Category: IoT

In today’s fast-paced world, the Transportation and Logistics sector is evolving rapidly to keep up with the growing demand for efficiency and speed. As the backbone of trade and commerce, logistics requires innovative solutions to tackle challenges such as high operational costs, unpredictable demand, and environmental concerns. The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative force in this sector, reshaping how goods are moved and managed. In the UK, where transportation and logistics are vital to economic growth, IoT is proving invaluable for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs and meeting sustainability goals.

1. Real-Time Fleet Management

IoT-enabled sensors and GPS tracking devices give UK logistics companies the ability to monitor vehicle locations, speed, fuel consumption, and engine health in real time. This data provides insights into driver performance and vehicle maintenance needs, enabling better decision-making and route optimisation. By identifying the most efficient routes and minimising idle time, companies can save on fuel costs and reduce wear and tear on their vehicles. The transparency offered by IoT also enhances customer satisfaction, as clients can track their deliveries in real time, boosting accountability and trust.

2. Enhanced Asset Tracking and Inventory Management

One of the biggest challenges for logistics firms is managing inventory and ensuring assets are accounted for throughout the supply chain. IoT solutions provide real-time asset tracking using RFID and GPS tags, which helps companies monitor goods in transit and pinpoint their exact location. This level of visibility minimises the risk of lost or stolen items and helps prevent supply chain bottlenecks by allowing businesses to pre-emptively address any delays. In warehousing, IoT enables smart inventory management, where products are automatically scanned, counted, and stored, streamlining operations and ensuring accurate stock levels.

3. Predictive Maintenance for Reduced Downtime

Unexpected vehicle breakdowns can cause major delays, disrupt schedules, and add significant costs. IoT-enabled predictive maintenance tools monitor the health of transportation assets, from trucks and vans to trains and airplanes, by gathering data on engine performance, tire pressure, battery life and more. This data allows fleet managers to anticipate and resolve issues before they result in downtime, ultimately extending the life of vehicles, minimising maintenance costs, and improving overall operational efficiency. In the UK, where transportation delays can heavily impact supply chains, predictive maintenance is a game-changer.

4. Cold Chain Monitoring for Perishable Goods

For companies transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, maintaining the cold chain is crucial. IoT sensors monitor the temperature, humidity, and vibration levels in storage units and vehicles, ensuring that goods remain within safe parameters. If any fluctuations occur, IoT systems can send alerts to fleet managers, allowing for immediate action to prevent spoilage. This not only preserves product quality but also helps companies comply with strict regulatory standards. In a market where the demand for fresh and high-quality goods is growing, IoT’s role in cold chain monitoring is increasingly valuable.

5. Improved Safety and Compliance

IoT enhances driver safety and regulatory compliance by collecting data on driver behaviour – including speed, braking patterns, and rest times. Fleet managers can use this data to coach drivers on safer practices, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with the UK’s road safety and working-hour regulations. Additionally, automated IoT-enabled compliance reporting simplifies regulatory paperwork, helping companies stay up-to-date with health and safety requirements and reducing the risk of costly penalties.

6. Reduced Environmental Impact

IoT helps logistics companies reduce their environmental footprint. By optimising routes and reducing idle times, IoT-enabled fleet management systems minimise fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, electric and hybrid vehicle fleets equipped with IoT sensors allow for more effective battery management, promoting the shift toward greener, low-emission transportation. By enabling smarter logistics, IoT is helping the UK’s logistics sector move toward a more sustainable future in line with the country’s ambitious environmental goals.

7. Data-Driven Decision Making

The wealth of data generated by IoT devices in transportation and logistics offers companies deep insights into their operations. Advanced analytics allow businesses to identify patterns and optimise processes across the supply chain. These insights can lead to improved demand forecasting, enhanced customer service, and better resource allocation. For logistics companies, where timely deliveries and efficient management are critical, data-driven decision-making is key to staying competitive.

The Road Ahead

As IoT adoption continues to grow in the UK, we can expect even more sophisticated solutions to emerge, Fidelity Group’s vM2M platform is a prime example of this, offering users the ability to obtain pricing and order IoT SIMs completely online, 24/7.

