to deal with different MNOs in different markets if they are going to be able to offer solutions that work worldwide. Quite often they simply do not have the capacity to manage all of these contractual relationships.

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) often have more-flexible packages and in-depth knowledge of different applications. However, many MVNOs rely on MNOs for infrastructure and support, which leaves MVNOs with little control over connectivity. And IoT without connectivity is not a solution to anyone’s problems.

ENOs make the world your oyster

For SMEs, the need to deal with multiple operators worldwide is a significant barrier as their IoT solutions need to work across multiple countries. For some SMEs, the introduction of new, innovative business models depends on gaining access to global markets.

As customers, they need solutions that address a range of needs, including low latency, increased reliability, and higher security. Additionally, they need access to networks, but the relationship with service providers needs to be simple. Dealing with multiple operators means managing multiple platforms, different billing models, and a number of service-level agreements. This is not realistic for SMEs.

Given these issues and the market structure of existing connectivity providers, there was a need for a new type of connectivity provider. A provider that puts IoT customers at the heart of what it does and gears its solutions to their needs: the enterprise network operator (ENO).

A digital network connects IoT devices

An ENO answer to an old problem

An enterprise network operator – a term coined by Pod Group which was acquired by G+D – is a new type of connectivity provider. An ENO offers a network specifically designed for enterprise IoT applications and can customize connectivity to each application. ENOs can also offer flexibility over the number of active lines and contract length, which helps SMEs avoid large, fixed commitments. In addition, ENOs offer global connectivity that is managed via one platform.

What fundamentally differentiates ENOs from other types of providers is that they allow enterprises to own and control their IoT networks. They do this by allowing enterprises to use an instance of their own core network “as a service,” which includes both public and private cores and is deeply integrated with their connectivity management platform to provide maximum visibility. The enterprise using this, therefore, has complete control over their IoT applications directly.

An ENO provides full visibility over connectivity to the enterprise, without the latter needing the in-house skillsets to run the networks themselves. The services are integrated into one platform – providing customized options for each use case. The ENO acts as a bridge between the SME and the mobile operators in different markets.

“Until now, massive deployment of IoT devices has been hampered by the complexity of configuring and managing devices on global networks“
Sam Colley
CEO Pod Group

One of the key problems that ENOs have had to address is the complexity of configuring and managing devices on different networks around the world. What makes the services offered by G+D and Pod Group unique is the integration of highly sophisticated eSIMs and the platform to manage these wherever they are in the world. eSIMs have unique security features, they have a full range of programmable profiles, and they are flexible, scalable, reliable, and 5G-ready. The combination of the eSIM management platform with an IoT suite of products is an unbeatable proposition.

G+D and Pod Group offer a unique package with access to over 600 providers in 185 countries, with options for public and private profile networks, native in-country profiles, and customized app profiles. Together they offer everything an SME with global ambitions might need, all in one place.

Published: 22/09/2022

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