IoT, Partners

What are the Advantages of Cellular IoT Connectivity?

IoT requires consistent connectivity to construct networks and share data. Cellular IoT is one connectivity option, which operates in the licensed spectrum. This means it can only be used when assigned exclusively to operators for independent usage, ensuring reliability through a relatively consistent infrastructure. Cellular connectivity solutions are generally provided by larger operators who have access to licensed spectrum, as this comes at a higher cost. However, the global cellular standards means that IoT hardware is more easily obtained, the devices operational lifetime is generally much longer, and it’s virtually guaranteed by the network operators to be more reliable than other connectivity options. So, what are the core advantages of cellular IoT connectivity?

Global Coverage

The most reliable and logical connection option is cellular connectivity, with cellular towers already in place across the world and network gateways supporting remote deployments, cellular IoT connectivity can provide nearly ubiquitous global coverage. The extensive coverage already in place allows the management of devices being deployed in different areas of the world, which is key for IoT projects where accessing the data is essential. In most cases, you’ll be able to deploy as many devices to wherever they are needed and start operating straight away. Cellular roaming poses another option if you’re moving between regions or providing a solution in an unknown area, your provider will be able to facilitate seamless connectivity through a multi-network SIM. As 5G becomes more accessible across the world, cellular becomes a great solution for larger scale IoT deployments and will improve the overall speed and responsiveness of cellular connectivity.

Usability

Cellular is a top favourite among IoT connectivity solutions down to the increasing demand for extensive network coverage areas and low power consuming devices. The simplicity of deployment is a core advantage of cellular connectivity, deploy your device, activate your SIM to connect to your chosen network and you are all set. This SIM based connectivity disregards the need to set up to time consuming and complicated hardwired networks. With multi IoT device support, you can support millions of IoT devices through one use case. Cellular IoT connections are made up of several subcategories, meaning you can select the one that matches your data transmission needs and avoid paying for the most expensive solution. If your device doesn’t require constant connectivity and immediate reaction time, then you can choose a more affordable and suitable option for you. Emerging low power networks will help deliver the connectivity for the proliferation of devices & sensors and other cellular technologies like eSIM are quickly gaining popularity in the market, providing a flexible way to remotely connect devices throughout their lifetime, cost effectively, without needing a physical SIM card.

Reliability

As cellular operates in the licensed spectrum, the performance and reliability of communication is guaranteed. Most IoT SIM cards provided for IoT devices can switch between network operators, unlike consumer SIMs, automatically connecting to the strongest signal available to ensure consistent connectivity and minimised downtime. Technicians can remotely track interlinked devices, they are able to connect, disconnect and troubleshoot wherever they may be located, rather than manually fixing the systems. This minimises operational inefficiencies and reduces field service costs significantly. Cellular IoT connectivity also has a much greater battery life, cellular sensors transmit great volumes of data on a global scale, without losing considerable battery power by switching off the receiving section of the cellular module for a fraction of a second. 5G IoT SIM cards even have the ability to remove fixed line through its QoS.

Security

Security is another great advantage cellular connectivity holds over other solutions. As cellular networks use SIM cards for authentication, it proves difficult to hoax the identify of a device. With every device being kept separate, the data being transmitted is protected, with private APNs controlling network access and secure VPNs in place, your IoT devices will be safe against unauthorised access. Combining this level of security with a properly managed connectivity service will give you visibility and control that other connectivity options cannot give.

If you want to find out more about how cellular IoT connectivity could support your projects, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on our details below:

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

IoT, Partners, UK News

Cellhire wins Best IoT Application Award at the Mobile News Awards 2022

British mobile telecoms specialist Cellhire plc won the Best IoT Application Award for its NHS Covid-19 project at the prestigious Mobile News Awards 2022, held on 19th May at InterContinental London Park Lane.

In addition, Cellhire received commendations for the Best Airtime Partner Portal and the Best Covid Response Initiative categories.

Matt Bennett, Cellhire UK Managing Director, right, with UK team

The Best IoT Application Award recognises the company for its IoT data connectivity solution for the ongoing nationwide NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme. The programme has seen Cellhire provide UK and multi-network mobile data connections to over 2500 Covid-19 NHS England vaccination sites, enabling them to update patient records in real-time.

The Best Airtime Partner Portal Commendation recognises the company for its inhouse “Atlas SIM Management Portal”, which provides a single, secure website for partners to access their entire SIM base from 40 global mobile networks supplied by Cellhire. Partners are not limited to only UK MNOs O2, Vodafone and EE, like many competitor portals. Partners can manage International MNOs, UK and Global IoT Airtimes, and provision SIMs and eSIMs that have multi-IMSI functionality.

Running since 1995, the Mobile News Awards is the UK mobile channel’s biggest awards event judged by impartial, independent experts.

Cellhire UK Managing Director, Matt Bennett says “I am extremely proud of the Cellhire team, particularly for its at times round-the-clock dedication to the rollout and ongoing support of the mobile data connectivity part of the vaccine programme – and the success Cellhire has achieved at the Mobile News Awards.

“Covid-19 has been the single greatest public health emergency in the history of the NHS and it’s a great honour for Cellhire to be part of the backbone of the vaccine programme. The solutions that we are providing are still helping to manage the vaccination of millions of people as quickly as possible.

“The ability Cellhire has to deliver multi-network secure mobile data, quickly and at scale, is thanks to its strong global network partnerships and its robust and resilient team.

“As a direct partner of Vodafone, O2 and EE, Cellhire is keen to expand its partnerships in the channel and to that end we are actively seeking additional resellers for our partner programme,” says Bennett. “These resellers would typically want a comms partner with a track record in providing voice, data and IoT via multiple direct network solutions that are competitive, flexible and innovative and all supported by our market-leading portal.”

If you would like to partner with an award-winning company to further boost your revenue opportunities through mobile sales, including Voice & Data, M2M and IoT, then Cellhire is the perfect partner for you. Please contact our channel-focused team at resellers@cellhire.com or visit www.cellhire.co.uk/partners

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 recognised 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 recognised Information Security Management System Standard (ISMS), due to the implementation of information security management systems and best practices regarding information security.