IoT, Partners, UK News

Cellhire empowers its global IoT connectivity offering with OV’s cost-effective, permanent roaming solution

Ella Dykes

The offering is open to Cellhire’s channel partners and client base

(22 August 2023) York, UK. Cellhire, a specialist in mobile communications, M2M/IoT services and data connectivity, announces a strategic partnership with OV, a provider of resilient and robust IoT connectivity. The partnership eliminates excessive charges for roaming IoT devices by giving Cellhire’s clients and channel partners access to more than 600 direct roaming agreements globally, in a permanent roaming solution.

“As the demand for IoT devices continues to rise, businesses are increasingly deploying IoT solutions that span multiple countries, allowing them to enhance productivity and streamline operations on a global scale,” says Matt Bennett, Cellhire UK Managing Director.

“However, many businesses persist in using traditional voice and data SIM cards to fuel their IoT connectivity. As these SIM cards were not designed for this purpose, it often results in high roaming charges being incurred that prompt the MNOs to resort to abrupt SIM disconnections.”

“Consequently, IoT devices become inoperable causing disruptions to vital services without any prior warning,” he adds. “Our partnership with OV effectively addresses these challenges for our customers and partners.”

Major advancement

The multi-network partnership allows Cellhire to deploy tens of thousands of SIM cards remotely. It also marks a major advance for the company allowing it to provide more dependable and cost-effective IoT connectivity solutions for devices that frequently move between different countries.

Bennett comments, “Cellhire understands the importance for our customers and channel partners of having smooth worldwide IoT connectivity. The partnership with OV gives us a strong network infrastructure and expertise to help us provide a roaming solution that’s future-proofed and fit for international operations.”

Paul Donaldson, Chief Revenue Officer at OV, welcomed Cellhire as a partner, stating, “Cellhire’s innovative solutions as a global telecoms provider make this an excellent partnership, and we are excited to accelerate and simplify IoT connectivity for its customers. The partnership brings together both the technical and commercial strengths of both companies to deliver exceptional IoT connectivity solutions to customers worldwide.”

This announcement further enhances Cellhire’s IoT offering which includes global roaming with access to 40+ MNOs and seamless UK connectivity through its unsteered multi-network solution. Cellhire also provides convenient UK and global single networks, and reliable services across Europe through its full MVNO on Orange France.

About Cellhire

Cellhire (www.cellhire.co.uk) is a leading global telecoms provider of mobile communications, M2M/IoT services and data connectivity to enterprise clients and indirect partners worldwide.

Established in 1987, the group serves EMEA, Americas and APAC with offices in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Japan. Partnering with mobile network operators globally, Cellhire provides access to mobile connectivity at market-leading commercials to companies worldwide.

The company is committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service which is underlined by its continued attainment of ISO 9001, the internationally recognised quality standard. Cellhire has worked with Investors in People (IIP) since 2004 and holds the We Invest In People Gold standard. Additionally, the company won the highly coveted Queen’s Award for International Enterprise, as a result of its success as a specialist in the delivery of mobile communication solutions for events around the world.

Since 2019, Cellhire has attained ISO 27001, the internationally recognised Information Security Management System Standard (ISMS).   Cellhire recently secured a significant investment from mid-market private equity house LDC for a minority stake, to accelerate its substantial growth plans.

About OV

OV has a unique perspective on connectivity and IoT. The brand sits within the Manx Telecom group of companies, leveraging Manx Telecom’s high-quality mobile network infrastructure, engineering expertise, and global network agreements with other mobile network operators, to provide global cellular connectivity to IoT and mobile service providers, in the UK and other international markets.

Website: www.worldov.com
Twitter: @OVconnects

Education, Partners, UK News

5 Use Cases for eSIMs for Resellers

Eve Kalinka

In the competitive landscape of mobile connectivity, it is important that as a reseller you keep on the front foot and ensure that you are constantly adding value for your customers. Integrating eSIMs into your portfolio can open new revenue streams for your business as well as offer your customers with a more adaptable, personalised, and environmentally conscious solution.  

eSIMs offer resellers the opportunity to tap into the growing demand for a modern and future-proof connectivity solution. By adopting eSIM technology, resellers can position themselves as forward-thinking and customer-centric partners, ready to cater to the ever-evolving needs of their customers.  


