Organic IoT Network Expansion

Just as carriers are moving away from legacy OSS/BSS technology in order to support the scale and operational complexities of IoT, they are also recognizing the need for new engagement models across the IoT ecosystem to gain a competitive advantage. The “if you build it, they will come” network deployment and customer engagement models designed for personal mobile communications are not well-suited to scaled machine-to-machine communication. In addition, they are being replaced by new models designed to grow through partnerships and application expansion. This approach is creating new business opportunities for companies of all types to participate in the IoT economy.

With this model, application and solution providers can connect to a network where it is available and then partner with the network operator to contribute to the buildout of the network by purchasing and deploying low cost LPWAN gateways in areas where additional coverage is required. Similarly, system integrators can strategically build their IoT businesses by providing their growing base of customers with low-cost connectivity services when and where needed on an application-by-application basis. In each of these examples, the network is managed by the operator, and those contributing to the network buildout can benefit from a revenue share based on the role they play in the larger network ecosystem.

This same model extends to network operators that have yet to establish an IoT practice or have determined that a combination of IoT connectivity services is the best approach for them. By sourcing network management services from a proven IoT partner, cellular, cable, wireless and fiber providers can augment their connectivity portfolio by deploying LPWAN gateways on their existing tower or building assets and extending their branded services well beyond their existing footprint.

Lastly but equally importantly, this model creates opportunities for partnerships between critical infrastructure and service providers—such as municipalities, utilities, cable and cellular network operators and large enterprise organizations—and the citizens they serve. One of the most important opportunities the Internet of Things offers is delivering economic, environmental, and societal improvements. Whether it is reducing energy consumption in cities, reducing water loss through smart metering and water management solutions, monitoring crop conditions to improve yield or optimizing the cold chain for medical product safety, all parties now have an opportunity to participate in the IoT economy for the greater good of the environment and the welfare of the world’s population.

Conclusion

The promise of billions of connected IoT devices is not only coming from expected areas of opportunity such as asset tracking, energy and utilities, and smart cities, but also from applications that instrument the ordinary or hidden business activities but yield revolutionary results. Successfully commercializing these opportunities requires transformative enabling technologies and service models, including best-in-class OSS and BSS platforms.

Similarly, traditional engagements in which service creation and delivery have been a one-way relationship between the communication service provider and the customer no longer apply. Today’s businesses seek value-exchange in order to realize the full potential the Internet of Things. This value and success in IoT will be driven by cooperation between network operators, end device manufacturers, solution providers and others looking to proactively and organically expand their roles in the IoT services economy.