In an era where digital transformation and connected devices are ubiquitous, IoT has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping industries and redefining business operations. According to Statista statistics, approximately 57% of North American and European organizations currently integrate IoT technology into their business processes. Companies across various sectors are adopting and investing in IoT solutions to boost efficiency, productivity, and security. 

With rapid growth comes the desire to expand, and limiting your business to one continent may hinder your potential. If you’re looking to expand from North America to the European Union (EU) or vice versa, here are some key considerations for successful international expansion. 

Choosing the right IoT Connectivity Management Platform

If you’ve been in the IoT industry for a while, you know that a crucial component is your Connectivity Management Platform (CMP). Cisco IoT Control Center is a leading player in this field, offering robust features for device connectivity, data management, and security. 

Tele2 IoT’s partnership with Cisco began in the early days, and this partnership has allowed us to offer the features our customers need. One of the platform’s biggest advantages is its ability to manage connectivity on a global scale. Expanding across continents involves navigating diverse network protocols, varying standards, and different telecommunications environments, which can be challenging. Having the right CMP can ease a lot of headaches.

Ensuring security and scalability

When planning business deployment across multiple continents, it is essential to consider distinct regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements, particularly in areas like data privacy and security. Cisco IoT Control Center is designed to meet global regulatory standards. This is crucial for international expansion, as it helps businesses navigate compliance complexities, ensuring IoT operations align with regional regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe.

As your business grows and deploys more IoT devices in new regions, the platform can easily scale to meet increased demand. Its adaptability to different environments and network infrastructures ensures a smooth expansion process, minimizing disruptions and optimizing the performance of your IoT ecosystem.

Partnering for connectivity

When your business is experiencing growth momentum, this is not the time to be complacent. Instead, this is the time to capitalize on the moment and keep driving forward. The same applies to your connectivity partners. Having a dedicated professional representing each region or market can be invaluable when delivering excellent customer service and experience.

While there are many key considerations in IoT device deployment, your connectivity provider is one of the most important. Partnering with Tele2 IoT means having a partner who understands the complexities of international expansion and is equipped to help your business thrive in a connected world. Over the past 11 years, as a leading global provider of managed IoT connectivity solutions, we have emphasized global reach, comprehensive solutions, strong security, and a customer-centric approach, as well as a passionate team delivering “IoT Love” – our dedication to and passion for IoT.

Expanding your business across continents can be a complex yet rewarding endeavor. Leveraging Cisco IoT Control Center and partnering with Tele2 IoT can streamline your international expansion by ensuring seamless global connectivity, regulatory compliance, and scalability, while providing the support and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of international growth. As you embark on this journey, remember that the right tools and the right partners are crucial to achieving sustained success and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

If you would like to learn more about Cisco IoT Control Center, please get in touch.

Lauma Rute Rodionova
Sales Manager
Tele2 IoT

As we approach the closing of 2G and 3G networks – with some already shut down – businesses must migrate to the latest 4G/5G technology to safeguard their solutions and stay relevant in the market. It’s important that CEOs and other interested parties ask the right questions, both to their teams and their connectivity provider, to ensure the right transformation plan is in place. 

But first– why are Mobile Network Operators retiring their 2G/3G services?

The technology shift away from 2G and 3G is primarily due to evolution and the demand for more advanced technologies that offer increased speeds, capacity, lower latency, and better coverage and reliability. 

Sunsetting older networks allows for the frequency spectrum and resources to be redirected, expanding the capabilities of newer technologies like 4G and 5G. 

This transition is essential for optimizing network performance and paving the way for innovation and higher telecommunications standards. 

When will 2G and 3G networks officially be shutdown? 

This is one of the most important questions to ask your team as well as your connectivity provider – and the answer can differ depending on where your customers and assets are located. 

