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The world’s leading IoT analyst firm, Transforma Insights, estimates that global smart meters will grow from 1.7 billion in 2023 to 3.4 billion in 2033, by which time smart metering will generate revenue of USD40 billion annually. Smart electricity metering will continue to dominate but with smart water metering increasingly important.

This week Transforma Insights has published a series of reports on the markets for smart water, gas, and electricity metering as part of its ongoing IoT market forecasts.

The research demonstrates that smart metering will continue to be one of the most significant IoT use cases.

The key highlights are:

The total number of smart meters globally will double over the next decade, from 1.7 billion at the end of 2023 to 3.4 billion at the end of 2033. Today, over 10% of all Internet of Things connections globally are smart meters. By 2033, with the more rapid growth of other use cases that proportion will have declined slightly to 9%.

Electricity smart meters dominate today, with 1.15 billion connections (68%), compared to 245 million gas smart meters (14%) and 296 million water smart meters (17%) at the end of 2023. By 2033, the equivalent figures will be 2.1 billion (62%), 510 million (15%) and 789 million (23%).

The total revenue set to be generated by smart metering globally was USD17 billion in 2023, a figure which will grow to USD40 billion in 2033.

The technologies of choice for connecting smart meters will evolve quite rapidly. Today there are a diverse array of technologies used to connect electricity meters including powerline communications and RF mesh. Over time this will gradually migrate towards the use of Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies, both cellular mMTC technologies (e.g. NB-IoT) and unlicensed technologies such as LoRaWAN and Sigfox.

Smart electricity metering

Electricity dominates the smart metering space throughout the forecast period, accounting for over 60% of all meters. Of the 1.15 billion electricity smart meters today, 1 billion (89%) are residential, a figure which equates to a penetration of 48% of households globally. A lot of countries have ostensibly completed their smart meter deployments, notably many countries in the EU, and China. In other regions there is still much to be done. By 2033, the projected 1.9 billion residential smart meters will equate to a global household penetration of 81%, as illustrated in the graphic below.

Smart gas metering

Smart gas metering is restricted to countries where Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is used, most prominently in Europe. There were 246 million gas meters in 2023 of which 95% were residential and the remaining 5% were for commercial premises. Around 44% of gas households have smart meters today, a figure which is expected to rise to 72% in 2033. Without access to mains power, gas smart metering tends to favour using Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies such as NB-IoT and LoRaWAN.

Smart water metering

Water smart meters rollouts have been patchy due to varying levels of governmental focus, although increasing pressure on water resources mean that smart water metering numbers will grow faster than either electricity or gas over the period, growing at a CAGR of 10% compared to a blended average of 7% across all utilities. As will gas smart metering, water will also favour LPWA technologies.

About the reports: The three Forecast Insight reports published this week cover the smart electricity, gas and water metering markets. Each of the three reports provides, for the respective market, a detailed definition of the sector, analysis of market development and profiles of the key vendors in the space.

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In an era where energy efficiency and sustainability are paramount, Latin America is poised for a transformative leap in smart electricity metering, according to a new report by Berg Insight.

The IoT analyst firm reveals that the penetration of smart electricity meters in Latin America – defined as the South American countries Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, as well at the Central American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama – reached 6.5 percent in 2023.

The installed base of smart electricity meters is forecasted to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate of 20.5 percent during 2023–2029 to reach a total of 42.9 million units at the end of the forecast period, up from around 14.0 million units in 2023.

The smart metering market in Latin America is becoming increasingly active as a number of utilities across the region are in the early stages of deployments. Over the next six years, the penetration rate of smart meters in Latin America’s largest market Brazil will increase from 5.6 percent in 2023 to 18.8 percent in 2029. Brazil and Mexico are expected to drive the majority of annual shipment volumes of smart meters, accounting for more than 70 percent of shipments throughout the forecast period.

Mattias Carlsson, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight, said:

“The smart metering landscape in Latin America is not only growing, it is transforming. The number of annual meter installations are expected to triple from 2023 to 2029. Colombia, Ecuador and Peru will grow their share of annual shipment volumes from around 6 percent in 2023 to over 18 percent by 2029. In Colombia alone we are expecting a six-fold increase in annual smart meter shipment volumes by 2029.”

According to the newly released study, yearly shipments of smart electricity meters in Latin America will grow from around 2.6 million units in 2023 to around 6.7 million in 2029. This makes Latin America one of the fastest growing smart metering markets worldwide.

Utilities across the region leverage smart metering to drastically cut down on non-technical losses, which includes theft and billing inefficiencies, thereby improving their operational margins and service quality.

