The telecom sector is undergoing an upheaval due to technological advances, socio-economic, and regulatory changes in various countries. However, the landscape may change as cellular companies around the world are well-positioned to benefit from the IoT boon.
Internet of Things: Integrating The Real-world Devices With The Virtual World
The Internet of Things technology is slowly influencing the way people react and behave. From controlling air conditioners to checking the shortest route and car’s engine temperature in the smartphone app, there’s IoT present around everyone most of the time. The technology involves devices laden with sensors that are connected to the internet. These gadgets continually gather and share information about how they are used and the environment around them.
Sensors are fit into electrical appliances, vehicles, traffic lights, smartphones, barcode sensors, and almost every physical device. IoT technology creates a virtual network used by devices for sharing and communicating. This data is collected from various sources and analyzed automatically for extracting valuable information. The final results are shared with other users as well as systems that further help in automation and improving efficiency.
IoT Adoption in Telecom Companies
- Telecom Companies Adopting IoT and Reshaping Their Business Model
Several telecom firms around the world have reshaped, upgraded their networks to be able to play a crucial role in driving the next wave of the Internet of Things innovation.
Telecom companies offering fixed and wireless internet services already have access to a large number of business premises. When it comes to upgrading the infrastructure for IoT technology, approaching the existing providers for new technology would be the first choice for these firms. So, telecom companies remain in a better position for partnering with existing clients and offering tailor-made solutions.
Several networks have already started doing so by launching IoT solutions for businesses that help in surveillance, fleet monitoring, asset tracking, and managing integrated terminals as well. Such solutions are helping firms in not just retaining but also increasing the scope of contracts with their existing clients.
- IoT Satellite Solutions
A reliable communication link is crucial for the smooth functioning of IoT networks. There is no scope for terrestrial link failure. Thus, some cellular companies provide satellite link service to ensure IoT devices located in remote sites with weaker coverage always remain connected.
Such services, offered by reputed players like Vodafone, are helping oil and gas, banking, and utility companies for operating in mountainous locations in the absence of cellular and fixed-line networks.
- Remote Monitoring And Maintenance Of Assets
Cellular firms spend millions of dollars on setting up data centers and base stations. A remote cell tower consists of several auxiliary devices like energy meters, air conditioners, backup generators, etc. All the equipment is crucial for the proper functioning of the tower. Problems in any one of them can result in network downtime. IoT technology can now assist such telecom companies in predictive maintenance of such equipment through remote monitoring.
Long term exposure to harsh environments can cause irreparable damage to the equipment. Air, fire, and water quality sensors provide a constant data feed and warning notifications in case of rough climatic conditions. Sensors in these devices allow the company’s engineers to remotely monitor each device’s health, make adjustments for improving operational efficiencies, and even dispatch crews from a central location for repair work.
Internet of Things enabled intrusion detection, and access management system helps in securing the highly expensive devices that are often on the radar of robbers.
Compelling IoT Use Cases in Telecom
- China Telecom’s IoT Focus
China is continuously registering a rise in the number of connected vehicles, smart healthcare systems, smart homes, smart grid applications, and industrial solutions as well. Experts suggest China is expected to have more than two billion cellular IoT connections by 2024.
Besides an increase in domestic consumer requirements, China Telecom is also looking at global expansion due to its “One Belt, One Road” and other initiatives. The company is set to emerge as the principal provider of IoT services for Chinese firms expanding in these areas. Towards this it recently launched its global connection management platform in association with IoT Accelerator from Ericsson. With this platform, China Telecom is set to handle 10 million connections, and cater to 400 enterprises in the coming days.
- Orange’s Live Objects
The service enables users to connect multiple machines and objects to the data system easily. Existing equipment or a range of objects can be connected to the network and every user gets a dashboard for managing objects and collecting their data. It can be analyzed using the existing applications or with Orange’s specially designed apps that are accessible free of cost.
Specially designed sensors are placed in multiple machines. Live Objects helps companies in improving their business line processes by offering real-time visualization for the equipment’s duration of use, charging time, energy consumption, wear rate, and location as well. It reduces the chances of breakage and optimizes the way the company manages its equipment placed at various locations. Companies can use the associated software for monitoring performance, status, and also to update the device.
5G Can Change The Future of IoT in Telecom Industry
2G technology added text messaging into mobile phones. The introduction of 3G improved internet browsing capability. It helped in triggering the smartphone boom. The next advancement, 4G, increased the internet speeds and made video streaming as well as data transfer faster than ever before. But, when it comes to the step-change in network technology, the world has witnessed nothing like 5G before.
The technology delivers the ability to keep more devices connected to the network, along with higher bandwidth and lower latencies. These aspects are slowly bringing forward the innovations in the telecom sector. The technology enables telecom companies to increase the number of devices that can be connected to the towers at one point.
If you are searching for a trustworthy technology partner to design and develop IoT applications, you should consider getting in touch with the engineers at Smart Sight Innovations who provide the best IoT development services.