• In Sweden, network operators are clear that both 2G and 3G will be retired in 2025, with all four Swedish operators moving at similar pace 
• In the UK, operators will retire 3G mobile networks by 2025, but will retain 2G until as late as 2033. Why? 2G technology has greater dependency due to the millions of IoT devices, such as smart meters, that will continue to rely on those services  
• For other European/EU countries, most cellular network providers plan to retire 3G slightly ahead of 2G 
• Globally, some operators have already completed or are well on their way to completing the 2G and 3G shutdown process, including the US and Australia. According to GSMA, by mid-October 2023, 97 networks had been shut down (46 were 2G and 51 were 3G networks). Based on announced plans, at least 143 networks will be discontinued between 2024 and 2030 (59 2G networks and 84 3G networks).

*See table at the end of the page for a full list of sunsetting dates. 

How can CEOs and business owners prepare for the 2G/3G shutdown? 

 Here are the main questions to ask your team and IoT connectivity partner(s). 

 1.     How will my business be impacted?

Understanding your customer base is critical, as is understanding which devices, technologies, and protocols your customer has built up a reliance on. Ask your team to gather data on: 

• What percentage of your customers are still using 2G and/or 3G devices? 
• In which countries are they located? 
• What is the sunset timeline for each country/affected customer? (Talk to your IoT connectivity provider to understand this) 

These insights will help determine where the risk is greatest and which customers are a priority in terms of engagement.  

2.    What do we need to consider when preparing for the transition? 

The discontinuation of 2G and 3G services could have numerous effects on your business. The impact on your companies’ budget may be one of the most significant, as upgrading technology will inevitably add cost. 

• The largest financial consideration is the purchase of new hardware and in some cases providing subsidies back to your customers to encourage them to switch. Speak to your hardware manufacturer to secure favourable terms and select replacement technology that is going to suit your needs not just today but for the entire lifespan of the device 
• If your devices do not lend themselves to “plug and play”, you may also need to secure engineering resources to help you deploy replacement devices out in the field. Consider if you can upskill your workforce to deliver remote training to customers to enable self-installation 
• If you have a large deployment of devices, consider assigning a project manager to oversee the replacement program. 

3.    What new opportunities does 2G/3G sunsetting bring to my business? 

2G and 3G decommissioning presents opportunities to revamp products  

• Upgrading to 4G and/or 5G networks not only enhances the reliability and speed of data transmission but also allows for the integration of more sophisticated IoT devices and applications. Businesses can capitalize on this by exploring the potential for enhanced functionality, improved analytics, and real-time data processing 
• Depending on bandwidth requirements, businesses may also consider investing in IoT-specific Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies such as VoLTE, NB-IoT or LTE-M, which are often the obvious choice for 2G/3G replacement. These are suitable for devices with low usage requirements that have a long lifecycle of 10+ years. NB-IoT and LTE-M can greatly enhance battery life and provide more reliable performance in remote or underground areas. 

4.    How should I communicate this technology shift to my customers?

We all know that being transparent with your customers is essential to maintaining trust and loyalty whilst minimizing churn. Communicating these changes early and clearly to your customers will allow them time to prepare for any changes which may impact them.  

• Be clear about consequences that could arise if your customers do not begin migration (ex. downtime or complete loss of service) 
• Encourage switching early by highlighting the benefits of 4G/5G, such as improved reliability, speed, security, and reduced latency. Depending on your service offering, you may want to expand on these benefits and describe additional features or offerings that could be introduced as a result of the switch 
• Ask your team to create a communication strategy that includes notifications about upcoming changes, key dates, calls to action, support routes, and FAQs. 

Keep in mind that not all your customers may follow IoT news. Therefore, pro-active and regular communication is key to ensuring the transition before the sunset date, helping to prevent any service loss, customer complaints, or reputational hits. 

What can Tele2 IoT do to help? 

No matter what the size of your deployment, Tele2 IoT is playing its part by providing our customers with valuable data insights to show which devices will be affected and need to be swapped out, along with which countries pose the most risk and what percentage of the customer’s estate may require hardware replacement. 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance.