IoT’s impact on the transportation and logistics sector in the UK is profound. By improving visibility, enhancing safety, optimising costs, and promoting sustainability, IoT is driving an industry-wide transformation that benefits companies, consumers, and the environment alike.

The future of logistics in the UK is connected, efficient, and sustainable, thanks to the power of IoT.

This article was written by our team of IoT experts here at Fidelity Group. We support a wide range of business sectors with our outstanding IoT solution, which includes our market-leading software management platform, vM2M. If you would like to speak to one of our experts to find out how we can help your business, please Click here or call us today on 0800 840 6800.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, businesses are finding innovative ways to connect and manage devices remotely. From smart meters and industrial sensors to connected vehicles and healthcare monitors, IoT devices are revolutionising industries.

However, one critical decision for businesses deploying IoT devices is choosing the right connectivity solution. While it may be tempting to use standard mobile phone SIM cards for IoT applications due to their familiarity and availability, this approach comes with significant drawbacks. Here’s why companies should avoid using mobile phone SIMs in IoT applications and opt for IoT-specific SIMs instead:

1. Different data usage requirements

One of the primary differences between mobile phones and IoT devices is how they use data. Mobile phones are designed for heavy data consumption—think video streaming, social media, and browsing the web.

In contrast, most IoT devices require minimal, intermittent data usage, primarily for transmitting small amounts of information (e.g., sensor readings or status updates).
Using a mobile phone SIM designed for high data consumption can lead to excessive costs in IoT applications where data usage is far more modest. IoT-specific SIMs are optimised for these low-data scenarios, providing cost-efficient plans that align with the device’s needs, which can lead to significant savings.

2. Network stability and coverage

IoT deployments often span multiple geographic locations, including remote or industrial areas where mobile phone networks may have limited coverage.
While mobile SIMs are designed for urban and suburban use with a focus on consumer mobility, IoT SIMs offer better coverage and reliability in challenging environments. IoT SIMs often provide access to multiple networks, allowing devices to switch to the strongest available signal, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in areas where mobile phone networks may fail.
This feature is especially important for critical IoT applications like healthcare monitoring, industrial equipment management or fleet tracking, where downtime or network disruption can result in significant operational or safety risks.

3. Security concerns

IoT devices often operate in environments where security is a primary concern, such as smart cities, utilities or healthcare. Mobile phone SIMs lack the necessary security features required for safeguarding IoT communications. IoT SIMs, on the other hand, come with enhanced security features such as private APNs (Access Point Names), VPN (Virtual Private Networks) support and secure encryption protocols, which protect sensitive data transmitted between IoT devices and backend systems.
With increasing cyberattacks targeting IoT ecosystems, using mobile phone SIMs can expose businesses to security vulnerabilities that could compromise sensitive data or disrupt critical operations.

4. Lack of device management tools

Mobile phone SIMs are typically not equipped with the tools needed to manage large-scale IoT deployments. IoT solutions often involve hundreds or thousands of devices that need to be monitored, updated, and managed remotely. IoT-specific SIMs come with management platforms that allow companies to monitor data usage, troubleshoot issues, and perform firmware updates across devices, all from a centralised interface.
This level of management is crucial for keeping IoT deployments running smoothly. In contrast, mobile phone SIMs lack these essential features, making it difficult to scale IoT operations efficiently or troubleshoot issues in real-time.

5. No support for long-term connectivity needs

IoT devices are often designed to be deployed for long periods without human intervention. Think of smart parking meters or environmental sensors, which might be expected to function for years in the field. Mobile phone SIMs, however, are not built for such long-term, low-maintenance deployments. They often come with contracts and terms that assume regular user interaction, such as device upgrades, usage reviews, or plan changes.

IoT SIMs are specifically tailored for long-term deployments, with flexible contract terms, lower-cost plans, and the ability to operate for years without requiring replacement or manual updates. This makes them far better suited to IoT environments where devices need to “set it and forget it.”

