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4 min

How Telcos Can Leverage IoT for Strategic Advantage

Insights from Telco Growth Oct’24 on the most efficient IoT strategies for telco providers

George Petersen

Head of Telco-enabled Projects

Ellen Snesar

Content Manager

November 22, 2024

Intro 1. Adopt device-to-cloud approach 2. Use real-time visibility to enhance customer satisfaction 3. Make compliance a priority to reduce risks 4. Customize IoT solutions for key industries Key takeaways

The Internet of Things represents an opportunity for growth beyond traditional connectivity services. By expanding their focus to include IoT-based solutions, telecom operators can not only meet rising customer demands but also position themselves as digital transformation enablers.

This article outlines four strategies telecom leaders can adopt to capitalize on IoT from the Telco Growth online conference experts.

1. Adopt device-to-cloud approach

To meet the growing demands of customers, telecom operators need to shift from simply providing connectivity to offering end-to-end IoT solutions that extend from devices to the cloud. This transition, known as the “device-to-cloud” approach, allows telecom companies to add value beyond SIM cards and data plans, creating solutions for managing data flow.

Some telecom companies have already evolved from basic service providers into complex IoT platforms:

Device-to-cloud integration means telecom companies can offer added services, such as managed routers and device management platforms, helping customers implement IoT seamlessly across infrastructures. This strategy positions telecoms as partners for enterprises seeking scalable IoT solutions.

2. Use real-time visibility to enhance customer satisfaction

Ensuring consistent and reliable service across networks, especially in global deployments, is essential for telecoms that want to capitalize on IoT. Real-time visibility, made possible by device agents, gives telecom operators insights into network performance and allows proactive responses to connectivity issues—regardless of location or network provider.

For example, proactive visibility ensures seamless performance even in the challenging context of EV charging stations:

By implementing real-time visibility solutions, telecoms can not only enhance service reliability but also reduce customer churn by proactively addressing connectivity issues as they arise.

3. Make compliance a priority to reduce risks

With the rise of data privacy, security, and sovereignty regulations, telecom operators must ensure their IoT offerings meet these standards. Compliance should be seen as a service that telecoms can provide to help enterprise customers navigate increasingly complex regulatory landscapes. But it’s also one of the top concerns for telecoms looking to expand their IoT offerings:

Offering compliance support builds trust and reassures enterprise customers that telecoms can handle the intricacies of IoT regulation. This proactive approach to compliance allows telecoms to strengthen their partnerships.

4. Customize IoT solutions for key industries

IoT applications are increasingly industry-specific, and telecoms need to tailor their offerings to meet the needs of sectors like automotive, healthcare, and utilities. Rather than offering generic connectivity, telecoms can add consulting to their services that meet operational and regulatory needs in a specific vertical.

Understanding and speaking the language of specific industries is essential:

This customized approach allows telecoms to unlock high-margin opportunities in vertical markets.

Key takeaways

A device-to-cloud model, enhanced real-time network visibility, compliance, and customized solutions for vertical markets allow telecom companies to turn IoT from a connectivity service into a strategic growth engine. Explore more growth paths for telcos here.

last update

November 22, 2024