Ben Kirkham
Key Account Manager
Tele2 IoT

Much of the talk around sunsetting of 2G/3G has been about the challenges and how to address this technology shift. But what about the opportunities? How will moving away from old technologies and to newer ones benefit your business and, more specifically, your IoT deployment?

From the customer perspective, you have the opportunity to review your full deployment and replace old technologies with new ones. The new technologies often have more functionality and more data usage – or they use data more effectively, meaning you will have a longer battery life.

Much of the talk around sunsetting of 2G/3G has been about the challenges and how to address this technology shift. But what about the opportunities? How will moving away from old technologies and to newer ones benefit your business and, more specifically, your IoT deployment?

 From the customer perspective, you have the opportunity to review your full deployment and replace old technologies with new ones. The new technologies often have more functionality and more data usage – or they use data more effectively, meaning you will have a longer battery life.

Energy efficiency & sustainability

Because, contributing to a sustainable society is a high priority for Tele2, the energy efficiency benefits of moving away from 2G and 3G is very welcome. By phasing out these older networks, there is a reduction in overall energy consumption, which contributes to a more sustainable operation.

New networks are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating features such as energy efficient hardware and improved power management. They have 5G processors that are 90% more energy efficient when compared to older networks. They also have greater capacity, meaning they allow the support of a larger number of connected devices simultaneously, and offer better performance in terms of data speed, reliability, and capacity. This improved performance can indirectly contribute to sustainability by enabling more efficient use of resources and reducing the need for additional infrastructure.

Improved security features

4G and 5G networks typically offer improved security features compared to older technologies. This is essential for the increasing number of IoT devices, particularly those involved in critical applications such as healthcare, industrial control systems, and smart city applications.

According to GSMA, 5G has designed-in security controls to address many of the threats faced in today’s 4G/3G/2G networks, including new mutual authentication capabilities, enhanced subscriber identity protection, and additional security mechanisms. 5G offers an unprecedented opportunity to uplift network and service security levels.

These are the most important security improvements brought by 5G:

• Encryption
• Privacy
• Authentication
• Authorization

Increased connectivity & bandwidth

While 4G and 5G networks are designed for IoT, neither 2G nor 3G were. 4g/5G provide faster data speeds and lower latency, allowing for more reliable and responsive IoT devices. Businesses can develop and deploy IoT solutions that require high data transfer rates, real-time communication, and improved overall connectivity. New technologies are also more spectrum-effective and the same bands can be used to provide higher data throughput and more valuable functionality.

Opportunities to revamp products

Upgrading to 4G and/or 5G networks enhances reliability and speed of data transmission, as well as allowing for the integration of more sophisticated IoT devices and applications. Businesses can capitalize on this by exploring the potential for enhanced functionality, improved analytics, and real-time data processing.

Depending on bandwidth requirements, businesses may also consider investing in IoT-specific Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies such as NB-IoT or LTE-M, which are often the obvious choice for 2G/3G replacement, with low usage requirements and a long lifecycle of 10+ years.

If you would like to learn more about how to address sunsetting of 2G/3G and how new technologies can benefit your IoT deployment, please get in touch.

Anna Hildebrand

Product Manager

Tele2 IoT

LTE vs VoLTE – what’s the difference?

The 4G network, known as Long Term evolution (LTE), only supports data transfers, webpages, data downloads, and streaming, etc.

Voice over long-term evolution (VoLTE) is an addition to LTE and gives the possibility to make IP-based phone calls over LTE. With VoLTE, we can now also transfer sound in IP-based data package. This gives us high-quality sound, faster call connections, simultaneous voice and data usage, lower battery consumption to mention some of the benefits.

What to consider when switching from 2G/3G to VoLTE?

The time to start planning for this technology change is now. Most IoT devices deployed earlier don’t support VoLTE, and enabling it is a challenge for many IoT-enabled industries because of the costs associated with migration.

