The 5 things that matter if you want to connect products globally

1. Flexibility
By embedding eSIMs with eUICC, you get the flexibility to switch networks and operators as your needs and markets evolve. If you combine this with software-defined control and the visibility to do it all from a single dashboard; global connectivity becomes a reality. 

By embedding one type of eSIM that lets you remotely configure your connectivity, you can manufacture a single SKU without needing to decide in advance which markets your products will be sold in. This simplifies everything from your production and forecasting to logistics and stock management.  

2. Compliance
Compliance doesn't happen overnight - but non-compliance does.

Roaming was never designed for IoT and it’s starting to show. To protect local markets, some countries have stopped allowing products to use permanent roaming. In other markets, fluctuating connectivity prices make costs difficult to predict. So even though you can get a lot of coverage with roaming (EU regulation puts Europe in that category), it’s not a solution that works globally. 

In theory, you could start creating connectivity agreements with operators in each high-regulation country. In practice however, the time and cost involved means it’s not a realistic option – unless you’re us. Negotiating and maintaining contracts with connectivity providers across the globe is an essential part of Telia’s core business. 

That’s why we developed Telia Global IoT Connectivity. It’s a hybrid solution that gives you a global ecosystem of connectivity providers. It combines roaming where it makes sense – and direct agreements with connectivity providers in highly-regulated or hard-to-connect countries. With one agreement, you gain compliant connectivity you can rely on. This means you can focus on speed-to-market and doing what you do best. 

3. Cost
Cost is a question with a thousand answers. And you need to take into account the upfront cost as well as the operating cost. Going for a cheaper proprietary solution today, might cost you more in the long run (especially if you buy from a virtual operator who no longer exists in a few years).

Another thing to consider is  the ability to control you connectivity, data and cost. To get the visibility over all your connected devices and data consumption, and to be able to activate or deactivate from remote.  Or to be able to set rules and alerts when things aren't as you want.  That also comes in handy when looking at security

4. Security
Security is a huge consideration and it’s only going to get bigger. The truth is there’s no silver bullet solution; you need to address it on many levels. It helps to think of it in 3 ways:

Encryption – hiding your data 
Authentication –  choosing who can see it
Authorization – choosing which parts of it they can see

Telia Global IoT Connectivity lets you address each of these in multiple ways. The inherent and time-tested security advantages built into cellular connectivity provide an ideal foundation. It all starts with the industry standard eSIM as defined by GSMA – which stands for ‘Electronic Subscriber Identity Module’ after all. This enables your data to be encrypted and transported via licensed spectrum in the cellular network. Once it reaches the base station and subsequently core network, you can use an encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN) to send it to your premises or cloud provider, so your data stays private and secure in-transit all the way to your backend. This is done through our cloud-native programmable network which also lets you control next-generation firewall technology and authentication at the edge. That way, you can decide which connected product should be able to connect to what, while keeping you safe from different types of malicious attacks (e.g. DDoS). And all of this in a few milliseconds. 

Telia Global IoT Connectivity also gives you the tools to monitor your products and their connectivity. You can deactivate or restart your products remotely if you detect any abnormal traffic patterns – or automate your system to do it for you. And if you do detect any risks, you can roll out over-the-air security updates to address them as they emerge. 

5. Simplicity
At the end of the day, keeping your products connected all over the world comes down to one equation: that scalability needs simplicity. You need to handle multiple operators, contracts and technical integrations – as well as staying on top of ever-changing roaming regulations. Without the right connectivity solution to support your global needs, scalability will never be simple.  

This is where Telia Global IoT Connectivity comes into its own. With one dashboard to manage and control it all, one contract, one technical integration and one sim card,  global connectivity has never been easier. Add a single point of contact for support, and simplicity is in your hands.

Learn more about Telia Global IoT Connectivity