Methodology of IoT platform selection by MVNO's

Even the most adept telecom operators can be overwhelmed by IoT's vast scope and numerous requirements. It is estimated that by 2025, IoT devices will reach 40 billion (some estimates put that number at 44 billion), which imposes tremendous pressure on IoT service providers. As a result, having a comprehensive IoT platform has become crucial for managing connected devices and sensors.

IoT Platforms Classification 

Platforms for the Internet of Things can be categorized as follows:

• End to end platform
• Connectivity platform
• Cloud platform
• Data platform

As part of the IoT universe, sensors and devices all use one or more platforms to function.

IoT platforms serve as middleware for connecting devices/sensors. This ecosystem consists of various components, including controllers and sensors, network connectivity, a gateway device, software for translating and analyzing data, and application services. IoT platforms are designed to handle large volumes of data, applications, subscribers, websites, sensors, and devices while simultaneously triggering actions in real-time based on input.

The IoT platform should meet the following requirements.

Identifying the business operations' requirements carefully is crucial to choosing the right platform. The following are some of the critical requirements for an IoT platform:

• Hardware needs
• Real-time access requirements
• Reporting requirements
• Financial resources
• Operating model

Looking at the IoT Platform through the Eyes of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator

A key player in the telecom industry is the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). To provide their subscribers with their services, MVNOs heavily rely on MNOs and MVNEs, so they must be careful when selecting an IoT platform. The problem is that you cannot access an IoT platform in isolation, so you must carefully consider the entire MVNO platform. Here are some critical aspects of a platform like this:

Types of connectivity offered should be flexible.

In many cases, the type of connectivity offered by an IoT platform determines the application's success. For example, large amounts of data need to be transmitted between devices quickly, which means fast connectivity solutions. However, sensor discharge is the primary concern in some cases, making low-power/low-speed connectivity solutions such as LoRa and Sigfox preferable.

Network security

In its early stages, IoT technology was vulnerable. Therefore, every IoT signal must be secured with robust encryption to prevent hackers from interfering. In addition, the IoT platform should implement high-end security such as AES to ensure maximum network security.

Detailed reporting

With IoT services, tracking a huge amount of helpful information on subscribers is a great responsibility. An MVNO needs comprehensive information about subscribers' behavior, their use patterns, and preferred IoT devices. Therefore, MVNO should choose a platform after consideration of its reporting capabilities. It would be best never to forget the importance of accurate reporting in understanding your subscribers and strategizing marketing moves for the future.

Convergence

MVNOs would have to monetize and package IoT services as one of the many services they offer. In these circumstances, convergent charging platforms are all the more crucial. For example, an Online Charging System (OCS) charges all services, including IoT, at the same time so that a single invoice can be created reflecting all charges. Also, real-time credit limits ensure that customers don't go over their quota since OCS keeps track of them in real-time.