• Audit your existing IoT deployment and assess its compatibility with VoLTE. Your IoT connectivity provider can “see” if your devices use voice or data SMS, but doesn’t have information on whether your hardware supports specific technologies
• Identify what kind of new IoT devices you may need for the future
• Pay attention to the location of devices as the availability of 2G/3G in different regions will change over time. Keep track of the planned sunsetting dates in the countries where you deploy IoT devices, and make sure you address markets with the earliest networks shutdowns first
• Devices with 4G/LTE support may not be able to use VoLTE. 4G/LTE devices must be VoLTE-enabled to use this voice service
• Depending on the service needs, in the worst case, the device will need to be replaced to not experience service gaps.

What if VoLTE is not yet available in my area?

The entire telecom industry is incentivized to roll out VoLTE for roaming, and the roaming footprint is constantly expanding. In the meantime, some network operators implement interim solutions.

For example, in the Tele2 Sweden network, we support Single Radio-Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) for our SIM-cards. SRVCC is the ability to start a call over VoLTE and if needed could be continued in 2G/3G due to devices moving out of 4G/LTE/VoLTE coverage. This will only be available until end of 2025 due to sunsetting of the 2G/3G networks. SRVCC is not supported in roaming scenarios as it depends on the visited operator’s network which only supports SRVCC on their own SIM-cards.

If you would like to learn more or need assistance in addressing 2G/3G sunsetting, please get in touch.

Kamal Söder
Product Manager
Tele2 IoT

I am incredibly passionate about the environment and in recent years, the world has become increasingly aware of the pressing need for environmental conservation and sustainability, which is amazing news. With the rise of technology, specifically the Internet of Things (IoT), we have a powerful tool at our disposal to address myriad sustainability challenges. This blog explores the potential of IoT to mitigate the environmental impact and create a more sustainable future. Tele2 is a leader in the sustainability arena, ranked #1 on the Financial Times’ Europe’s Climate Leaders 2023 list. Here are some of the ways Tele2 has worked with customers and manufacturers.

1. Understanding the Environmental Impact

The first step towards finding solutions is acknowledging the significant environmental impact of human activities. From energy consumption to waste generation, our modern lifestyle has put a strain on the planet. IoT devices can help us gather real-time data and better understand the extent of these impacts.

2. Smart Energy Management

One of the most significant contributions IoT can make is in the area of energy management. By connecting devices and systems, IoT enables real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption, optimizing energy usage, and reducing waste. Smart thermostats, for example, can adjust temperature settings based on occupancy patterns, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Efficient Resource Management

IoT can revolutionize resource management by providing actionable insights through data analytics. Smart sensors embedded in infrastructure and manufacturing processes can monitor resource usage, detect inefficiencies, and suggest improvements. This can lead to significant reductions in water consumption, material waste, and overall resource consumption.

4. Precision Agriculture

Agriculture is a sector with immense potential for IoT applications. By using sensors, drones, and AI-powered analytics, farmers can monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels, enabling precise irrigation and fertilization. This not only increases crop yields but also reduces water usage and minimizes the need for harmful pesticides.

5. Waste Management and Recycling:

Efficient waste management is crucial for environmental sustainability. IoT-enabled smart waste bins can optimize waste collection routes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, IoT can facilitate better sorting and recycling practices by tracking and identifying recyclable materials, ensuring maximum resource recovery.

6. Environmental Monitoring and Conservation:

IoT devices can be deployed to monitor environmental factors like air quality, water pollution, and wildlife habitats. Real-time data collection and analysis can help identify areas of concern and enable prompt action. For example, sensors in rivers can detect water contamination, triggering alerts for immediate remediation.

7. Creating Eco-conscious Consumers:

IoT can empower individuals to make more sustainable choices. Smart home devices can provide real-time energy consumption data, encouraging users to reduce their carbon footprint. IoT-enabled apps can suggest eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products and services, promoting sustainable consumption habits.