In order to be able to promote eSIMs to your customers, it is important to be able to showcase how this solution can work in practice for their business. To help, Cellhire has pulled together 5 use cases for eSIMs to help you to start a conversation with your customers.   

Use Case 1: Short-term travellers who require international connectivity  

Globe-trotting customers who are moving between continents on a regular basis face a range of challenges that can significantly impact their mobile communication experience while travelling internationally. Typically, their existing tariffs will expose them to roaming charges, leading to unexpected and burdensome bills upon their return.   

Customers often resort to inconvenient bolt-ons or add-on packages to mitigate roaming costs, but these come with restrictions and temporary relief. Managing multiple physical SIM cards becomes cumbersome, requiring customers to switch them out and risk misplacement or damage. While for business travellers who need to keep their primary number active when abroad drive a need for dual-SIM devices with traditional sim cards.   

With eSIMs, all these challenges are elegantly addressed. eSIMs can allow your travelling customers to connect to local networks seamlessly avoiding excessive roaming charges while maintaining uninterrupted connectivity during their travels. The eSIM offers unparalleled flexibility with its seamless activation at the touch of a button, eliminating the risk of losing or damaging the SIM card while transitioning between physical cards while also removing the need for dual-SIM devices.   

When travelling internationally, eSIM provides the perfect way for your customers to stay connected with little effort or worry.  

Use Case 2: Customers who require connectivity while employing a bring your own device (BYOD) policy 

In certain circumstances, your customers may have elected to not offer mobile phones as an option for their staff, instead relying on them to use their personal devices. Although this might feel like a lost opportunity as a reseller, eSIM opens an opportunity for you to sell a solution to your customer.   

eSIM and BYOD work hand in glove for several reasons. eSIMs provide the option for remote provisioning and updates to a device, allowing the customer to remain in control of their contract and make the necessary changes to allowances regardless of employees location.    By utilising an eSIM, your customer can also simplify their staff onboarding and offboarding procedures. New employees who use their own devices can receive a QR code to activate the relevant profiles on their phones. When employees leave, the eSIM can be disconnected remotely without requiring the retrieval of the SIM card. This is especially helpful in urgent situations like dismissals where there is a risk of the contract being abused if you have a disgruntled employee. In addition, if the user’s personal device is misplaced or stolen, the eSIM can be deactivated to lower the chances of it being misused if found.   

In conclusion, eSIM technology can open new opportunities to engage with those customers who typically employ a BYOD policy, opening new revenue streams for your business while offering greater convenience and flexibility for your customer.   

Use Case 3: Customers who require a backup SIM card 

eSIMs offer a versatile solution for customers who require a backup SIM card, providing a seamless and efficient way to manage multiple connections on a single device. Your customers value uninterrupted connectivity, whether it’s for business-critical applications or staying in touch with their colleagues day-to-day. With eSIMs, your customers can have multiple profiles on their devices, ensuring they remain connected, even if one network experiences issues.  

This is of particular interest to customers who have mobile operations, for example, event organisers or construction companies who are frequently moving to different locations. These customers can frequently find that the connectivity support in one area might not be replicated in another. By utilising eSIMs, the customer can easily move to the most powerful network, ensuring they stay connected while working on-site.  

It is also a fantastic solution for customers where voice or data connectivity is mission-critical. In the event of an outage or technical issues, whole operations can fail without a backup solution. eSIMs are the perfect safety net for these customers who can with a few clicks, migrate to the eSIM profile and restore connectivity.   

Use Case 4: Customers who require a fast deployment of voice and data connectivity   

eSIMs are an ideal option for those customers who require the ability to achieve connectivity at very short notice. Thanks to the ability to provision remotely, an eSIM can be activated within a few minutes and provide the customer with the voice and data that they require.   

This is critical for those working in the disaster response industry. eSIMs can be remotely activated and provisioned over the air, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. This capability enables disaster response teams to quickly equip their devices with necessary network connectivity without the requirement of physically inserting SIM cards.   

eSIMs also offer the flexibility to switch between different carriers without changing physical SIM cards. In disaster situations where one network might be overloaded or unavailable, eSIMs allow responders to seamlessly switch to available networks, ensuring continuous communication and connectivity.  

