We use connected machines to perform variety of different tasks, ranging from car sensors that enable pay-as-you-drive auto insurance to remote monitoring of equipments to GPS tracking that monitors where the vehicles/containers are and how they are doing. This technology is typically called machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and provides significant value involving dozens of industries, such as lowering service costs with remote access, efficient energy utilization through real-time monitoring and creating new revenue streams by selling differentiated services.
Connectivity is a crucial part of any M2M/IoT solution and one of the potential cost drivers. But, how can a prospective M2M business differentiate the qualities of one Telecom operator’s M2M connectivity offer from another? Which M2M connectivity provider gives best all-round value when it comes to reliable machine to machine connectivity, M2M expert service, and pricing? Here are top 5 tips that I recommend you to look into in order to optimize your data consumption and find the best M2M/IoT connectivity partner.
- The unit you are using: Does the telecom operator understand diversity in M2M devices? Is the M2M connectivity service provider experienced in dealing with M2M units and how they are being used in field? In example, some tracking units uses Binary for data format that uses much less data than ASCII. If you have units that support both then make sure you set the unit to use binary as the data usage will be lower.
- The configuration of your device: Depending on your needs, you shall configure the best optimal setting on your device. Because actual configuration of your device will affect the amount of data being used. For example in GPS tracking devices the way you want to have the tracking interval/polling and heartbeat are very important. If you want to set tracking time down to seconds, then the device will push a lot of data. Using heartbeat and/or sleep mode (if supported) would save cost.
- Rounding effect (the handshake cost): If you configure the device to be always ON (learn how long a data session can be with your telecom operator. At Tele2 we are using 240 min max) instead of starting a data session, sending few bytes and closing the session down, will save you up to 15% cost. This means you can lower your costs by alligning according to the rounding policy of your telecom operator for around 5-15% depending on how often you send data.
- How reliable is the GSM connectivity: Static devices sending non-critical data may only require single network SIMs if the coverage in given location is good (do not forget that coverage also depends on the traffic at base station in a given time). But if the M2M device is roaming/mobile, operates from areas with shaky signal coverage, or involved in sending business critical data, a single network SIM (or a SIM with roaming steering to the “cheapest” network partner) presents risks of connectivity failure. Multi-network SIMs go a long way in addressing this risk by automatically switching connection between networks to retain best signal connectivity. So, ask if you are getting full roaming without network steering and access to the best signal in a given location?
- Automation to prevent overage charges: Most of the connectivity service providers also have some sort of SIM management platform. Check if your platform can be pro-active and takes actions if something un-expected happens. Inability to do anything beyond simple email alerts on potential issues is a posible extra cost and/or customer dissatisfaction for you. Real-time ability to de-activate rogue devices or push a notification into existing IT systems via APIs means devices with problems can be fixed before they become customer support calls to you.
All in all; you should look for the competence level of your telecom operator before signing an M2M deal with them. Most of the network and connectivity issues can often be resolved online or over the phone. But sometimes the M2M devices themselves malfunction or may experience network signaling issues. Check if your Telecom operator has testing skills that can work with you to physically examine the M2M device to ascertain the most likely cause of the problem? Will the service provider be able to help get you back up and running quickly if anything goes wrong?
We at Tele2 has great engineers and long history within M2M connectivity. We can help you optimize your costs and go global without big up front investments. Call me if you want to discuss more. We can help you lower your M2M connectivity costs and get quality global connectivity.
Alper Celik – alper.celik@tele2.com – +46 704 264 778
IT - Telecom Business 
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