6. Cost inefficiency and billing complexities

Mobile phone plans are typically structured around high data usage, voice minutes, and SMS plans, which do not align with the low-bandwidth, data-only requirements of most IoT devices. Companies using mobile phone SIMs for IoT risk overpaying for services they don’t need or use. Additionally, billing structures for mobile SIMs are not optimised for handling thousands of devices, often leading to complex, hard-to-manage bills.

‘Companies using mobile phone SIMs for IoT risk overpaying’

IoT SIMs, on the other hand, offer flexible pricing models designed for bulk deployments and low-data usage. These plans allow businesses to scale without worrying about unexpected billing spikes or hidden costs, resulting in more predictable and manageable costs.

7. Inadequate support for global deployments

Many IoT devices are deployed globally, operating across different countries and regions. Mobile phone SIMs are limited in their ability to support international roaming or multi-country deployments efficiently. Roaming charges, incompatible networks, and regulatory issues can create major hurdles for businesses using standard mobile SIMs.

IoT SIMs, especially global IoT SIMs, are designed for seamless cross-border connectivity. They provide global coverage with no roaming charges, allowing devices to operate in multiple countries without the need for local SIM cards. This makes them the ideal choice for companies with internationally deployed IoT applications, such as logistics and transportation.

8. Regulatory compliance issues

Many IoT applications operate in industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare, utilities, or finance. Mobile phone SIMs are generally not designed to meet the compliance standards required in these sectors, potentially exposing companies to regulatory penalties. IoT SIMs, by contrast, are often built with industry-specific regulations in mind, helping businesses maintain compliance with standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.

Conclusion

While mobile phone SIMs may seem like a convenient solution for IoT applications, they come with a host of limitations that can hinder the efficiency, security, and scalability of an IoT deployment. IoT-specific SIMs offer a tailored solution designed to meet the unique needs of connected devices, providing enhanced security, reliable network coverage, long-term connectivity, and cost-efficient pricing.

By opting for IoT SIMs, companies can ensure that their IoT devices are properly equipped to perform optimally, securely, and cost-effectively, regardless of the application or deployment scale. Investing in the right SIM technology from the start will save businesses from operational headaches, financial losses, and security risks down the road.

This article was written by our team of IoT experts here at Fidelity Group. We support a wide range of business sectors with our outstanding IoT solution, which includes our market-leading software management platform, vM2M. If you would like to speak to one of our experts to find out how we can help your business, please Click here or call us today on 0800 840 6800.

An IP address serves as a unique identifier for devices accessing the internet. 

Most IoT devices use dynamic IP addresses, which change with each connection. However, fixed (or static) IP addresses remain constant. Devices with fixed IP SIM cards always use the same address when connecting to a network. 

 In IoT connectivity, a solution may require a Static IP address which could offer advantages related to continuous connectivity, remote access and integration with other systems; however this is not always a requirement.  

There are also elements to take into consideration with Static IP SIM cards such as security and additional latency. 

There are different types of Fixed IP SIM cards 

1. Fixed public IP SIM card 

• Hosted in the public domain, accessible over the internet. 

• Ideal for enabling access to connected devices from other endpoints. 

• Example: CCTV systems where users view real-time camera footage remotely. 

1. Fixed private IP SIM card 

• Visible only within your enterprise network. 

• Secure option for device-to-device communication within a private network. 

• Consider supplementing with a secure VPN for remote access over the public internet. 

 Common applications for fixed IP SIM cards include retail where reliable communication is required for automated point-of-sale (POS) systems and security monitoring where wireless CCTV solutions benefit from fixed IP SIMs. 

 Fixed IP SIM cards play a vital role in the connected world. However, it is important to consider whether the static IP is a requirement for the solution to function or a nice-to-have, as the world has run out of IPv4 IP addresses 

 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPv4_address_exhaustion), and most devices / networks do not have the capability to support IPv6 IP addresses yet. As a result of this, a static IP may often be expensive to supply for an IoT solution. 

This article was written by our team of IoT experts here at Fidelity Group. We support a wide range of business sectors with our outstanding IoT solution, which includes our market-leading software management platform, vM2M. If you would like to speak to one of our experts to find out how we can help your business, please Click here or call us today on 0800 840 6800.