Conclusion:

The Internet of Things presents a vast array of opportunities to address environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of IoT, we can optimize energy usage, improve resource management, revolutionise agriculture, enhance waste management practices, and monitor and conserve our environment. However, it is crucial to ensure that IoT development is guided by sustainable principles, prioritising energy efficiency, responsible manufacturing, and end-of-life recycling. By integrating Tele2 IoT solutions into our daily lives, we can collectively work towards a greener and more environmentally conscious world.

Joanna Cracknell
Sales Manager
Tele2 IoT

Anyone who owns an electric vehicle (EV) will at some point find themselves asking why are there waiting times at DC (Direct Current) charging points from time to time? Shouldn’t we be enjoying fast charging for our EVs by now?  

Well, there is something to learn about how to use fast charging or DC charging. This technology is fast, but it also depends on how you use the service. All EVs have protection in their batteries, and this steers how fast you can charge or how much energy you can load into a battery. Fast charging stations are also something of a social experiment in stress management for drivers. Luckily there is a very easy way to cut the waiting time if you treat your batteries as the manufacturer would like you to.  

The example below uses a Polestar 2 with fast charging (DC) protection for batteries. The numbers are not exact, but they do illustrate the huge difference in speed when using a Level 3 Fast Charging station. The rule is to never charge more than 60%, and instead charge more often.  Doing this means waiting times reduce dramatically since the efficiency and speed per charged kw/h is higher.

Charging an electric vehicle involves refilling its battery with electricity. There are different types of EV charging methods, each with varying charging speeds and suitable use cases.  

Level 1 Charging:  

Level 1 charging is the slowest method and involves using a standard household electrical outlet, typically rated at 240 volts AC. This method often utilizes a portable charging cord that comes with the vehicle. Level 1 charging provides a charging rate of around 5-10 km of range per hour of charging. It is best suited for overnight charging at home, especially for vehicles with smaller battery capacities or when a faster charging option is not available. 

Level 2 Charging:  

Level 2 charging is faster than Level 1 and requires a dedicated charging station that operates at 380 volts AC on 3 phases. These charging stations can be installed in homes, workplaces, or public locations. Level 2 charging typically provides a charging rate of around 15-30 km of range per hour of charging, depending on the vehicle and the specific charging station. This method is suitable for daily charging needs, offering faster charging times and convenience for most EV owners. 

Level 3 Charging:  

DC Fast Charging, also known as Level 3 charging or quick charging, is the fastest charging method available for EVs. It utilizes high-powered charging stations that supply direct current (DC) electricity to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the need for onboard AC-DC conversion. DC Fast Chargers can provide charging rates ranging from 150-500 km of range per hour, depending on the charger’s power output and the vehicle’s capabilities. This method is primarily used for long-distance travel or situations where drivers need to quickly recharge their vehicles in a short amount of time. DC Fast Chargers are commonly found along highways, at rest stops, and in certain public charging stations. 

In summary:

• Level 1 charging is suitable for overnight charging at home or when faster options are not available. 
• Level 2 charging is ideal for daily charging needs at home, workplaces, or public charging stations. 
• Level 3 DC Fast Charging is designed for quick charging during long-distance travel or situations that require rapid recharging.  

The overall conclusion is that when using DC fast charging, charge more often to shorten waiting times. Always stop the fast charge when you reach 60%. Your car will be happier and the people waiting will be thrilled. 

If you want to learn more about EV charging and how IoT enables it, please feel free to get in touch.  

Anders Nilsson 
Senior Sales Manager IoT  
Tele2 IoT   

Note: The writer has driven 70,000 km over 2,5 years using a Polestar 2. All examples and numbers are based on experience using this particular car.

In a fictional sci-fi future, people will live in a world full of completely autonomous devices endowed with intelligence. These devices will be capable of completing important tasks for humans without any additional commands – monitor health indicators, predict climate changes, control the state of city life support systems – and smart machines will be able to improve productivity and correct common human errors — and all this without a single human intervention.