As well as this, during disasters, volunteers often join response teams to offer their support. eSIMs allow for swift device provisioning, allowing volunteers to get connected and start contributing to relief efforts without delay.  

When it comes to establishing voice and data connectivity with speed and efficiency, eSIMs are the go-to solution. They offer several advantages over traditional SIM cards including ease of use and the ability to support multiple carrier networks. With an eSIM, your customer can quickly and easily activate their device without the need for physical SIM cards or lengthy setup processes. This makes them an ideal choice for businesses and individuals who require fast, reliable connectivity on the go.  

Use Case 5: Customers who are looking for a greener solution 

If your customer is looking to reduce their carbon footprint, eSIM technology is a great way to achieve this eco-friendly goal while also ensuring seamless and flexible mobile connectivity.   

By adopting eSIMs, your customers can play their part in helping the by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and reducing electronic waste. eSIMs are also an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional sim cards as they significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills when disposed of.  

eSIMs can also be remotely provisioned and activated, unlike traditional sim cards that need to be physically produced and shipped to the end user. This remote capability saves time, transportation, and energy resources, promoting eco-friendly practices.  

Overall, eSIM offers a greener alternative for your customers and can be a great selling point for those customers looking for a greener solution.   

If you’re looking to incorporate eSIM technology into your product line-up, Cellhire is here to lend a hand. Our Sim Management Platform and advantageous partnerships with Vodafone, O2, and EE give you the tools you need to provide your customers with the options they wont be able to refuse!  

Events Newsletter, Partners, UK News, US News

Cellhire delivers seamless connectivity for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

Eve Kalinka

[18 July 2023] [York, UK]. Cellhire, a global leader in mobile communications, announces that it has successfully delivered comprehensive data and voice connectivity support for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 (July 20th to August 20th)   As anticipation builds for the event, attendance is expected to surge by 25% compared to the previous tournament. To meet the extra demand, Cellhire has already fulfilled more than 1,000 orders of communication equipment. Cellhire has delivered a range of voice and data SIM cards for its range of customers comprising players, organisers, broadcast and other media and VIPs.   At what will be the first women’s FIFA World Cup final to be held in the southern hemisphere, Cellhire’s support will be backed by the company’s proven track record. With extensive experience in delivering high-end global connectivity solutions at major sporting events worldwide, Cellhire was the partner of choice for the Women’s World Cup 2023.  

Historic sporting event

Matt Bennett, Cellhire UK Managing Director comments, “We’re delighted to be deploying connectivity for what is a historic event in football. As we count down to kick-off, we’re fully focused on helping to make the tournament as successful as possible.”   The company’s secure and reliable data bundles will not only provide seamless local communication in Australia and New Zealand but also easy and secure contact with family and colleagues in their home countries.   National and global media, encompassing public and commercial TV, radio, and online-streaming broadcasters will utilise large voice and data bundles provided by  Cellhire. A range of SIM cards, mobile hotspots and a range of smartphones are part of the arsenal of equipment Cellhire has provided to ensure fans worldwide stay connected to this historic World Cup.  

Connectivity for Paris Olympics 2024 and beyond

Building on its support of the Women’s World Cup this year, Cellhire is already laying the groundwork for further events including the Pan American Games 2023, the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and Paris Olympics 2024, where it will play a similar role.   Utilising its proprietary Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on the Orange Network, the official Mobile Network sponsor for both events to power voice and data services, Cellhire will provide secure, high-quality and flexible mobile communication solutions for athletes, organisers, VIPs and the media.  

About Cellhire

Cellhire (www.cellhire.info) is a leading global telecoms provider of mobile communications, M2M/IoT services and data connectivity to enterprise clients and indirect partners worldwide.   Established in 1987, the group serves EMEA, Americas and APAC with offices in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Japan. Partnering with mobile network operators globally, Cellhire provides access to mobile connectivity at market-leading commercials to companies worldwide.   The company is committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service which is underlined by its continued attainment of ISO 9001, the internationally recognised quality standard. Cellhire has worked with Investors in People (IIP) since 2004 and holds the We Invest In People Gold standard. Additionally, the company won the highly coveted Queen’s Award for International Enterprise, as a result of its success as a specialist in the delivery of mobile communication solutions for events around the world.   Since 2019, Cellhire has attained ISO 27001, the internationally recognised Information Security Management System Standard (ISMS).   Cellhire recently secured a significant investment from mid-market private equity house LDC for a minority stake, to accelerate its substantial growth plans.  