“The race for market dominance over the Latin American smart metering market is heating up. Over the last decade, Chinese smart meter vendors have made significant inroads into the market, capitalising on their ability to offer competitive pricing”, concluded Mr. Carlsson.

Download report brochure: Smart Metering in Latin America

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries across the board, and sales is no exception. From optimising the sales funnel to creating new opportunities for customer engagement, IoT is reshaping how businesses approach their sales strategies. As IoT technology continues to evolve, its impact on sales will only deepen, driving new efficiencies and possibilities.

The Current Landscape: IoT in the Sales Funnel

In today’s sales environment, the IoT plays a crucial role in enhancing the sales funnel, which is a model that represents the journey customers go through from awareness to purchase. The integration of IoT allows businesses to gather and analyse vast amounts of data from connected devices, offering insights into customer behaviour, preferences and needs at each stage of the sales funnel.

For instance, IoT devices can provide real-time data on product usage, helping sales teams identify when a customer might be ready for an upsell or needs support. This data can be used to tailor marketing messages and offers, ensuring they reach the customer at the most opportune time. Furthermore, IoT can help automate parts of the sales process, such as sending personalised notifications or reminders, which keeps potential customers engaged and moves them further down the funnel.

Retail is a sector where IoT is particularly impactful. Smart shelves, for example, can monitor inventory levels and customer interactions with products. This data can help sales teams understand which products are gaining traction and which are not, allowing them to adjust their strategies accordingly. Additionally, beacon technology can send personalised offers to customers’ smartphones as they navigate through a store, increasing the chances of conversion.

Future Prospects: IoT and the Evolution of Sales

Looking to the future, the integration of IoT in sales will likely become even more sophisticated, creating new opportunities for businesses to connect with customers in ways that were previously unimaginable.

One potential development is the use of IoT in predictive sales. As more devices become connected, the data generated can be analysed to predict future buying behaviours. This predictive capability could allow businesses to identify sales opportunities before they even arise. For example, a company might predict when a customer will need to replace a product based on its usage patterns and proactively offer a replacement at the perfect time.

Another possibility is the expansion of IoT-driven personalization. As IoT devices collect more data, businesses will be able to create hyper-personalised sales experiences. Imagine a scenario where a customer’s IoT-enabled refrigerator detects that they’re running low on a specific food item and automatically sends a personalised offer to restock it, either online or at a nearby store. This level of personalization could significantly enhance customer loyalty and drive sales.

Closing Thoughts

The future of sales in an IoT-driven world is full of exciting possibilities. From optimising the sales funnel to creating entirely new sales models, IoT will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping how businesses interact with their customers. As IoT technology advances, the ability to leverage real-time data and predictive analytics will become increasingly crucial, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve and maximise their sales potential. The key for sales teams will be to stay adaptable and embrace the opportunities that IoT presents, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

The post IoT And Sales: What Does The Future Hold? appeared first on IoT Business News.

In an era dominated by digital innovation, where smartphones, tablets, and smart devices have become ubiquitous, one might expect traditional bookstores to fade into oblivion. However, contrary to popular belief, bookstores have not only survived but are thriving in this digital age. The secret behind this unexpected resilience lies in the symbiotic relationship between the Internet of Things (IoT) and traditional print. This relationship is not about replacing one with the other but rather about how these two seemingly disparate worlds complement each other to create a richer, more immersive experience for readers.

The Internet of Things: A Revolution in Connectivity

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical devices connected to the Internet, capable of collecting and exchanging data. From smart refrigerators that remind you to buy milk to wearable fitness trackers that monitor your health, IoT has infiltrated every aspect of our lives. In the context of bookstores, IoT has opened up a myriad of possibilities, enhancing the customer experience, streamlining operations, and even influencing the very nature of how books are printed and distributed.

IoT Enhancing the Bookstore Experience

One of the most significant impacts of IoT on bookstores is how it has transformed the customer experience. In a world where convenience is king, IoT allows bookstores to offer personalised and efficient service. For instance, smart shelves equipped with RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology can automatically track inventory, ensuring that popular titles are always in stock. When a book is picked up from the shelf, the system can instantly provide customers with information about the book, related titles, or even special offers via in-store displays or their smartphones.

Moreover, IoT devices can gather data on customer preferences and buying habits, allowing bookstores to tailor their offerings more precisely. This data-driven approach means that bookstores can curate their inventory based on what their customers want, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Imagine walking into a bookstore where the latest releases from your favourite authors are prominently displayed, or receiving a notification about an exclusive event featuring a genre you’re passionate about. IoT makes these possibilities a reality.