In IoT Connectivity, SIM Cards often roam across networks in other countries giving them the ability to connect to more than one single network. The key advantage to connecting in this way is that there are often multiple networks available, via roaming partners, depending on the way the SIM is configured. Switching between networks often requires no intervention from an end user (which is optimal for IoT Connectivity). This brings about a few more ways in which SIM cards work.

Multi network vs single network SIM cards A single network SIM card is often provided by a local network operator and has access to that specific network, like a Vodafone SIM in the UK that connects to the Vodafone network. This SIM may be able to roam on different networks in other countries where Vodafone is not available (provided your tariff allows and roaming agreements are in place with the networks).

Almost all traditional mobile SIM cards are single network SIM cards, but some IoT SIM cards could be single network SIM cards too such as a Telefonica (O2) SIM from Spain that is being used in the UK but only has access to the O2 Network, even though Telefonica have roaming agreements in place with other UK networks. The communication plan (the agreed network & technology parameters on which the SIM card operates) allows the SIM to only connect to the O2 network, making the SIM more cost effective and thus a single network SIM card.

With multi network SIM cards, SIMs will have access to more than one network in the country it is being used in. In IoT connectivity, most SIM cards have a fixed originating country but roam on other networks unlike standard consumer mobile SIM cards that typically have one single fixed network.

Let us imagine a European SIM provider which has access to the local European network as well as multiple roaming options in other parts of the world. This SIM can be used in the UK and has access to the O2, Vodafone, 3 (Hutchinson) and EE as the network will have roaming agreements in place for all UK networks. The total area covered by all mobile networks is much larger than that of any single network. The networks above could be Vodafone, EE, O2 and 3, for example, when using a multi network SIM in the UK. 

 It is important to remember that a SIM can only ever be connected to one network at time even though the SIM has access to multiple available networks. 

 The SIM manufacturer or the SIM form factor do not determine if it is a Single Network or multi network SIM card, a SIMs communication plan (or Tariff) determines if the SIM is multi network or single network Steered vs unsteered roaming SIM cards

When using multi network SIM Cards, there are two types of roaming that suppliers can configure, steered roaming or unsteered roaming. Unsteered SIMs offer connectivity to any network with a signal.  

If there are two or more networks in range, then they will connect to either network (depending on the parameters set on the IoT device).  

 The SIM will often remain connected to the network it initially connects to unless: 

•  either the device is rebooted to initiate a re-scan of available networks 

• the device is prompted to initiate a re-scan of available networks 

• the current network is lost, and the device initiates a rescan of available networks. 

An unsteered SIM card will have no network preference. If the device that the SIM is inserted in has no intelligence to run a network scan or any rules configured, it will select the first network it detects as its home network, regardless of signal strength and network technologies. This article was written by our team of IoT experts here at Fidelity Group. We support a wide range of business sectors with our outstanding IoT solution, which includes our market-leading software management platform, vM2M. If you would like to speak to one of our experts to find out how we can help your business, please Click here or call us today on 0800 840 6800.

APN stands for Access Point Name. It serves as a configuration setting on mobile devices, connecting them to a carrier’s cellular network. An APN plays a crucial role in enabling internet access and multimedia messaging services, ensuring that data is transmitted accurately. Structure of an APN An APN consists of two essential components: 

• Network Identifier: This specifies the external network to which the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) is connected. Optionally, it may also include the service requested by the user. 
• Operator Identifier: This identifies the specific operator’s packet domain network where the GGSN is located. It includes the mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code (MNC), which uniquely identify a mobile network operator.  

Examples of APNs 

• three.co.uk (operator-specific domain) 
• internet.t-mobile 
• internet.mnc012.mcc345.gprs 
• rcomnet.mnc015.mcc405.gprs 

Types of APNs 

• Public APN: Connects mobile or IoT devices to the public internet. Each time a device establishes a connection, the MNO/MVNO assigns it the next available IP address from a pool. 
• Public APN with a Public Static IP: Like a standard APN but assigns a fixed IP address to the device for consistent connections.