Well, that future has already arrived. In everyday life, we use “smart” kitchen appliances, live in “smart” homes, or to put it even more simply, we wear fitness bracelets that measure things like our heart rate or the number of steps taken in real time. Today, most things can be connected to the internet – and this is how the real world meets the digital world, thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Internet of Things is the world around us and according to Business Insider’s forecast, the IoT market is on pace to grow by more than $2.4 trillion annually by 2027.

Rise of the Machines

Security issues in IoT is an important topic. The placement, storage, and subsequent processing of data from smart devices requires large computing resources and adaptable hardware capacities.

That is why IoT and cloud technologies are inseparable. The reconstruction of the technical infrastructure of a solution and identification of data for analysis in most cases is carried out on the cloud platform of a selected provider. For example, Cisco IoT Control Center helps you quickly deploy, manage, and monetize your connected devices and applications on a global scale.

Why Cisco IoT Control Center?

Cisco is a reliable partner of Tele2 IoT when it comes to Connectivity Management – and Cisco IoT Control Center (2CONTROL) is the backbone of Tele2 IoT’s offering. Cisco IoT Control Center is a Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) that minimizes the complexity and cost of connected devices management in cellular networks to increase the profitability of IoT business.

It is highly customizable to make sure users have all the capabilities they need both today and in the future.

How does Control Center actually help? Lowers costs, boosts reliability

All companies, regardless of their business, want to ensure that malfunctioning devices don’t generate unexpected cost overruns.

A big advantage of using Cisco IoT Control Center is that users can create numerous rules that change a SIM’s rate plan in response to a particular trigger. For example, if a SIM exceeds its usage limit for the current billing cycle, users might move the device to a different rate plan with more favorable rates and then switch it back to the original rate plan at the end of the month.

Also, Control Center allows you to to manage complex device lifecycles. By automating key transitions from one stage in the service lifecycle to another, users can design a near zero-touch provisioning flow, which ultimately results in lower costs, increased reliability, and the ability to scale quickly. For example, Control Center provides a zero-touch activation process that automatically puts a device in service and begins billing as soon as the device powers on—which means users won’t end up with connectivity charges for devices in inventory or in transit to their final destination.

You shall not pass!

Getting back to security: Control Center contains a number of security features that address login security, fraud prevention, and more.

It is also possible to monitor device IMEIs and other credentials by IMEI tracking and creating IMEA whitelists, so each time a device requests a data session, the user can validate the device IMEI against an approved list. Furthermore, audit trails provide visibility into user activity and automated tasks.

And of course, Cisco has taken steps to ensure the security of our platform infrastructure as a whole. with the help of compliance program, network security, user access monitoring, and more.

Simple and convenient

The Cisco IoT platform is user-friendly and easy-to-understand. Although Control Center offers a large amount of information about user’s devices and how they are functioning in the world, it’s actually is easy to use.

Users can access real-time device information by monitoring cycle-to-date usage, viewing SIM state and rate plan, finding the device APN, MSISDN, ICCID and all kinds of abbreviations, as well as modify device attributes.

To make it even easier, Control Center provides an application programming interface that allows you to access and edit data in from an external application. Using the API, it is possible to perform many of the same tasks that can be handled through Control Center’s web interface, including managing devices, monitoring data, and assigning a rate plan to a device in order to save costs, etc.

Automation

Automation rules enable users to ensure service reliability, manage costs, and scale business faster by programmatically controlling devices—without doing any programming. Users can quickly and easily set custom rules right from the Control Center user interface, instructing the platform to monitor devices and, if specific triggers occur, take appropriate action instantly and automatically.

For each rule trigger, it is possible to define a specific event that will cause Control Center to execute a particular action. Automation allows you to monitor changes to the device rate plan and take action when a device fails to provide the correct username or password during an attempt to access network services, as well as take action when a device completes or nears the end of its subscription. You can also oversee usage and the connection behavior of your devices and act based on usage thresholds or connection patterns.

Your reliable partner

Connectivity is at the heart of everything that we do at Tele2 IoT. In cooperation with Cisco, we help you to  manage and control your deployment in a smart, efficient, cost effective, and secure way.