Quality Book Printing in the Digital Age

While IoT has undeniably enhanced the customer experience, it has also played a crucial role in the realm of book production, particularly in the area of quality book printing. The demand for printed books remains strong, and the quality of these books has never been more important. Readers expect high-quality printing, with crisp text, vibrant images, and durable binding. IoT has facilitated advancements in printing technology, allowing publishers to meet these expectations.

Modern printing presses, connected to the IoT, can monitor and adjust printing processes in real time to ensure consistent quality. IoT-enabled sensors can detect even the slightest variations in colour, alignment, or paper quality, automatically making adjustments to maintain the highest standards of quality book printing. This not only ensures that the books look and feel premium but also reduces waste and production costs.

The Continued Relevance of Print in the Digital Age

Despite the rise of eBooks and audiobooks, the demand for printed books remains robust. The tactile experience of holding a book, flipping through its pages, and admiring its cover art is something that digital formats cannot replicate. This is where the symbiotic relationship between IoT and traditional print truly shines. Rather than replacing printed books, digital formats have expanded the reach of literature to a new, tech-savvy segment of consumers.

The convenience of eBooks and audiobooks has undoubtedly changed the way people consume content, especially in our fast-paced, multitasking world. However, many readers still prefer the tangible connection they feel with a printed book. Bookstores have capitalised on this by offering a hybrid experience that combines the best of both worlds. For instance, customers can use IoT-powered apps to browse a bookstore’s inventory online, read reviews, and even preview chapters before deciding to purchase a physical copy in-store.

Additionally, IoT has enabled bookstores to offer enhanced services that bridge the gap between digital and print. For example, some bookstores provide QR codes on their book displays, allowing customers to access additional content such as author interviews, related articles, or interactive maps that complement the book’s content. This integration of digital elements into the physical shopping experience enriches the reader’s journey, making bookstores more than just places to buy books but also hubs of literary discovery.

The Cultural Significance of Bookstores

Bookstores are more than just retail spaces; they are cultural institutions that play a vital role in the literary ecosystem. They serve as community hubs where readers, authors, and intellectuals come together to share ideas and foster a love for literature. This cultural significance is something that digital formats alone cannot provide. Bookstores host book signings, readings, and discussions that create a sense of community and connection that is irreplaceable.

The integration of IoT in bookstores has not diminished this cultural role. On the contrary, it has enhanced it by making bookstores more dynamic and interactive. IoT has enabled bookstores to create personalised experiences for their customers, offer high-quality printed books on demand, and seamlessly blend the digital and physical realms. This has allowed bookstores to remain relevant and even thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion: A Symbiotic Future

The relationship between IoT and traditional print in the context of running a bookstore is a perfect example of how technology can enhance rather than replace traditional practices. IoT has revolutionised the way bookstores operate, from inventory management to customer engagement, while also improving the quality of book printing. At the same time, the enduring appeal of printed books ensures that bookstores will continue to play a vital role in our culture.

As we move further into the digital age, it is clear that printed books and digital formats will continue to coexist, each offering unique advantages that cater to different needs and preferences. Bookstores that embrace this symbiotic relationship by integrating IoT into their operations while maintaining a focus on quality book printing and the customer experience will be well-positioned to succeed in the years to come. The future of bookstores is not about choosing between print and digital but about finding innovative ways to combine them, creating a richer, more diverse literary landscape for all.

The post The Symbiotic Relationship Between IoT And Traditional Print When Running A Bookstore appeared first on IoT Business News.

Digital Matter, a global leader in low-power GPS and IoT hardware development, recently announced the launch of its newly designed website, dedicated to their award-winning IoT data logger and sensor monitoring solutions.

The new website, sense.digitalmatter.com, serves as a centralized platform for IoT sensor monitoring solutions, featuring comprehensive product information and showcasing the diverse use cases of the Hawk range, as well as sharing the success stories of partners who have deployed the Hawk in various applications.

“After three years in the remote sensor monitoring industry, I am thrilled to launch our new website to showcase these solutions,” says Ken Everett, CEO at Digital Matter.

“This website serves as a platform for our partners to explore the full breadth of capabilities of our IoT data logger range and stay updated as we continue to reach new milestones in our product development roadmap.”

Advancing IoT Remote Monitoring Applications

The Hawk data logger is engineered to empower a wide range of IoT remote monitoring applications, excelling in key sectors such as environmental, water, and equipment management. Recognized with the 2023 IoT Evolution Product of the Year Award by IoT Evolution World, the Hawk stands out for its innovative approach and significant contributions to the Internet of Things.