Difference Between APNs and VPNs APN (Gateway)

• Establishes wireless connections. 
• Configures connectivity paths based on business requirements. 
• Allows IoT devices to connect to enterprise networks without accessing the public internet.

VPN (Tunnel)

• Provides a secure data transfer channel across public or private networks. 
• Encrypts data packets, making interception indecipherable.

Benefits of APNs

• Greater flexibility for businesses to configure connectivity methods. 
• Private APNs keep data confined to private networks while applying security and usage policies. 

 Summary 

APNs are essential for reliable connectivity, whether you’re connecting to the public internet or creating secure channels within enterprise networks. This article was written by our team of IoT experts here at Fidelity Group. We support a wide range of business sectors with our outstanding IoT solution, which includes our market-leading software management platform, vM2M. If you would like to speak to one of our experts to find out how we can help your business, please Click here or call us today on 0800 840 6800. APN stands for Access Point Name. It serves as a configuration setting on mobile devices, connecting them to a carrier’s cellular network. An APN plays a crucial role in enabling internet access and multimedia messaging services, ensuring that data is transmitted accurately. 

Structure of an APN 

An APN consists of two essential components: 

• Network Identifier: This specifies the external network to which the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) is connected. Optionally, it may also include the service requested by the user. 
• Operator Identifier: This identifies the specific operator’s packet domain network where the GGSN is located. It includes the mobile country code (MCC) and mobile network code (MNC), which uniquely identify a mobile network operator.  

Examples of APNs 

• three.co.uk (operator-specific domain) 
• internet.t-mobile 
• internet.mnc012.mcc345.gprs 
• rcomnet.mnc015.mcc405.gprs 

Types of APNs 

• Public APN: Connects mobile or IoT devices to the public internet. Each time a device establishes a connection, the MNO/MVNO assigns it the next available IP address from a pool. 
• Public APN with a Public Static IP: Like a standard APN but assigns a fixed IP address to the device for consistent connections.

 

Difference Between APNs and VPNs

APN (Gateway)

• Establishes wireless connections. 
• Configures connectivity paths based on business requirements. 
• Allows IoT devices to connect to enterprise networks without accessing the public internet. 

VPN (Tunnel)

• Provides a secure data transfer channel across public or private networks. 
• Encrypts data packets, making interception indecipherable.

Benefits of APNs

• Greater flexibility for businesses to configure connectivity methods. 
• Private APNs keep data confined to private networks while applying security and usage policies. 

 Summary 

APNs are essential for reliable connectivity, whether you’re connecting to the public internet or creating secure channels within enterprise networks. 

This article was written by our team of IoT experts here at Fidelity Group. We support a wide range of business sectors with our outstanding IoT solution, which includes our market-leading software management platform, vM2M. If you would like to speak to one of our experts to find out how we can help your business, please Click here or call us today on 0800 840 6800.

You may have heard the terms IoT and M2M and these may seem, at first glance, to represent the same type of connectivity but there are some key differences. In this article we look at the differences and look at the typical types of applications for each type of connectivity.

Before we explore what differentiates these terms, let’s look at each of these terms in a little more detail.

Internet of Things (IoT)

This type of connectivity represents an ecosystem of devices, often referred to as ‘things’, which communicate with each other using the internet. These devices utilise sensors, actuators, and connectivity technology to exchange data seamlessly. IoT enables central control, data analytics, and informed decision-making across a wide range of domains.

Examples of IoT applications include smart home devices (like thermostats and doorbells), industrial sensors, EV chargers and connected vehicles.

Machine to Machine (M2M)

This type of connectivity refers to direct communication between two or more machines. Unlike IoT, M2M doesn’t rely on internet connectivity; instead, it uses wired or wireless mechanisms.

M2M applications include security systems, tracking devices, manufacturing processes and facility management. Think of cash machines communicating with host processors to process transactions—this is a classic M2M example.

Key differences between IoT and M2M

Scope

IoT has a broader scope, connecting countless devices across various domains.
M2M has a more limited scope, focusing on specific applications.

