The IoT ecosystem and the technologies that connect it are constantly evolving. As we journey through 2024, it’s crucial to be aware of the shifts and changes occurring in IoT connectivity to remain competitive and relevant and to ensure you are offering suitable IoT connectivity solutions to your customers. This article will delve deeper into some of the key areas that are shaping the future of IoT and explore how Channel Partners can leverage these advancements to drive innovation and growth.
IoT trend one: 5G connectivity, the new digital era
The progression of 5G is expected to transform the IoT connectivity space. With its ultimate high speeds, low latency and enhanced coverage, 5G can connect 10 times more devices per square kilometre than 4G, while also providing speeds that are 10 times faster. This advancement paves the way for cellular connectivity across industries, from autonomous vehicles and smart cities to real-time streaming of digital media and industrial monitoring.
5G’s ability to support large machine-type communications and reliable low-latency communications enables uninterrupted connectivity for a multitude of IoT devices ranging from sensors to smart appliances. IoT applications that require quick response times, such as crane operations and autonomous vehicles hugely benefit from 5G’s low latency and high data rates by reducing any risk of delay in critical operations. By offering IoT solutions with 5G ability, Channel Partners can unlock new opportunities for innovation and improve efficiency for their customers.
IoT trend two: connectivity led developments
Manufacturers are starting to increasingly prioritise IoT connectivity as an integral part of their device’s design and operation. By combining connectivity into their products, manufacturers ensure a seamless user experience for end users, eliminating the need for a complex set-up process. This proactive approach not only improves the user experience but also allows for better integration of IoT devices into larger networks and ecosystems.
Furthermore, designing with connectivity in mind enables manufacturers to future-proof their products, ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies and standards. By embracing new standards and protocols, businesses can leverage a diverse ecosystem of IoT devices and services, driving innovation and differentiation in the market. From smart home devices to industrial sensors and healthcare monitors, connectivity-led developments are reshaping the IoT landscape, creating new use cases and revenue streams for Channel Partners.
IoT trend three: over-the-air provisioning of eUICC/IoT eSIMs
Managing cellular connectivity for a multitude of devices presents significant challenges as the IoT landscape continues to evolve. Traditional SIM card provisioning methods are inefficient for many applications, requiring physical swaps and manual configurations. However, advancements in eUICC/eSIM technology are positioned to streamline connectivity management for IoT devices.
Protocols such as SGP.32 enable over-the-air provisioning of SIM profiles, simplifying deployment and management of cellular connectivity. These protocols promise greater flexibility and security; businesses can remotely provision and manage connectivity across borders and different networks, reducing operational costs and enhancing scalability. eUICC/eSIM technology further enhances security and resilience to mitigate the risk of fraud and unauthorised access in IoT deployments. By enabling over-the-air provisioning of SIM profiles, SGP.32 simplifies deployment and management, reducing the need for physical SIM card swaps while bringing more opportunities for Channel Partners to capture new business.
IoT trend four: low power wide area networks (LPWAN) a replacement for 3G
With the impending sunsetting of 3G technology, with Vodafone and EE already ending their 3G services and other network operators in the UK committing to end access to the network by the end of 2025, IoT users face a connectivity gap that demands attention. Low power wide area networks (LPWAN) have emerged as a compelling solution for IoT connectivity. Unlike traditional cellular networks, LPWAN technologies offer long-range communication at minimal power consumption, making them ideal for battery-operated devices and remote deployments.
LPWAN technologies such as LoRaWAN, Sigfox and NB-IoT enable reliable connectivity for a wide range of IoT applications, including smart agriculture, asset tracking and environmental monitoring. By using LPWAN technology, businesses can bridge the connectivity gap left by the sunsetting of 3G networks, ensuring continuity of operations and unlocking new opportunities for growth for Channel Partners.
Embracing the future
As we continue to navigate the complexities of IoT connectivity in 2024 and beyond, understanding and implementing these developments is crucial. Staying accustomed to the evolving landscape ensures your customers remain agile, competitive and positioned for success within the IoT industry.
Partnering with Cellhire allows you to future-proof your offering and provide customers with connectivity that meets the demands of critical IoT solutions.
As your customers’ businesses scale and the number of IoT devices grows, it’s crucial to offer a solution that scales with your customers. Our comprehensive global IoT solution provides worldwide access to over 700 networks in 191 countries, providing a solution that can adapt to your customer’s evolving requirements.
With cellular connectivity including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and LP-WAN, Cellhire’s solutions can be built for your customer’s key application requirements looking at factors such as power consumption, coverage and scalability to ensure you can provide them with the most appropriate solution. For those customers looking for an alternative to 3G connectivity, Channel Partners can take advantage of Cellhire’s 4G & 5G compatible IoT SIM cards.
Our dedicated IoT eSIMs/eUICC provide reliable and flexible support for global IoT operations, making it an essential tool to add to your portfolio to unlock the full potential of your customer’s IoT devices. Cellhire’s eSIM solutions lower the expenses associated with the management and upkeep of traditional SIM cards, meaning your customers can reduce costs while you maximise margins.
Moreover, when you choose to partner with Cellhire, you don’t just get a SIM card provider, you get a partner that is committed to delivering bespoke solutions that will underpin your customer’s critical business operations. Granting you full control, Cellhire provides you with the tools, support, flexibility as well as great commercials to help you succeed.
Get in contact with our team at resellers@cellhire.com to learn more about our IoT connectivity solutions and how they can benefit you and your customer's business.