The robust, plug-and-play device with flexible sensor integration simplifies the deployment and management of remote monitoring solutions, significantly reducing costs and complexity. Digital Matter’s new website will provide continuous technology updates, ensuring partners have access to the latest in IoT sensor monitoring capabilities.

Visit Digital Matter’s new website to explore how the Hawk can enhance a diverse range of IoT remote monitoring applications: sense.digitalmatter.com

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IoT Analytics, in its recently published IoT Mobile Operator Pricing and Market Report 2024–2030, has highlighted significant developments in the cellular IoT market.

According to the 159-page report, there were 3.6 billion active cellular IoT connections in 2023, accounting for approximately 21% of global IoT connections. The accompanying extensive database further includes specific scenarios for a typical 4G connectivity end-user case. The findings reveal that Verizon (local MNO) and Transatel (MVNO) offer the most affordable services in the U.S., while Telefónica (MNO) and Onomondo (MVNO) provide the most cost-effective options in Germany for the same scenario. A benchmark of the two types shows that MVNO IoT services cost substantially less than MNO IoT services due to lower overhead, but MNOs remain competitive with value-added services and diverse offerings.

Key insights:

There were 3.6 billion active cellular IoT connections in 2023, approximately 21% of global IoT connections, according to the IoT Mobile Operator Pricing and Market Report 2024–2030 and its accompanying mobile operator database.
Two IoT mobile operator types provide cellular IoT connectivity: mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).
A benchmark of the two types shows that MVNO IoT services cost substantially less than MNO IoT services due to lower overhead, but MNOs remain competitive with value-added services and diverse offerings.
IoT Analytics put together an extensive database of IoT mobile operator pricing plans and picked 2 specific scenarios for a typical 4G connectivity end-user scenario, showing Verizon (local MNO) and Transatel (MVNO) having the cheapest service in the U.S., while Telefónica (MNO) and Onomondo (MVNO) are the cheapest in Germany for the same scenario.

Select quotes:

Satyajit Sinha, Principal Analyst at IoT Analytics, comments that “The integration of eSIM and iSIM technologies is poised to enhance MVNO competitiveness in the IoT connectivity landscape significantly. These advancements enable greater service plan flexibility and customization, potentially widening the competitive gap between MVNOs and MNOs. Additionally, MVNOs’ early adoption in sectors like automotive and their strategic pivot towards comprehensive IoT solutions could solidify their market position.”

Kalpesh Baviskar, Market Analyst at IoT Analytics, adds that “MNOs have traditionally focused on offering pure connectivity services as their primary strategy in the IoT sector. IoT connectivity revenues, where less data is consumed in a longer period, remain a relatively small portion of their overall earnings, especially when compared to revenues from mobile phone plans and FTTH (Fibre to the Home) services, where more data is consumed by devices in a shorter period. In contrast, MVNOs are well-positioned to thrive without being burdened by the capital expenditures associated with network infrastructure, nor the pressure to generate immediate revenue. This advantage allows MVNOs to explore other areas within the value chain, such as offering IoT connectivity platforms and global connectivity through eSIMs. As user preferences shift beyond basic connectivity towards comprehensive, vertical-specific solutions, MNOs are also shifting towards providing value-added services as enhancements to their data offering.”

Cellular IoT market overview

Cellular IoT connections surpassed 3 billion in 2023. According to the 159-page IoT Mobile Operator Pricing and Market Report 2024–2030 and its accompanying mobile operator database* (both published in July 2024), global active cellular IoT connections grew by 24% to 3.6 billion active connections in 2023. Global cellular IoT revenue doubled between 2018 and 2023 (from $7.7 billion to $15.2 billion) and is expected to reach $49 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 18%. IoT connectivity made up 1.3% of global mobile operator revenue in 2023, well behind other sources of revenue for most operators (e.g., paid mobile phone plans); however, this number is expected to rise to 3.2% by 2030.

Cellular IoT connectivity market landscape

2 IoT mobile operator types provide cellular IoT connectivity. The market is split between mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). These two mobile operator types provide cellular IoT connectivity services directly to end users and are the only type of network operators the report focuses on. MNOs provide the physical, licensed network infrastructure and offer services from this infrastructure. MVNOs leverage the license and capacity of the MNOs to offer their own services. As such, a share of the revenue for MVNOs’ IoT connectivity services contributes to the revenue of MNOs. For example, Japan-based MVNO Soracom—acquired by Japan-based telecommunications company NTT in 2019—leverages the network infrastructure of major US carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, for its cellular IoT services in the US.