IoT, Partners

Creating Added Value for Channel Partners in the IoT Connectivity Market

Ella Dykes

😀 New incremental annuity revenues
🤝 Account stickiness 
💬 New conversations – tomorrow’s revenues are here today
🚲 Get there before your competition eats your lunch

As the Internet of Things (IoT) market continues to gain momentum, channel partners are presented with new opportunities to provide IoT connectivity solutions to their customers. However, to truly add value and stay ahead of the competition, channel partners must understand the key strategies for success. In this blog post, we will explore how channel partners can create added value in the IoT connectivity space and capitalise on the growing demands of IoT communications across mobile and reseller channels.

1. Initiate the IoT Conversation Early

To prevent customers from drifting away to other providers, it’s crucial for channel partners to engage in early conversations about IoT requirements. With existing customer relationships and current products and services already on the market, channel partners are best positioned to proactively discuss IoT possibilities. By initiating these conversations before the need arises, partners can stay ahead of customer demands.

2. Start Small and Keep Benefits Tangible

While IoT connectivity may seem complex, it’s important to start with small and simple solutions. By focusing on tangible business benefits that are easy to understand, channel partners can showcase the value of IoT. This approach allows customers to experience the benefits first-hand and gradually expand their IoT capabilities.

3. Deploy the Right Solution

IoT connectivity is more than just inserting a data SIM into a device. It involves a holistic approach that includes selecting the right SIM, network, platform, and commercial modelling. It’s crucial to avoid deploying inadequate solutions, such as using retail SIMs or mobile broadband SIMs for mission critical IoT applications. Channel partners must ensure they connect their customers with the appropriate connectivity to avoid potential disasters.

4. Position as Experts in the Industry

Avoid providing consumer-facing connectivity solutions without the necessary security, infrastructure, and service level agreements (SLAs) required for reliable, always-on service. Instead, position yourself as an expert in a specific vertical or sector, or leverage the expertise of trusted partners like Cellhire. By focusing on specialised knowledge, channel partners can provide comprehensive solutions tailored to their customers’ unique needs.

5. Leverage Expertise and Broad Experience

Channel partners should concentrate on fostering strong relationships with customers while expanding their capabilities to include IoT connectivity solutions. By partnering with experienced providers like Cellhire, channel partners can offer scale, resilience, pedigree, and expertise. Cellhire’s extensive experience, demonstrated by its satisfied customers across multiple sectors, ensures reliable support and successful implementation.

6. Partner for Success

To deliver comprehensive IoT solutions, channel partners should create opportunities and partner with specialists like Cellhire. By aligning with trusted providers such as BT, channel partners can protect their reputation while gaining support for new opportunities. Cellhire offers the necessary support during the initial stages and grows alongside partners as their capabilities expand.

7. Embrace the Growing Market

The rise of IoT presents both a threat and an opportunity for channel partners. The entire market is experiencing upward growth, and new partners with different specialties are entering the IoT arena. To capitalize on this trend, channel partners must stay aware and prepared for changes ahead. By being proactive, opportunities will emerge that allow channel partners to thrive in the evolving IoT landscape.

In the fast-growing IoT connectivity market, channel partners have a unique opportunity to create added value for their customers. By initiating early conversations, deploying the right solutions, and positioning themselves as experts, channel partners can meet the increasing demands of IoT communications. Collaboration with trusted partners like Cellhire and staying adaptable to market changes will ensure that channel partners stay ahead of the curve and continue to provide valuable solutions to their customers.

To find out more IoT Connectivity or about becoming a Cellhire Partner, contact us on the details below: 

Email: iot@cellhire.com
Phone: +44 (0)1904 610610
Visit: http://www.cellhire.co.uk/partners/iot

Events Newsletter

Football Success in Qatar for IoT mobile and data specialist Cellhire!