IoT Control Center is able to ensure operation of devices without any downtime, while the availability of Tele2 IoT experts 24/7 allows you to put a number of technical issues aside, devoting more time to improving smart technologies and analyzing the data received.

“When wireless technology reaches its peak of development, all the things will become part of one whole. It will be possible to control them with the help of a device that will fit in a vest pocket.” This quote, from Nikola Tesla, was said almost a century ago. However, neither the inventor himself or his contemporaries knew that he was describing one of the most important concepts of future technological development — the Internet of things.

The axiom formulated by science fiction writers that big discoveries often seem boring to those far from science definitely does not work in the case of the Internet of things. IoT is already being used in so many exciting technologies that it is not always easy to believe that these technologies are real. Nevertheless, the technology has seriously and for a long time been anchored in almost all areas of our life. It is worth believing the experts: the future has already arrived – you just need to look around you.

If you have any questions or comments about Cisco IoT Control Center (2CONTROL) – or anything at all, please get in touch.

Karina Varte
Key Account Manager
Tele2 IoT

I joined more than 100 participants at the 4th annual eSIM forum in Berlin in February. All of us who attended are interested in the cross-industry transformation that is currently taking place due to the introduction of eSIMs. The two day conference was jam-packed with a lot of interesting presentations and plenty of time to network.

Here are my three main takeaways:   

1.  The multiple use of the word eSIM is causing confusion

With eSIM technology the connectivity service profile of the secure identity is separated from the physical chip it is stored on (GSMA M2M eUICC Architecture). As we all know, the physical chip comes in the following current form factors plugin (2FF-4FF) and embedded. When embedded was introduced it got the name eSIM. When the standard for a remotely provisioned Secure Identity was introduced it was also given the eSIM name, with the reasoning that in the future all remotely provisioned Secure Identities will be embedded. But as we are not at that point, this is causing a lot of wasted time spent on miscommunication.  

Even if everyone attending the conference was deep into the topic the terminology was used differently in different presentations. The fact that the function (that a profile can be remotely provisioned) and the formfactor (embedded) have the same name by GSMA, it makes it challenging for everyone launching the solution as it is quite complex to describe to customers.  

We at Tele2 IoT try to distinguish between this by using the following terminology: 

• eUICC is a chip that can have one or many subscription identities (virtual profiles) downloaded and managed remotely

• Our eSIM is an eUICC with our subscription (profile) enabled on delivery, but that can of course be changed, which provides freedom and flexibility for our customers. 

• A SIM is an UICC with a Tele2 subscription profile that cannot be changed over time. eUICCs and UICCs come in plug in and embedded form factors 

2. Consumer eSIMs are taking off but challenges remain in creating a smooth customer journey

The consumer eSIM rollout is being fueled by the fact that some large brands are launching global connected products that really benefit from eSIMs. The products leading the way are connected watches by Apple and Samsung, which basically cannot fit a plug-in SIM. Because they are sold globally the eSIM is ideal, enabling the consumer to download their preferred subscription wherever the watch is sold. While not everyone has a connected watch, most do have at least one smartphone. And as the latest iPhone models have eSIM this has made a huge impact on the market.  

These days a QR-code is the main activation method, although the consumer activates the device via the code on a physical or digital voucher so it’s not always a fully digital delivery.  

Then there are markets where national regulations regarding fraud require the customer to present proof of identity. This makes it even more clear that operators need to develop Know Your Customer (KYC) processes to fit eSIM. In Sweden proof of identity can be done online as we have a recognized Digital ID (Bank ID), but in markets where this is not available the consumer might need to show up in person with proof of identity before they can activate the service. 

3.  Adoption of eSIM for IoT is still low compared to long-term potential 

The benefits of eSIMs for IoT are clear:  

• Optimized production of connected products (one SKUfor global deployment)
• Flexibility to swap supplier in a large fleet of connected IoT devices without costly field service

eSIMs also solve the problem of restricted permanent roaming found in some countries. But why has the market not yet taken off?  What are the reasons?  

