IoT Thought Leadership Blog

2024 Tech & Trends Global Roadshow Key Takeaways | KORE

Written by KORE | Aug 20, 2024 1:00:00 PM

As IoT continues to redefine how we connect, KORE is leading the charge in driving innovation and ensuring that businesses worldwide are equipped to harness the power of connectivity. In our recent "IoT Tech and Trends" webinar series, we explored critical topics shaping the future of IoT across four major regions: Europe, North America, Brazil, and Australia. Each session provided valuable insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities in IoT, sparking engaging discussions and raising essential questions from our global audience. 

Europe & Australia: Building, Managing, Scaling, and Deploying IoT

In the Europe and Australia sessions, the focus was on strategies for effectively managing and scaling IoT deployments. Discussions emphasized the importance of flexible and scalable solutions that can adapt to varying regulatory environments and market demands. eSIM technology emerged as a key player, with its potential for widespread adoption and the technical challenges of ensuring seamless operation across different carriers and regions taking center stage.

Missed the sessions? Check out the recording of the webinars here: Australia and Europe.

North America: The Future of IoT – Trends, Technologies, and Strategies for 2024

The North America session explored cutting-edge technologies driving IoT innovation, including the rise of 5G, advancements in edge computing, and the growing importance of AI and machine learning in IoT applications. With IoT’s rapid expansion, security remains a top priority. Panelists discussed evolving threats and the need for comprehensive security measures, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and infrastructure.

Catch up on the North America session here.

Brazil: The Evolution of IoT – From Connected Devices to Intelligent Systems

In Brazil, the webinar highlighted the transition from basic connected devices to intelligent, integrated systems capable of driving real-time decision-making and automation across industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Watch the Brazil webinar here.

Your Top IoT Questions Addressed

Throughout the series, KORE’s experts answered a wide range of audience questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and the insights provided by our panelists:

  1. Are global carriers planning massive eSIM adoption?
    Absolutely. eSIM adoption is gaining momentum globally as carriers recognize its benefits, including simplified device management and seamless global connectivity. This trend is expected to accelerate, particularly as more IoT devices require flexible, multi-network connectivity.
  2. Does eSIM technology require new design implementation, or can it be retrofitted into existing devices? 
    The physical eSIM can often remain unchanged, meaning the device or PCB doesn't necessarily need redesigning. For those looking to avoid design changes, an eSIM supporting IPAe (like Kigen’s) can ensure compatibility with industry-standard.
  3. How can you ensure eSIM interoperability across different IoT devices?
    Ensuring eSIM interoperability across IoT devices requires careful consideration due to differing standards. IoT eSIMs aren't always compatible with M2M Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) systems. To overcome this, it’s advisable to use an eSIM lifecycle management platform that offers a “single pane of glass” view.

    This approach allows the seamless downloading of necessary MNO connectivity profiles to any eSIM-equipped device. The platform manages all RSP standards, ensuring that the right profile is applied to the correct eSIM. 

    For MNOs and MVNOs, utilizing an RSP-agnostic lifecycle management solution ensures consistent connectivity across both M2M and IoT eSIMs, enabling devices to operate smoothly across various networks and regions.
  4. Our devices use NB-IoT & LTE-M. Can eSIMs flexibly switch between these networks and are there global roaming solutions from a single provider? 
    Yes, eSIMs are agnostic to the cellular radio, allowing them to work with both NB-IoT and LTE-M. Devices can switch between networks and trigger a profile switch on the eSIM to match the most suitable MNO profile.
  5. How are organizations utilizing 5G for IoT applications? 
    Organizations are leveraging 5G to enable faster data transfer, support more devices, and reduce latency. This is crucial in applications like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and industrial automation, where real-time data is critical.
  6. What are the possibilities and perspectives of mMTC 5G adoption? 
    The adoption of massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) within 5G networks is on the horizon, particularly for applications requiring a high density of low-power devices, such as smart cities and industrial IoT. However, widespread adoption will depend on the maturity of 5G networks and the development of cost-effective mMTC devices.
  7. How does KORE manage healthcare IoT during massive expansions?
    Managing healthcare IoT during expansions requires a holistic approach that includes connectivity, devices, and managed services. At KORE, we offer end-to-end support, covering the following:
    • Deployment/Logistics: Efficient configuration, shipping, and returns management.
    • Device Management: Installation and configuration of Mobile Device Management (MDM) subscriptions with leading service providers.
    • Device Certification: A comprehensive program to certify devices with minimal investment in personnel, time, and resources.
    By providing deployment, logistics, device management, and certification, KORE ensures healthcare providers can scale their IoT solutions efficiently and securely.
  8. How do you ensure reliable connectivity in large-scale IoT deployments? 
    Reliable connectivity is the backbone of any successful IoT deployment. KORE ensures this through enterprise-grade hardware, over-the-air (OTA) network management, and a comprehensive connectivity management platform. Our approach provides a "single pane of glass" for managing SIMs, ensuring maximum uptime across all devices.
  9. What’s the status of Digital Twin technologies in Australia? 
    Digital Twin technology is gaining traction in Australia, especially in government and infrastructure projects. The Victorian government’s Digital Twin Victoria platform is a significant initiative, integrating data from over 4,000 local, state, and national datasets to create comprehensive models that enhance planning and infrastructure efficiency. - Fintech Showcase

    The Australian government is also actively promoting digital twins in infrastructure projects. A national strategy includes embedding digital engineering and Building Information Modelling (BIM) across all major federally funded projects within the next five years. - GovTech Review Australia
  10. How is the security landscape for IoT evolving?
    As IoT expands, the security landscape is becoming more complex. Companies must adopt robust security measures like end-to-end encryption, secure boot processes, and regular updates to protect against vulnerabilities.

    For eSIM provisioning, similar security protocols used in consumer eSIMs are applied. The new SGP.32 standard, featuring eSIM Integrated Management (eIM), introduces additional security, including SAS certification. This ensures end-to-end protection between eIM and the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC), with only authorized eIMs permitted to interact.

    Staying ahead of security challenges in IoT is crucial, and adopting these advanced protocols is key to safeguarding your IoT infrastructure. 

Embracing the Future: KORE’s Commitment to IoT Innovation

The "Tech and Trends in IoT" webinar series underscored the rapid evolution and diverse applications of IoT across different regions and industries. From the expanding role of eSIM technology to the transformative potential of 5G and Digital Twins, the insights shared by our experts highlight the critical importance of staying ahead in this dynamic field.

At KORE, we are dedicated to empowering businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of IoT. As the landscape continues to evolve, our commitment to innovation, security, and scalability remains unwavering. We are here to support our customers as they harness the full potential of IoT, driving efficiency and success in their operations.

For those who missed the webinars, recordings are available on our website, where you can explore these topics in more detail and see how KORE can support your IoT journey.

As we look to the future, we invite you to stay connected with us for the latest advancements and thought leadership in IoT. Together, we can shape the future of connectivity, transforming industries and enhancing lives through the power of IoT.