Eve Kalinka

[20 January 2023] York, UK. Global IoT and mobile data specialist Cellhire provided over 5,000 mobile connections to teams, sponsors, media and other attendees at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Global media, including public and commercial tv and radio, online-streaming broadcasters and press agencies, utilised a combination of large data bundles on Cellhire SIM cards, mobile hotspots, smartphones and other value-added telecoms services to allow them to coordinate their operations at the World Cup in an effective and highly secure manner on Ooredoo’s 5G network.

Cellhire Group Chief Operating Officer, Tim Taylor, says, “Establishing a strong partnership with the leading mobile network in Qatar, Ooredoo, before the World Cup, helped us to provide a high quality and seamless service to our clients during the event.  The relationship was not only important for clients attending the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 but for our core global connectivity business.  Our success in Qatar provides us with excellent momentum as we move towards the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this summer, countries for which we already have well established direct network relationships.”

Cellhire is the preferred supplier of mobile data and M2M and IoT connectivity for clients involved in major events around the world. Being able to offer secure mobile data connections for use across the globe reduces clients’ roaming costs and helps to protect user privacy and mitigate risk to personal data.

“We have an excellent track record in the international sports and entertainment fields for providing data connections and mobile telecom solutions through the close relationships we have with network providers around the world.  In total, we have provided many tens of thousands of connections at major events, such as Olympic, Paralympic and Winter Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro Finals, Commonwealth Games and the Tour de France. These connections enable the media to have reliable and secure data connections to report and live-broadcast to their audiences,” adds Taylor.

Cellhire will provide similar services and connectivity at the Rugby World Cup France 2023 and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where the company has a long-standing relationship with the French Mobile Network Operator Orange and with whom Cellhire operates as a Full MVNO.

About Cellhire

Cellhire (www.cellhire.info) is a leading global telecoms provider of mobile communications, M2M/IoT services and data connectivity to enterprise clients and indirect partners worldwide.

Established in 1987, the group serves EMEA, Americas and APAC with offices in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Japan. Partnering with mobile network operators globally, Cellhire provides access to mobile connectivity at market-leading commercials to companies worldwide.

The company is committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service which is underlined by its continued attainment of ISO 9001, the internationally recognised quality standard. Cellhire has worked with Investors in People (IIP) since 2004 and holds the We Invest In People Gold standard. Additionally, the company won the highly coveted Queen’s Award for International Enterprise, as a result of its success as a specialist in the delivery of mobile communication solutions for events around the world.

Since 2019, Cellhire has attained ISO 27001, the internationally recognised Information Security Management System Standard (ISMS).

Cellhire recently secured a significant investment from mid-market private equity house LDC for a minority stake, to accelerate its substantial growth plans.

IoT

IoT use cases within healthcare

Eve Kalinka
IoT Within Health Care

The healthcare sector is a fast paced industry which looks for the most efficient and cost-effective ways of working. Over the past few years the sector has developed dramatically with the help of IoT and we are now starting to see technologies that we have only dreamt about taking physical form.

This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on, because your current healthcare contacts could unlock you hidden revenue by offering more than just the basic IoT.

It is key to acknowledge this progress and appreciate where this could lead us in the future. IoT is taking many industries by storm but one with the biggest impact on society is within healthcare, which is why we are here to round up our top 5 use cases.

Smart beds – Monitor beds for movement and wetting while having an easy way for patients to call for help or control the bed. This provides a better patient experience and increases employee efficiency.

Dose management – Control the amount of medicine being distributed to reduce readmission rates and lower costs due to better long-term management. This also increases employee and patient experience.

Independent living – Technology now gives people suffering with conditions such as dementia an opportunity to live independently with bed sensors, GPS/movement trackers and drug management.

Remote condition communication – Ambulances which are connected are allowing paramedics to be continuously connected to the emergency doctors, providing a way to share patient details and symptoms before they even reach the hospital. This creates better efficiency and improves waiting times.

Wearables – Wearable IoT devices assist teams in collecting data about patients sleep patterns, temperature and heart rate. It immediately transfers the data to nurses and is also ideal for offsite management.

IoT Within Health Care

As you can see from these use cases IoT is reshaping the world of healthcare making hospitals and home living more efficient with better patient and employee experience. So which IoT solutions do you currently offer to your clients and what will you begin to offer now?