Benchmarking IoT mobile operators: MNOs vs MVNOs

End-user preferences vary. Some end-users see IoT connectivity as a commodity and seek the most budget-friendly services. Others have additional requirements, such as high data limits with data pooling services, lower latency, and management of large-scale IoT deployments, and thus seek tailored services, making the decision more complex.

Based on the IoT mobile operator database, a benchmark of MNOs and MVNOs is below, highlighting the benefits and offerings that make them competitive in the cellular IoT market.

MVNOs offer substantially lower prices on average. The analysis in the IoT Mobile Operator Pricing and Market Report compared 150 IoT data plans from over 20 mobile operators worldwide (all of which can be found in the report’s accompanying database). Using 4G LTE as the connectivity standard and 101–500 MB of data band for reference, on average, mobile operators offer ~32% cheaper pricing than MNOs. For example, when comparing standard data-only plans, the average monthly cost per SIM for MNOs worldwide was $7.30, while the average cost for MVNOs worldwide was $4.98, a difference of 32%.

How MVNOs offer lower prices for IoT connectivity

Lower overhead aids in MVNOs’ lower prices. MVNOs operate on MNOs’ network infrastructure, which itself incurs capital expenditure (CAPEX) for MNOs to build and maintain. MNOs recover the costs associated with building and maintaining through higher plan prices, but since MNVOs do not have to build and maintain such infrastructure, they do not incur these costs. This much lower overhead allows MVNOs to keep their margins—and thus their prices—low. In the UK, several MVNOs, such as VOXI, Asda Mobile, Lebara, and Talkmobile, operate on UK-based MNO Vodafone‘s network infrastructure.

MVNOs often have modest offerings. MVNO IoT service offerings tend to provide more barebone options than MNO plans—lower data limits or fewer data options, for example. While this helps keep costs down for the subscriber, it can also be limiting depending on their needs, such as those needing higher data limits or more flexible data options. For instance, as shown in the IoT mobile operator database, Japan-based MVNO Soracom and US-based MVNO Semtech (Formerly Sierra Wireless) typically offer plans with around 1 GB of data or less, which may satisfy the needs of subscribers with low data needs but may not be enough for others.

How MNOs remain competitive at higher IoT service prices

MNOs offer better-tailored services. For subscribers who need more data, more flexible data limit options, faster speeds, or higher prioritization, MNOs can tailor IoT connectivity plans to fit those needs since they own the network infrastructure and capacity. MNOs can offer tiered service levels to match the needs of their subscribers, from high performance and data to lower, more budget-friendly packages. Examples of tiered data service levels are Spain-based MNO Telefónica, offering a Business High IoT plan with up to 500GB in the EU, and Australia-based MNO Telstra, offering plans between 100GB and 1TB of data.

MNOs offer value-added services. To sweeten their IoT service plans, many MNOs have strategically shifted their focus from providing pure connectivity services only to providing more end-to-end solutions by collaborating with hardware players, chipmakers, or software vendors. For example, China Mobile—the world’s top IoT mobile operator by connection and revenue—offers a one-stop solution strategy encompassing hardware components like chips, operating systems, and modules. The strategy also integrates with three of China Mobile’s IoT platforms—OneLink, OneNET, and OneCyber—and targets three main areas of application: video-based IoT, urban IoT, and industrial IoT. Meanwhile, Germany-based MNO Deutsche Telekom offers IoT detection solutions, which provide high visibility of the IoT devices roaming in foreign networks and allow operators to estimate the revenues and costs.

MNOs decide data traffic prioritization. While MVNOs operate on MNOs’ excess network capacity (meaning they pay lower prices for that capacity), MNOs may hold the right to prioritize their subscribers’ data over that of the MVNO subscribers. For instance, T-Mobile US prioritizes data for customers on most T-Mobile branded plans before the data of customers on Metro by T-Mobile plans or Assurance Wireless-branded plans, which are virtual wireless service providers owned by T-Mobile US.

Overview of IoT mobile operator pricing models and billing parameters

IoT mobile operators leverage 3 main pricing models and 15 main billing parameters. Cellular IoT price plans differ between IoT mobile operators, as they are often structured on pricing models and billing parameters. In terms of pricing models, there are generally 3 models that mobile operators may offer:

Time-based – Subscribers pay a set fee for a pre-allocated data limit regardless of whether they used all their allotments.
Usage-based – Subscribers pay a variable fee based on the amount of data consumed.
Time + usage-based – Subscribers pay a fixed, recurring fee for a pre-allocated data limit, with additional charges for data usage beyond the pre-allocated limit.