One issue brought up at the conference in Berlin is that there is an unclear or underdeveloped ecosystem. As an enterprise you would buy eSIMs with an initial connectivity service provider subscription (profile) and that service provider most likely will manage the eSIM swap. If you sign up for a new connectivity offer that connectivity service provider must set up processes or perhaps even integrate their systems with the initial eSIM provider. This all takes time and money, and the business case is dependent on large volumes.  

Tele2 IoT is one of the few providers that actually provides subscriptions (virtual profiles) without costly integration of systems to be uploaded on third party eSIMs. 

But for smaller enterprises the solution could be to buy eSIMs and connectivity from a reseller who has multiple suppliers and manages that part of the supply chain, making it simple for the customer.   

This is a value chain supported by Tele2 IoT, which is now growing fast. The reseller will manage the eSIM and the various connectivity supplier relations and the enterprise customer just has one supplier – the IoT reseller. 

In all, it is exciting times working with transforming the IoT connectivity industry as enabled by eSIMs. It is not only standards and technology we need to take into account, but even more importantly, we need to look into the enterprise customer journey to be relevant and successful. 

In the world of IoT communications, reliability and stability are key aspects for a successful service. When we at Tele2 IoT launch a new product, we therefore make sure to test it thoroughly before releasing it to the market. Different services offer different challenges in their test cycle, but common for all of them is that we want to be able to simulate real world behavior in a controllable environment. That happens in the Tele2 Radio Test Lab – and it’s what we’ve done with NB-IoT as we prepare it for release.

NB-IoT is an LPWA technology that brings additional value to our connectivity portfolio in terms of power saving features along with extended coverage functionality. To be able to test the NB-IoT service and to optimize the network settings, we have spent quite some time in our internal test lab. The test lab consists of Faraday cages, which shield the test environment from any electromagnetic fields or radio interference coming from the outside world. Within this environment we can simulate and consistently reproduce test cases that would have been difficult to properly evaluate and isolate in the live network.

In addition to verifying the power saving features of PSM (Power Saving Mode) and eDRX (Extended Discontinuous Reception) that are an important part of the LPWA technologies, we also measure throughput and latency for different coverage enhancement (CE) levels. CE is a main feature for NB-IoT that through repetitions on the radio interface improves the coverage for devices residing underground or in areas where other unfavorable conditions apply.

We have previously launched LTE-M in our network. As LTE-M and NB-IoT have been developed in parallel by 3GPP for many years, they share many similarities. One important difference, however, is that low complexity always has been a design goal of NB-IoT, both on the device and on the system side. Thanks to the design simplicity, the technology aims at introducing IoT devices at a low cost, while still being high performing in areas such as reachability, device power efficiency, and network capacity. NB-IoT does lack some features provided by LTE-M, such as voice services, and more advanced transmission modes are not available. On the other hand, NB-IoT introduces a new functionality that enables data to be sent over the control plane on a signaling radio bearer. This primarily targets applications where only a small amount of data is transferred, and a slightly higher latency is allowed.  This optimization reduces the overhead of setting up a data radio bearer to the network. When combined with the traditional power saving features, this feature is very interesting for devices where a long battery life is of high importance. Along with the coverage enhancement functionality, it makes NB-IoT a very capable choice when selecting LPWA technology.

When deciding on which LPWA technology is most suitable for your deployment, you should consider factors such as the required data rate and latency for the application, if the devices need to run on battery for an extended period of time, and if the devices will be located in rural areas or in other locations with unfavorable radio conditions. Both technologies are continuously evolving, and new features are being added. Regardless of which technology that supports your use case in the best way, we at Tele2 IoT will make sure to deliver a reliable and optimized connectivity service.

If you would like to learn more about how NB-IoT and LPWA technologies can enable your IoT solution, please get in touch.

Ingmar Bäckström
IoT Architect
Tele2 IoT