At Cellhire we help you push the boundaries of technology with over 30 years’ experience in the industry and are continuously looking to support businesses in welcoming IoT to their everyday processes. To find out more about how we can support you with IoT click here.

IoT, Partners

What are the capabilities of an IoT eSIM?

Ella Dykes

eSIM is not a new topic, indeed the requirement for eSIM has been around for some time, however the reality is that there have been very few deployments. Cellhire have recognised the potential benefits for eSIM and our investment in our own MVNO now allows us to meet the requirements of OEMs, device manufacturers and distributors.

An eSIM is embedded in a device and eUICC allows network operators & MVNOs like Cellhire to send SIM profiles over the air (OTA) — without needing physical access to the device.

What does an enterprise IoT deployment look like with eSIM?

Remote Provisioning:

Certain use cases might mean you don’t know the end destination of your devices and provisioning them prior to deployment can often prove difficult.
The ability to send devices into the field first and provision them with the needed SIM profile after is one of the biggest advantages of eUICC-enabled eSIMs and allows for a streamlined supply chain, meaning companies can avoid manufacturing bottlenecks and dead on arrival devices.

Improved Scalability:

Companies can scale their IoT projects more easily because they no longer have to plan for SIM card trade-outs, which can be costly. Every device contains the same hardware and software combination while being flexible to different local networks, meaning you can choose the device’s network after it’s deployed.

Improved Flexibility:

Flexibility is crucial for many IoT projects – eSIM devices typically have an extended battery life, especially those that operate on LTE-M or NB-IoT network protocols. They are more compact and better sealed for use cases that will require the device to be deployed outdoors, underground, underwater or in unusual environments.

eSIM deployment in 3 steps:

Step 1: Refine your eSIM approach

  • Will you need to access and remove SIMs, or will they be embedded in the device?
  • What is the total expected lifespan of your devices? Will they be deployed outdoors and/or in adverse temperature and weather conditions?
  • Will the devices be static (deployed in one place for their entire lifecycle) or mobile (moving from place to place on a connected vehicle, for example)?

Taking the time to answer these questions and build an eSIM strategy that matches your needs will help you future-proof your connected devices against network and location changes and ensure that the technology you choose will last throughout the devices’ lifecycle.

Step 2: Consider eSIM variables

Once you’ve defined the needs of your use case, you can look more closely at your options and determine which approach and provider work best for you. No matter what, you’ll want to choose an eSIM that’s designed for IoT applications and includes OTA programming capabilities up to date with GSMA standards. Beyond those basics, here are some options to consider:

  • Ruggedized eSIMs (if your devices will be deployed outdoors or in adverse conditions)
  • Long-lasting eSIMs (if your devices will be deployed for a decade or more, make sure the hardware is designed to stand the test of time)
  • A carrier-agnostic provider (Cellhire offers the flexibility to switch between networks around the globe without the need for time-consuming negotiations with our own core MVNO and 41 global network agreements)
  • Access to several cellular technologies and networks (2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and LPWAN options such as Cat-M1, Cat,1, and NB-IoT)

Step 3: Deploy and manage your devices with eSIM

With a carrier-agnostic provider like Cellhire, you’ll retain the ability to manage devices in the field and receive instant alerts when a problem is detected — for example, if a device loses connectivity, appears outside its expected geographical boundaries, or experiences hardware or software glitches. When you use Cellhire IoT SIM Management Portal, you can easily download new carriers and SIM profiles to your devices, optimizing coverage and even costs.

If you want to find out more about how IoT could support your customers projects or if you’re interested in partnering with Cellhire, don’t hesitate to get in touch:

Email: iot@cellhire.com
Phone: +44 (0)1904 610610
Visit: http://www.cellhire.co.uk/partners/iot

UK News

Cellhire Achieves Gold Investors In People Accreditation

Craig Stillman

Global IoT and mobile data specialist Cellhire has been awarded We Invest In People Gold Accreditation by Investors in People.

Pictured Left to Right,
Louise Hilton – Cellhire HR Business Partner,
Martyn Stevens – Cellhire CEO,
Ann Southgate – Cellhire Senior HR Business Partner

Investors in People is the national standard which sets out a level of good practice for employee connection, engagement, wellbeing and organisational culture, contributing to organisational stability, security and success.

