MNOs: From Network Provider to Enterprise IoT Enabler

The rollout of 5G infrastructure is a major telecommunications milestone, but mobile network operators need to do more than provide 5G connectivity to win enterprise clients. Instead, they must create value.

The key to accomplishing this lies in enterprise enablement. Mobile network operators (MNOs) that successfully extend their services to meet enterprise connectivity demands can unlock entirely new revenue streams.

In other words, MNOs cannot simply issue enterprise clients a Mont Blanc 5G SIM and call it a day. Providing 5G connectivity may be an MNO’s core business, but enterprises require more than that to deploy IoT for their applications. What enterprises want are outcomes, and what they need is secure, scalable, and multi-device connectivity that is easy to manage, quick to deploy, and tailored to the needs of their specific industry.

Meeting these expectations demands more than operational towers, a well-planned and executed network infrastructure, and stellar capacity. MNOs must offer integrated platforms that support all the phases and stages involved in deploying industrial IoT. 

These include:

• Commissioning

• Provisioning

• Security

• Monitoring and tracking

• Decommissioning

Enterprises require effortless lifecycle management, full lifecycle visibility, and flexible deployment models. Fortunately, MNOs can deliver just that and address key functional gaps.

1. Deliver an Enterprise-Ready Connectivity Layer

Enterprises need more than just bandwidth. Their challenge lies in building an IoT infrastructure from the ground up and managing the entire lifecycle of connectivity across thousands of devices deployed in multiple (possibly worldwide) locations. Even in such a distributed system, enterprises want seamless provisioning, device activation, monitoring, and administration.

Enterprises can be overwhelmed if they must construct this IoT network themselves. The task requires expertise that an organisation may not have and capital it may not be willing to spend.

MNOs can fill this gap. They can provide an end-to-end, cloud-based IoT connectivity layer.

Such a solution would include a comprehensive eSIM IoT orchestration platform that enables secure and efficient IoT device provisioning and management. It can also encompass a range of IoT solutions, including network switching capabilities via eUICC (embedded universal integrated circuit card) and multi-IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity).

MNOs do not even have to build this IoT cloud infrastructure themselves. They can procure the services of an IoT enabler, one that can provide a multi-tenant IoT cloud platform that MNOs can white label and readily offer as a service to enterprises, institutions, and original equipment manufacturers.

Such a platform will enable an MNO to deliver a branded, user-friendly interface where enterprise clients can manage their IoT deployments directly. It also positions the MNO as a full-service provider rather than a mere connectivity vendor.

2. Offer Enterprise Connectivity as a Service

Enterprises want flexibility and are moving away from rigid connectivity contracts. What they want now are modular offerings that can scale with their business requirements.

As such, they may prefer pay-as-you-go and subscription-based access and use-based billing. Fallback routing and dynamic traffic policies may also be non-negotiables.

MNOs can repackage their products and services to align with these requirements. They can implement these changes with the help of IoT management platforms equipped with automated and flexible provisioning protocols.

3. Offer Plug-and-Play 5G Solutions

Smart campuses, logistics hubs, automated factories, and other enterprises are interested in private 5G networks. However, MNOs are frequently bypassed in favour of systems integrators or equipment manufacturers because they lack productised and ready-to-deploy 5G solutions.

To close this gap, operators can offer private 5G systems. They can bundle hardware, software and everything else organisations need to deploy their own private 5G network. They can include the following integrated solutions:

• A licensed spectrum

• SIM-based identity management

• Dedicated provisioning tools

• Remote control

• Policy-based access

• Secure onboarding

4. Ensure Secure Connectivity

MNOs must integrate secure identity and connectivity into their packages and solutions because enterprise IoT security is a top priority. SIM-based identity continues to be one of the most secure and reliable methods of authenticating devices and controlling network access.

MNOs can become an enterprise’s provider of choice if they have demonstrable expertise in and an established track record of providing secure SIM solutions, including SIM cards with advanced cryptographic security. Paired with platforms equipped with advanced security features, such as encrypted provisioning and policy-based authentication, they can help MNOs differentiate their offerings.

5. Enable Full Lifecycle Management

Enterprise clients require full visibility into where their connected devices are and how they are performing over time. They must monitor usage, issue updates, and suspend and decommission devices.

MNOs can offer enterprises an IoT device management platform. This will give enterprises a single interface to commission, track, manage, and decommission all IoT devices in their network. By providing clients with continuous oversight and control, MNOs can enhance their value proposition and strengthen long-term client relationships.

From Infrastructure to Enablement

With 5G infrastructure widely deployed, the differentiator for MNOs will be their ability to offer intelligent, enterprise-grade connectivity solutions. MNOs must not simply provide connectivity but build value by delivering ready-to-integrate enterprise IoT solutions.