Internet dependency

IoT devices rely on internet connectivity for data exchange.
M2M devices communicate directly without internet connectivity.

Communication protocol

IoT uses internet protocols (HTTP, FTP, etc.).
M2M relies on traditional communication technologies.

Data sharing

IoT shares data across applications for user experience improvement.
M2M shares data only between communicating parties.

Business type

IoT serves both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) sectors.
M2M primarily focuses on B2B applications.

API support

IoT supports open APIs for integrations.
M2M lacks open API support.

Centric approach

IoT emphasises information and service-centric approaches.
M2M is more communication and device centric.

Scalability 

IoT is highly scalable due to IP-based networks.
M2M scalability is more limited.

Computer systems

IoT involves both hardware and software.
M2M is predominantly hardware-based.

Summary

While IoT and M2M share similarities, they serve different purposes. IoT leverages internet connectivity for widespread data exchange, while M2M focuses on direct communication between machines. Both play critical roles in our connected world, shaping the future of technology and business.

Here at Fidelity Group we are experts in IoT technology and management, offering our clients both national and global connectivity solutions but also access to our leading management platform, vM2M.

VM2M is the only platform with 24/7 online quoting, ordering and management.

To talk to one of our experts today and find more out about our leading solutions please go to our Contact Us page.

Or to get started with IoT why not take advantage of our FREE IoT Starter Pack?

Mobile network operators worldwide are taking significant steps toward the sunsetting of 2G & 3G networks Most 3G services are being retired already in the UK as part of network modernisation. While 3G networks are being phased out sooner, 2G networks will continue to operate in many countries, especially in Europe, for some time. This transition, often referred to as ‘sunsetting’, has implications for IoT applications. Owners of IoT solutions that use 3G or 2G must consider decommissioning their devices, SIM swaps, upgrades or device replacements.

A noteworthy example of sunsetting the 3G network is Vodafone in the UK. By 2023, less than 4%, of the data transmitted on the Vodafone network relied on 3G technology, a significant reduction from the over 30% recorded in 2016. They said:

“Every UK mobile network has committed to switching off their 3G network. At Vodafone, we’ve already switched off our 3G network in several locations across the UK and our final phase took place in January 2024.” (Source)

Network technologies

To better understand the sunsetting of these networks, let us explore the network technology timeline and where 2G and 3G fit into this.

Network sunsetting

Mobile network operators globally are either shutting down 3G services or planning to do so soon. Some individual operators may sunset their networks earlier than others, particularly their 3G networks.

The goal of sunsetting older networks is to free up spectrum for 5G and beyond, unlocking exciting possibilities for everyday life and business.

For devices still dependent on 3G and incapable of transitioning to 4G or 5G, there is a fallback to 2G technology. However, given the yet-to-be-announced switch-off dates for 2G technology across each network, an eventuality expected in the coming years, this would just be a short-term solution.

Impact on IoT deployments

There are several factors affecting IoT deployments including the cellular module used in the device, the SIM type, the connectivity configuration and alternative bearer services.

It is crucial to assess the impact of specific network sunsets in each country of use on your IoT deployments and plan actions to ensure there is no loss of service on these devices.

Future IoT products will rely on 4G, 5G, and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies for seamless connectivity throughout their lifecycle.

Summary

In summary, with the sunsetting 2G and 3G networks the industry is poised for a technological revolution, paving the way for more advanced communication networks and innovative applications. It will be the responsibility of each device owner to ensure they are ready for these advancements.

This article was written by our team of IoT experts here at Fidelity Group. We support a wide range of business sectors with our outstanding IoT solution, which includes our market-leading software management platform, vM2M. If you would like to speak to one of our experts to find out how we can help your business, please Click here or call us today, FREE, on 0800 840 6800.

* 2G is the second generation of mobile communications, focused primarily on calling (Voice). GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) on the 2G network made it possible to also send data packages, however, only one communication technique can be used at a time (using Voice and Data simultaneously is not possible) on this network.