Investors in People assessed how Cellhire is performing against the We Invest In People framework.

Martyn Stevens, Cellhire CEO, says “It’s great for Cellhire and our customer base to have gained this. Having achieved the We Invest In People Gold Accreditation, Cellhire will continue to work to increase employee engagement and retention, drive innovation and inspire ambition, as well as improve business performance through relevant staff training and development. Congratulations to the entire team on this excellent achievement, I’m very proud to lead an Investors In People Gold Accredited organisation.”

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Cellhire. Gold accreditation on We invest in people is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Cellhire in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

About Cellhire

Cellhire (www.cellhire.info) is a leading global telecoms provider of mobile communications, M2M/IoT services and data connectivity to enterprise clients and indirect partners worldwide.

Established in 1987, the group serves EMEA, Americas and APAC with offices in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Japan. Partnering with mobile network operators globally, Cellhire provides access to mobile connectivity at market-leading commercials to companies worldwide.

The company is committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service which is underlined by its continued attainment of ISO 9001, the internationally recognised quality standard. Cellhire has worked with Investors in People (IIP) since 2004 and hold the We Invest In People Gold standard. Additionally, the company won the highly coveted Queen’s Award for International Enterprise, as a result of its success as a specialist in the delivery of mobile communication solutions for events around the world.

Since 2019, Cellhire has attained ISO 27001, the internationally recognised Information Security Management System Standard (ISMS).

Cellhire recently secured a significant investment from mid-market private equity house LDC for a minority stake, to accelerate its substantial growth plans.

US News

Cellhire USA announces new partnership with Hughes®, US Satellite Internet provider

Ella Dykes

Dallas, US. Global mobile data specialist Cellhire has established a direct partnership with award winning Satellite Internet Service Provider, Hughes®.

The partnership means Cellhire USA clients can now access faster satellite data, with speeds of up to 25Mbps down. Legacy satellite data can be costly and not as efficient for large data usage, the partnership with Hughes means Cellhire now offers a variety of cost-effective data plans.

The exciting new partnership provides Cellhire USA clients access to an innovative satellite disaster recovery solution. This will support the latest IT networks and a satellite voice solution similar to the cost and options available for traditional fixed line service.

In the event industry, satellite portable devices are most used when an event takes place outside of the reach of GSM (global system for mobile communication). The partnership now means Cellhire USA clients have access to high-speed satellite data on a short-term basis, perfect for the duration of an event where clients may once have been without a secure satellite connection.

Greg Kraynak, US Chief Executive Officer says, “Establishing a direct partnership with Hughes was essential for Cellhire to strengthen its satellite portfolio and to meet the needs of our clients – delivering more data, more features, and more applications. Being able to offer affordable high-speed satellite data is not only important for those requiring satellite solutions, but for our core global connectivity business where we can now offer a more fitting satellite option and service.”

To find out more visit: https://cellhire.com/satellite/hughesnet

About Cellhire

Cellhire (www.cellhire.info), is a leading global telecoms provider of mobile communications, M2M and IoT services and data connectivity to enterprise clients and indirect partners worldwide.

Established in 1987, the Group serves EMEA, Americas and APAC with offices in the UK, USA, France, Germany and Japan. Partnering with mobile network operators globally, Cellhire provides access to mobile connectivity at market-leading commercials to companies worldwide.

The company is committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service which is underlined by its continued attainment of ISO 9001:2015, the internationally recognized quality standard. Cellhire is Investors in People (IIP) certified and won the highly coveted Queen’s Award for International Enterprise, as a result of its success as a specialist in the delivery of mobile communication solutions for events around the world.

Since 2019, Cellhire has attained ISO 27001, the internationally recognized Information Security Management System Standard (ISMS), due to the implementation of information security management systems and best practices regarding information security.

Hints & Tips, IoT, Partners

Preparing for 2G & 3G Sunsets

Ella Dykes

In the mobile industry, a sunset is when a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) phases out one of its networks so that all devices or services that still solely rely on that service will no longer be connected. In the case of the 2G & 3G sunsets, this will affect connections relying on 2G/3G for devices & services across the globe. This blog will explore when & why the 2G & 3G sunsets are occurring, how they will affect end users & businesses and how best to prepare for the sunset.