For billing parameters, the report identifies 15 that operators may use to determine the cost and contract terms for subscriptions, including billing cycle, data speed, SIM service charges, and add-on services.

IoT pricing benchmarks

With 7 different cellular technologies in focus, 170 different countries, and 15 different billing parameters—each with different tiers—there are countless potential pricing combinations. The IoT mobile operator database contains 150+ data plans and allows for customized benchmarking. Below, MNOs and MVNOs are compared in a specific scenario where one IoT device consumes 100 MB per month on 4G LTE data with no additional data pooling and no additional devices.

US benchmark

The cheapest MVNO is 84% cheaper than the cheapest local MNO in the US. In the scenario above, the lowest base rate for a local MNO is $14 per month per SIM from Verizon. Meanwhile, for MVNOs, Transatel and Soracom offer the cheapest base rates of $2.30 per month and $4.40 per month, respectively. Of note, Telefónica USA is the most affordable MNO at $6.60, but it does not own any infrastructure in the US and relies on roaming agreements with local MNOs.

Further about Verizon’s IoT data plan: Verizon uses a time-based billing model and offers a triple-punch SIM card—meaning the SIM can be reduced to smaller form factors (2FF, 3FF, and 4FF) to fit devices as needed—for $1.50 per SIM, which is ideal for scalability.
Further about Soracom’s IoT data plan: Soracom leverages US-based MNO AT&T’s network for its IoT connectivity. It uses the time + usage-based pricing model and charges an additional overage fee of $1.50 per MB when the first 100 MB is reached. SIM cards are included.
Further about Transatel’s IoT data plan: Transatel leverages Japan-based MNO NTT’s infrastructure for its core network and offers IoT connectivity. It uses the time-based pricing model but also offers usage-based pricing with an additional fixed fee of $1.80 per active SIM as connection charges (SIM cards are included). It allows customers to use a single SIM for both private network needs and global roaming. There is also a commitment to keep the SIM active for a 12-month period.

Germany benchmark

The cheapest MVNO is 83% cheaper than the cheapest MNO in Germany. In the same scenario, Spain-based MNO Telefónica offers the lowest base rate at $4.40 per month per device. Meanwhile, Denmark-based Onomondo offers a per-MB rate of $0.004 and includes a monthly fee of $0.33 for every activated SIM. For 100 MB of data, this comes to $0.73 per month per SIM.

Further about Telefónica’s IoT data plan: Telefónica uses a time + usage-based pricing model and charges an additional $0.08 per MB over the base 100 MB. It offers standard SIM cards (2FF, 3FF, and 4FF) costing $2.19 per SIM and offers 2FF SIM cards for industrial applications for $3.29 per SIM.
Further about Onomondo’s IoT data plan: Onomondo offers a usage-based pricing plan with no additional SIM card costs. The company also does not charge a monthly fee for SIM activation. All SIMs are delivered activated and are only charged when data is transmitted. The company offers standard SIM and industrial SIM cards with form factors such as 2FF, 3FF, and 4FF, as well as embedded SIM (eSIM) and SoftSIM. Currently, the SoftSIM only supports the nRF91 series cellular IoT module from Nordic Semiconductors and the LTE Cat-1 module from Quectel.

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Today, Skylo announced the support of an innovative satellite SOS feature on the new Google Pixel 9 series in the US1.

This marks a new era of connectivity and peace of mind for Google Pixel users. For the first time, if you don’t have cellular or Wi-Fi in the US, Pixel users can try to connect to emergency services via satellite to get help and share your location with contacts.

Skylo is a Non-Terrestrial Network service provider that powers the end-to-end satellite service for the Google Pixel 9 series. Skylo’s robust Radio Access Network infrastructure is installed in Earth Stations globally and is powered by partnerships with multiple satellite operators worldwide. Skylo utilizes dedicated, licensed mobile satellite spectrum for connectivity. Skylo’s 24×7 global network operations center with a cloud-native, carrier-class network core provides operational support enabling easy integration with mobile carrier partners worldwide.

To bring about this complex technical achievement, Skylo has closely worked with both the Pixel and Android teams at Google to create a comprehensive ‘direct-to-device’ satellite connectivity experience. This is an important milestone on Skylo’s journey of making satellite connectivity accessible and affordable to all. Skylo was founded in 2017 and has sent more than 10 million messages over its satellite network with nearly 100 patent filings worldwide focused on optimizing satellite links to cellular devices across constellation types. Skylo’s accessibility, scalability, and commercial footprint are a direct reflection of that work.