** 3G is the third generation of mobile communications and the successor to the 2G network, this generation of mobile network was still focused on calling, but also offered a faster data connection. 3G was launched in 2001, almost 10 years after 2G.

In the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT), data usage is often predictable as devices will perform the same functions and send the same amounts of data every month. However, there are some cases where data is not predictable and this is where data pooling is beneficial.

Here’s how it works:

1. Shared Data Allowance: Instead of paying separately for each device’s data usage, data pooling enables a collective data allowance for all connected devices. This shared ‘pool’ of data can be used by any device within the group.
2. Flexibility and Cost Savings: Data pooling provides flexibility and cost savings. For example, if you have ten IoT devices assigned to a 1 GB data plan, they can collectively draw from a total pool of 10 GB. This means that one device may only use 500MB whilst another can use 1.5GB without incurring any additional usage.
3. Mitigating underutilised data: Data pooling assumes that usage patterns across devices will average out. While some devices may consume more data, others may use less. By sharing the data pool, you mitigate the risk of wasting unused data in devices with lower usage.
   

   IoT Data Pooling Options

• Aggregated Data Pool: Aggregated Pools are where individual SIM allowances are pooled together to create a variable pool of data for all contributing SIMs to consume from. The size of Aggregated Pools adjusts each time a data SIM is added or removed. This is a common choice for when you are unsure about data usage as you can scale these pools up or down each month.
• Fixed Data Pool: With a Fixed Data pool, you can purchase a large amount of data per month and then have SIMs consume from this data allowance. This is a common choice for when you are sure about the data usage across SIMs. These pools are not as scalable as Aggregated Data Pools.

Benefits of IoT Data Pooling

• Cost Efficiency: Data pooling allows you to optimise data plans based on the overall needs of your IoT deployment. Rather than overprovisioning data for individual devices, you allocate resources more effectively.
• Simplified Management: Managing a single data pool is simpler than tracking individual data limits for each device. It streamlines billing, alerting, monitoring, and reporting.
• Scalability: As your IoT (estate?) grows, data pooling scales seamlessly. You can add new devices without reconfiguring individual data plans.

Considerations

• Overages: While data pooling helps prevent overage charges, it’s also essential to monitor usage. Unexpected spikes in data consumption can still occur.
• Data Allocations: It is worth noting the amount of data that each SIM is allocated before adding these SIMs into a pool. For example, a SIM with 1GB of data that was purchased on the 15th day of the month, may have pro-rata data so actually only contributes half of the full allowance to the pool.
• Pooling Compatibility: When creating a data pool, ensure you can pool your entire SIM estate, if required. You may not be able to pool gGlobal SIMs with local SIMs due to the difference in pricing for the data. Data pools often carry a fixed rental charge based on the coverage zone which is why you are not able to pool different SIMs from different zones.
• Choosing the Right Plan: When selecting an IoT data plan, consider the total data needs of your devices. Select a plan that aligns with your usage patterns and allows for data pooling.

By pooling IoT data, you can strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and operational effectiveness.

vM2M and Data Pooling

At Fidelity Group, our revolutionary IoT platform, vM2M, allows you to create and administer your own data pools to manage your IoT Connectivity efficiently. Here’s how:

• Create Data Pools: Build your own data pools on the vM2M platform. The options are endless with no limitations as to how many data pools you are allowed to create.
• Pool SIMs with Different Data Allocations: vM2M allows the flexibility of aggregating a 10MB SIM with 1TB SIM if required. The only limitation is the SIM supplier and Coverage zone that the standalone SIM was purchased on.
• Top Up Data Pools: Seamlessly add additional data to your pool by selecting the amount of data and accepting the associated cost. vM2M will adjust the pool and update to the new usage limits. All previous rules and alerts will be updated accordingly too for the month. Once a new month begins, all usages will be reset.

Data pooling is a powerful tool for managing IoT Connectivity and if it is used in the correct way this will enable IoT SIM estates to scale with ease.

To talk to one of our experts today and find more out about how our vM2M IoT management platform prevents bill shock, please go to our Contact Us page.

To get started with IoT why not take advantage of our FREE IoT Starter Pack?