A Wireless Logic report underscored the mounting pressure on IoT providers to go beyond mere connectivity solutions. The study reveals a significant demand for advanced features such as eSIM, remote SIM provisioning, and comprehensive support services as enterprises expand their IoT deployments worldwide.
Conducted by Kaleido Intelligence, the research surveyed 1,000 cellular IoT adopters and non-adopters across various industries, highlight the intricacies and challenges faced in global IoT projects. The findings reveal that nearly 60% of cellular IoT adopters require international or multi-regional connectivity for more than half of their device fleets.
Furthermore, 41% of respondents identified permanent roaming restrictions as one of their top challenges in scaling IoT, while 42% cited the complexities of managing relationships with multiple connectivity providers.
“Enterprises scaling IoT globally can’t afford to rely on connectivity alone – they need partners that can help them navigate the complexities of today’s fragmented connectivity landscape,” said Iain Davidson, senior product manager at Wireless Logic.
The report indicates a clear shift in expectations, with enterprises now demanding value-added solutions that encompass every stage of their global deployments.
The research also points out that while quality of coverage remains a primary factor for 55% of enterprises in choosing a provider, other aspects such as flexibility in setup (53%) and a comprehensive portfolio of services (52%) are equally crucial.
“Enterprises are embedding IoT at the very heart of their operations, which demands services that extend beyond initial setup to ongoing management.” Iain Davidson
The issue of permanent roaming restrictions has further catalysed the adoption of eSIM technology. The report reveals that 32% of current cellular IoT adopters have made their choice of provider based on over-the-air capabilities that facilitate network optimisation.
Despite the advantages of eSIM, including enhanced flexibility and reduced SKU complexity, many enterprises remain hesitant. Concerns include limited support from mobile network operators and the complexities involved in switching network profiles.
Security is another significant concern. The report found that 89% of respondents are worried about potential cybersecurity breaches. “As enterprises integrate connected devices, security has understandably become a top concern. They expect their partners to provide end-to-end security, network anomaly detection, and robust device identity management,” emphasised Davidson.
With 50% of businesses using eSIM as a security measure, Davidson concluded, “IoT security isn't optional; it’s foundational. High availability and cyber resilience are now paramount, demanding that IoT providers continuously uphold both defensive and proactive measures to mitigate risks.”