What are the 2G & 3G Sunsets?

This may be the first time you’re hearing of sunsetting, but it is not unusual, it happens to make room for better technology services. 2G & 3G networks are much slower and less efficient and are being shut down to free up more space on the cellular spectrum for MNOs to expand their 4G and 5G capability on a wider basis. The operational complexity of running multiple networks on a spectrum is then reduced and makes room for modern technologies which offer better cost and energy efficiency, enhanced functionality, and an improved customer experience.

When will 2G & 3G sunset?

The 3G sunset does not have one final date, its timeline is scattered across the globe. The variation is down to the individual mobile networks’ intention to stop supporting 3G connections. In the US, most of the largest wireless carriers will shut down their 3G networks by the end of 2022. In Europe, networks such as Vodafone announced they were to stop supporting 3G in 2020 and in the UK, 3G is expected to start shutting down at the beginning of 2023 but is expected to phase out all of its public 3G mobile networks by 2033 to facilitate the mass rollout of 5G.

Some carriers will continue supporting 2G connections for years, others may make an immediate transition to sunset on a specific date, in the US, most of the largest carriers have already shut down their 2G service back in 2020. In Europe, 2G services are expected to last until 2025, but MNO’s will likely start re-farming spectrum before then. However, dates and announcements are constantly changing and so it’s important to be aware of how the sunset may affect you by checking with your MNO provider.

What does this mean for me?

If you’re now beginning to worry about how the 2G & 3G sunsets will affect you, do not panic as most consumer devices, like phones for example, support multiple generations of cellular technology. Even if your device still relies on 2G or 3G from time to time, most likely it will still run as usual after the sunsetting, as 4G and 5G are expected to be more widely available, however it is worth checking that a device that supports 2G/3G fallback has the latest device OS & firmware running. If your home or office has security and alarm systems that use a mobile network, most likely these will still be relying on a 2G/3G connection, fortunately most home security companies have been attempting to migrate customers from 2G/3G to 4G networks, ensuring that their services remain operational. Example technology in the home or business that may also be affected is:

  • Medical alert devices (fall detectors, communicators, etc.)
  • Fire alarms
  • Inventory trackers
  • Smartwatches
  • E-readers (Kindles etc.)
  • GPS trackers

The 2G & 3G sunsets most likely will have the biggest effect on businesses using IoT solutions that rely on 2G/3G networks, like cars with tracking and response systems installed, for example. As many as 40% of Mobile Personal Emergency Response System (mPERS) devices that cover critical medical use cases still rely on 2G/3G networks, which will result in a wave of poor customer service if not switched over to a secure 4G/5G connection.

How do I prepare for the 2G & 3G sunsets?

While most end users and business owners may not need to worry about the 2G & 3G sunsets, it is useful to enquire about your devices to ensure all systems are up to date and support 4G/5G connectivity, as some technology may still rely on 2G/3G networks without you realising. Depending on how old the product is, you may be eligible for a hardware or software upgrade. Despite the 2G & 3G sunsets, low bandwidth solutions are still cost-effective and relevant for businesses and so MNOs are looking at next-generation LTE technologies such as LTE-M and NB-IoT to replace 2G/3G connectivity in these circumstances. Such technologies can help futureproof to avoid obsolescence for the years to come. It’s recommended to start enquiring about your devices now to see what connections might need replacing.

Although the 2G & 3G sunsets are likely to cause complications, it does also bring many benefits for both the end user and businesses. MNOs can transition to more high-capacity and energy-efficient networks, like 5G, so customers can benefit from faster connectivity speeds and lower latency. 5G is also said to be much better suited for machine-to-machine applications as it is designed to handle very large number of devices. The next generation of LTE technologies is said to offer improved battery life and low power consumption as well as overall lower costs. Overall, the 2G & 3G sunsets will make room for improved connectivity that is required today.

Discover how Cellhire can help transition your connectivity away from 2G & 3G. Whether it be updating your cellular service to a newer technology or upgrading your devices to continue operating after the switch off, get in touch with a Cellhire connectivity expert to find out more about Cellhire products and services.

Email: resellers@cellhire.com
Call: +44 (0)1904 610610
Visit: https://www.cellhire.co.uk/partners