The Relation Between Mobile Operators & IoT Explained

The Internet of things is a reality which we have been living in for quite some time now. Knowingly or unknowingly, we all are familiar with the concept of IoT. But, how often do we use IoT in our daily lives? More often than you’d think!

Almost every gadget that we use on a day-to-day basis makes use of this technology to make our lives better. However, before we delve into the relationship between mobile operators and IoT, let’s get a better understanding of what is IoT and what it includes.

It was estimated that by 2020, about 20.4 billion devices will be connected, according to a forecast from Gartner.

What Is IoT & What Does It Include?

The term Internet of Things (IoT) refers to any device which can be connected to the Internet; it's as simple as that. This includes phones, computers, laptops, and newer technological devices like smart TVs, smartwatches, medical equipment, smart security systems, etc., as all of these devices can send, share, and receive data.

These devices are interrelated devices and can function without human navigation if connected to the Internet. These devices have different software and sensors but can still be combined and can exchange data with each other.

With such technology, the quality of work in all sectors across all industries has improved significantly. Not only that but, this has completely revolutionized our existence.

Some of the most popular IoT products and devices are Google Home and Amazon Echo Plus Voice Controller, Amazon Dash button, August's Doorbell Cam/Smart lock, and Nest's Thermostat/Smoke alarm. IoT products are widely used by millions impacting their day-to-day life significantly.

5G and Internet of Things

The Internet of Things is already changing our lives; with a 5G network in these devices, we will soon be able to explore a whole new level of operating on a daily basis. When our vehicles, medical equipment, and heavy machinery depend on the internet to function, a split-second delay could impact lives.

5G, similar to 4G, is an internet connection speed, but with very low latency and higher speed connectivity. The combination of 5G and IoT can be the foundation to newer and more intelligent devices, new innovations, and more. It will be a game-changer in the industrial ecosystem and has the potential to create billions of revenues from turning bulk data into smart data.

When the networks evolve to 5G, the evolution of human-to-human connection, human-to-machine connection, and machine-to-machine connection will be something that we haven’t experienced before.

Operators have made connecting phones, tablets, computers seem seamless, but when lives are dependent on heavy machinery like cars, trucks, medical sensors where real-time control and connectivity play a huge role, the connection is still not that seamless.

Always ensure that the seller provides updates when purchasing a gadget, and apply them as soon as they become available.

What Is Mobile IoT?

Without the Internet, machines can just be classified as a part of the furniture. But as soon as a device is connected to the Internet, the possibilities are boundless. Mobile network providers and service providers have introduced IoT solutions that cater to different industries and businesses.

This could very well be the beginning of a digital industrial revolution. Many companies use IoT solutions. A specially designed Mobile IoT is a low power wide area secure operator for managing the IoT networks. These are reliable and often used in locations and devices that aren't strongly connected to the Internet and have long-range, low data rates, low power consumption, and low cost.

Mobile operators that provide IoT solutions are Airtel IoT and Vodafone Idea IoT(VI). Although there are rumours about Reliance Jio's IoT solutions, the company is yet to launch this service.

Airtel IOT

Bharti Airtel has provided comprehensive IoT solutions across various sectors to big companies to simplify their transition into the digital world. Airtel IoT provides IoT solutions based on the business's needs under all the Indian regulations set by telecom authorities.

From cellular 2G and 4G to low-power Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), satellite, and 5G, Airtel has a range of network technologies. Airtel promises to take care of your data and provide a seamless connection and management between millions of devices on an end-to-end encrypted, highly secure, and user-friendly platform, which is known as the Airtel IoT Hub.

You can manage all your devices, right from their activation to any service issues, billing, analytics, and more. Airtel IoT Hub has built-in API's that can help you integrate your own- or third-party application.

Airtel Internet of Things provides asset tracking, industrial asset monitoring, vehicle telematics, and smart metering, enabling 360-degree visibility of your assets. With 4G/2G connectivity technology, it offers real-time and seamless monitoring.

Vodafone IoT

Vodafone IoT is the world's largest IoT solutions provider and has connected over 100 million devices worldwide and still has 94 million managed connections across the globe.

For six years straight until 2019, Vodafone has been positioned as a Leader in Magic Quadrant for IoT Connectivity Services by Gartner.

Vodafone's innovative IoT solutions for their customers include high-value business outcomes like stolen vehicle tracking, assisted living. Vodafone is also in partnership with China Mobile and America Movil, the two biggest superpowers globally, allowing Vodafone to have IoT solutions in the most complex markets and regions.

Their ARM partnership will enable them to reduce cost and complexities for OEMs that develop a product that generates high income on their platform. Vodafone extends its IoT Solutions to industries like Health, Automotive, Banking, Finance, Manufacturing, Retail, Transportation, and Utilities.

Whether it's helping industrialists set up smart factories and cities or ensuring vehicle monitoring and theft prevention/recovery, Vodafone's IoT solutions provide their best to the consumers.

Jio IOT

Reliance Jio is all set to launch its creative IoT solutions with connectivity, device, support, and diagnostics in India. With advanced tests for 5G networks and high-speed network, it aims to have a billion IoT devices network on its platform, generating an income of Rs. 20,000 cr annually.

Reliance Jio is partnering with Samsung for their Narrowband IoT Technology with ten-year minimum battery life and deep coverage.

Conclusion

IoT devices and products are highly impactful in our lives. But, is the impact good or bad? Well, there isn't much choice. The world will get fully digitalised sooner or later. Many people fear that these devices will reduce human employment and take control over our lives.

Moreover, a considerable disadvantage of IoT products is that all our primary data is shared with them, so there is a constant fear of privacy and security breach.

But, we cannot forget that IoT Product/devices are highly complex and have some fantastic benefits like saving time and money and reducing a lot of human interactions with machines as everything is automated. It can easily be monitored and operated and thus, improves the quality of human life.