Parth Trivedi, Co-Founder and CEO of Skylo, said:

“Skylo is honored to be the satellite service partner for Google Pixel. Our service has been meticulously developed with both the Pixel and Android teams at Google as well as all our supporting ecosystem partners.”

1 Restrictions apply. Setup required. Feature included at no additional charge for the first two years after activation of devices. Available in the US. Connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions, and other factors.

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Critical IoT connectivity supports Oracle industry applications, enabling reliable, secure communications. FirstNet®, Built with AT&T and ECP provide the connectivity foundation for Oracle’s Public Safety Suite

In a crucial next step toward bringing real-time communications to its suite of cloud applications, Oracle today announced that it is incorporating AT&T IoT connectivity and network API’s into its Enterprise Communications Platform (ECP).

This integration will enable Oracle’s industry cloud application customers to connect and manage their IoT devices on the AT&T network all in one platform.

Supported by AT&T, ECP is delivering IoT connectivity and near real-time communications to Oracle’s suite of industry cloud applications. With integrated capabilities such as IoT edge application management, this all-in-one offering removes the customer burden of managing complex integrations and network contracts. Built on the high performance and security of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), the unified communication and edge architecture gives businesses the connectivity and real-time data intelligence they need to power critical new services and experiences. The integration with AT&T IoT connectivity and network API’s is available across OCI regions in the U.S.

ECP supported by AT&T, is providing a foundation for new industry applications – from consumer to industrial business – delivering high-performing, reliable connectivity enabling innovation and new services, such as a turnkey, communications-enabled restaurant operation, automated utility grid management, or enriched telehealth capabilities.

For example, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T—America’s Public Safety Network—and ECP are providing the foundation for Oracle’s Public Safety suite, helping to deliver secure communications enabling critical components such as dispatch command centers and near real-time camera feeds for first responders actively engaging in incidents.

“Our mission has always been to help improve the way the world communicates, and with ECP supported by AT&T and FirstNet, we’re taking a massive step toward that vision,” said Andrew Morawski, executive vice president and general manager, Oracle Communications.

“Together, we can help organizations across industries benefit from the full potential of 5G, by building a new generation of vertical applications offering endless opportunities to innovate.”

“AT&T is committed to empowering our ecosystem partners to build solutions that integrate AT&T programmable connectivity, whether using our IoT API’s or our emerging network API’s.”, said Sarita Rao, senior vice president, AT&T Partner Solutions.

“By teaming with Oracle to incorporate IoT connectivity and programmable API’s into Oracle industry applications, we are providing businesses and organizations a tighter level of integration between the network and application, driving performance and reliability gains while also eliminating integration requirements and separate contracting events. It’s co-creation at its best.”

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Wialon announces remarkable growth, with the number of connected vehicles increasing tenfold over nine years, from 400,000 in 2015 to 4,000,000 in 2024.
Processing 5 billion data points daily, Wialon helps fleets leverage big data to improve productivity, optimize fuel consumption, enhance driver safety and sustainability.

Wialon, the global fleet management and IoT platform designed by European software developer Gurtam, announces it has reached a record number of 4 million vehicles connected on the platform, in 160 countries.

This makes Wialon one of the largest fleet management, GPS tracking and IoT software platforms worldwide, by number of connected vehicles.

The Wialon platform helps connect, track and monitor vehicles and assets ranging from HGVs and LCVs to public buses, agricultural vehicles and equipment, construction vehicles and equipment, energy generators, fuel tanks, waste management trucks etc. Wialon is deployed across varied industries, ranging from logistics and transportation, to agriculture, construction, energy or waste management.

Aliaksandr Kuushynau, Head of Wialon, states:

“Fleet management solutions are of the utmost importance to businesses, as they are the backbone of operational success. Year on year we are seeing increased adoption of telematics, and a higher emphasis on safety and data analytics, supporting efficiency and sustainability in fleet operations.”

GotYou Telematics, the company that deployed the landmark 4 millionth vehicle connection, has been a Wialon partner since 2017. Headquartered in South Africa, GotYouTelematics is a provider and integrator of security services for fleet management, helping clients across various industries manage and protect their transport and assets.

Aldo Gerber, Founder and CEO of GotYou Telematics, said: “We were excited to begin our partnership with Wialon in 2017, and since then, we’ve never looked back. The sky’s the limit if you know how to use the platform’s wide functionality to drive your clients’ success.”

