IoT Connectivity Activation

Connected IoT devices and smart solutions are quickly expanding into every industry and all aspects of our lives. That’s because if you can connect devices, equipment, and operations, then you can leverage real data and analytics to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability.

Getting connected is essential, but it can also be challenging. Deploying geographically diverse and global IoT installations often requires multiple product SKUs, complicated installation logistics, and a variety of Mobile Network Operator (MNO) service agreements. For many enterprises, the complexities of managing SKUs, delivering the right product to each endpoint, and provisioning service are daunting.   

The good news is Thales can help you streamline the IoT journey!

The award-winning Cinterion® IoT Connectivity Activation service simplifies and optimizes the process of getting and staying connected for the lifetime of IoT devices.

No matter which cellular technology your application is leveraging - 2G, 3G, 4G, LPWA, or 5G – they all depend on seamless and reliable connectivity, from the first use of a device to the end of its life. Thales is tackling the challenge of IoT Connectivity Activation, MNO selection, and subscription provisioning offering a powerful remote solution to streamline the IoT journey from the factory to the field.

The Cinterion Connectivity Activation solution raises the bar on traditional remote SIM provisioning providing “a little bit of magic” to simplify the IoT ecosystem.

By offering a native bootstrap along with an “empty shell” eSIM, a single IoT device SKU can be remotely configured for any cellular operator when it is turned on for the first time.

In the short video below, Thales Analytics and IoT expert Jose Sanchez talks about the benefits of the Cinterion platform and how it operates.

What makes IoT connectivity activation and management so challenging?

Traditional methods of connectivity activation and management – switching SIM cards, global roaming, and multi IMSI cards to name a few - were designed to support the needs of consumer devices with a lifespan of 2-5 years. The Cinterion Connectivity Activation solution was engineered specifically for IoT devices that need to operate reliably for 10-15 years. It was purpose built to solve the top challenges and bottlenecks facing the IoT ecosystem including:

• Complex manufacturing and a SKU explosion
  Delivering a solution that could operate with any cellular service provider required a different product SKU for each cellular network. Designing, manufacturing, warehousing, and managing a multitude of MNO-specific product SKUs drives up production and logistics costs. With the Cinterion solution, one product SKU operates with all global MNO networks which significantly simplifies manufacturing and logistics.
   
• Complex and lengthy installation
  Traditionally, technicians needed to test connectivity at each deployment site before deploying MNO-specific devices in the field. The time intensive process required a visit from a trained technician who had to keep all possible products SKUs on hand in their truck. If a part was missing, a visit to the warehouse and a second site visit was required adding time and expense to the installation.  With the Cinterion solution, one product SKU is installed at all sites which can be remotely and automatically provisioned with the best service provider for each location.
   
• Unreliable connectivity and complex global roaming
  IoT solutions require uninterrupted connectivity throughout the lifetime of the IoT device, even as mobile installations crisscross network boarders or fall into connectivity shadows as networks evolve. To maintain constant service, complicated and costly global roaming agreements with a wide variety of service providers MNOs was necessary. The Cinterion solution tackles the challenge of global roaming with swift, secure, and simple remote MNO network updates across the lifetime of any device.
   
• Unpredictability
  As challenging as it can be, legacy cellular technologies like 2G and 3G sunset and MNO contracts run their course. Customers need to be able to guard against ecosystem unpredictability and remain in the driver’s seat when making decisions about cellular service. But the fact is, to get connected, you need to be connected. The Cinterion solution provides inherent bootstrap connectivity so customers can connect to a new network for the first time and change to their preferred network when needed.  

How Does It Work?  

The Cinterion Connectivity Activation solution uses the power and flexibility of the Cinterion IoT eSIM deeply integrated into the latest Cinterion IoT modules and IoT products along with the Cinterion IoT Suite to get connected, stay connected, and pivot swiftly and seamlessly to new service plans and providers as needed. The solution helps to mitigate network disruption, boost ROI and meet SLAs and it is part of a broader array of IoT services that provide efficient and secure remote lifecycle management of Cinterion IoT devices.

This infographic describes the how elements of the Cinterion Connectivity Activation offer work.

What Are the Key Benefits of the Cinterion Connectivity Activation Offer?

From the first use of a device all the way to the end of its life, the Cinterion Connectivity Activation solution helps to keep IoT devices connected to best MNO network for each individual end point without expensive service visits, even as cellular networks evolve and service updates are required. Key benefits include:

• No physical SIM handling required
  A Cinterion IoT eSIM is integrated inside the Cinterion IoT Module during secure manufacturing enabling remote flexible, updatable MNO service provisioning without a technician inserting or changing the SIM
   
• Optimized logistics
  One product SKU supports all MNO networks. Regional variants are remotely personalized at the last stage of installation.
   
• Fast and easy device installation
  A smart MNO selection feature automatically identifies the best service provider for each installation site based on user defined policies and specifications.  
   
• Always-on connectivity  
  IoT devices automatically switch to a user-defined fallback MNO in case of an unexpected or sudden service disruption.
   
• Fewer service trips
  As networks and connectivity needs evolve, implementers can easily and automatically change connectivity providers via a web portal versus a technician visit.

How does the solution work in the real world?

The Cinterion Connectivity Activation solution simplifies manufacturing and helps to keep IoT devices seamlessly, cost-effectively connected, 24/7 and 365 days a year. In a podcast with Petri Ounila, Director of IoT Devices at Aidon and Francis D´Souza, VP Strategy & Marketing for Analytics and IoT Solutions at Thales, we learn how Aidon is using the solution to optimize and improve smart metering across Italy. Listen to the podcast.

Want to simplify and speed up your next IoT project?  
Book a live demo or connect with a Thales expert to learn more about the groundbreaking Cinterion Connectivity Activation offer.