Wialon provides fleet management software solutions through a network of over 2,700 channel partners in more than 160 countries. Most of Wialon’s partners are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and Wialon aims to equip them with advanced technology, enabling them to compete in local markets. By leveraging Wialon’s technology and multiple integration options (with over 3,500 device models for data capture and GPS tracking), these companies can launch, run and develop their businesses without the need for extensive development investments, saving significant time and resources.

This allows small and medium fleet operators to access advanced technology that is usually seen in larger businesses, leveling the playing field and enhancing their operational capabilities.

The post Global fleet management platform Wialon announces 4 million connected vehicles in 160 countries appeared first on IoT Business News.

Featuring the latest generation of Sony Semiconductor Israel’s (Sony) ALT1350 chipset, the Telit Cinterion ME310M1 opens new opportunities for IoT deployments
AT&T approval enables device OEMs, application developers and enterprises to begin using the low-power ME310M1-W1 immediately on its LTE-M network

Telit Cinterion, an end-to-end IoT solutions enabler, announces that the ME310M1-W1 module received approval for use on the AT&T network.

The certification enables IoT specialists and their customers to begin using the ME310M1-W1 immediately on AT&T’s LTE-M network, with the confidence that those devices will continue to perform as expected as AT&T continually upgrades its cellular network to 5G Massive IoT.

Measuring just 15×18 mm, the ME310M1-W1 is the first cellular Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) module based on the Sony’s Altair ALT1350 chipset to be approved by AT&T. The ALT1350 is the world’s first chipset that supports both unlicensed spectrum and satellite connectivity in a single package, enabling faster development, lower power, smaller size and new use cases. A variety of capabilities make the ME310M1 ideal for smart utility meters, asset tracking, industrial sensors, precision agriculture and other IoT applications whose decade-plus service life exceeds what traditional designs can provide:

Best-in-class power consumption. This extends the service life of battery powered IoT devices enabling smaller devices with longer battery expectations and eliminates the expense of periodically replacing batteries.
Flexible SIM technology. Available with an embedded SIM (eSIM) in the module package and hardware ready for an integrated SIM (iSIM) allowing for streamlined manufacturing, product deployments, as well as enterprise-grade security based on integrated Secure Element (iSE).
Short range radio support to enable easy integration with mesh networks and seamless operation across multiple air interface technologies. This flexibility provides added deployment options, both at the time of installation and in the future.
Support for multiple location technologies, including Wi-Fi scan and GNSS. This maximizes flexibility when choosing technologies for indoor and outdoor positioning applications such as tracking high-value medical equipment around a hospital campus.
Roadmap for compliance with 3GPP Release 15/ 16/ 17 features such as IoT data communication over non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This provides users with future-proof flexibility to fallback to satellite technology when cellular coverage is not available.
Value added services and application hosting capabilities. This lowers total cost of ownership (TCO) and eases design and operation over the lifecycle.

The ME310M1 also supports all major LTE-M bands, making it the ideal for systems integrators, device OEMs and enterprises that want to rely on the same module for a wide variety of geographic deployments, including worldwide. As a member of the award-winning xE310 family, the ME310M1 has pin-to-pin compatibility with other Telit Cinterion modules, enabling integrators to design a single PCB layout and deploy multiple product variants.

“AT&T’s certification of Telit Cinterion’s ALT1350 based module is an important milestone towards a connected world with the Lowest Power Consumption Cellular IoT Solution”, said Dima Feldman, VP Product Management and Marketing at Sony Semiconductor Israel. “Partnering with Telit Cinterion will bring end-to-end solutions to the IoT market leveraging the ALT1350 SoC with a high level of integration, multiple radio and location technologies, and edge processing to build the most effective IoT devices.”

“The Telit Cinterion ME310M1 is an ideal choice for utilizing AT&T’s industry-leading LTE-M network,” said Cameron Coursey, Vice President, AT&T Connected Solutions. “Whether it is precision agriculture, asset trackers or smart meters, many IoT applications have business models that require zero touch after installation. The ME310M1 meets that requirement and does so while minimizing power usage.”

“AT&T’s certification of the ME310M1 is a milestone for our new portfolio of ultra-compact cellular LPWA modules powered by Sony’s Altair ALT1350 chipset,” said Jitender Vohra, Sr. Director Carrier Relations, Telit Cinterion.

“The Telit Cinterion ME310M1 gives systems integrators, device OEMs and their enterprise customers the confidence that their LPWA IoT applications can always accommodate additional connectivity options, whether it’s the latest 3GPP Release 17 NTN protocol or sub-1 GHz unlicensed spectrum.”

The post Telit Cinterion Enables Next-Generation Cellular LPWA Deployments on AT&T with the ME310M1 IoT Module appeared first on IoT Business News.

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