How IoT is being applied to telecommunications, its use cases and its evolving role were all discussed at length in a panel at day two of IoT Tech Expo Europe. Moderated by Benedict Gromann, Public Policy Manager at Connect Europe, panellists Alessandro Bovone, CTO at Jersey Telecom Group; Andy Fidler, Distinguished Engineer at BT Group; Pedro Gonçalves, Senior Advisor for EU & International Digital Policy at Altice Portugal and Sebastian Grabowski, Head of IoT at Orange were all present.
IoT is an opportunity
During the course of the discussion, IoT was discussed as “a business opportunity for telecom operators” (Gonçalves), “like bread and butter [to Orange]” (Grabowski) and “the future is bright … the future is IoT” (Bovone, to paraphrase Orange’s old slogan). The importance of IoT to telecommunications operations could not be understated, although during the discussion several important points were raised about enabling its growth.
In discussing how IoT markets are expected to develop in the coming years – looking at IoT for enterprises and for consumers – Bovone said: “The balance is already [leaning towards] industrial enterprises, and most of the cases are developed for specific use … We need to identify what kind of IoT we’re referring to.”
He noted that discussing IoT in the consumer space can refer to “connectivity in the home,” but ringing in discussions about technologies that aren’t, for example, public networks aren’t relevant in the context of consumers.
“Everyone talks about the use cases in the home for IoT, such as security, automation and healthcare,” added Fidler. “However, we believe the ecosystem must focus on the enablement of propositions that are applicable to the mass market. Why would I not go out and buy an IoT solution in the home? It needs to be around mass market applications which are going to deliver clear benefits to the end users.”
Bringing security to devices
The panellists were asked about bringing security to a growing number of devices, as IoT devices proliferate, and as different types come into play.
“Security is paramount for connectivity,” said Bovone. “Regulation needs to be aware of its impact. If we want to collect data to solve an issue with traffic in a smart city environment, we have GDPR in Europe [impacting that]. Different countries have different limitations.”
“In my opinion, telecom operators are losing this market in general,” added Grabowski. “Telecoms don’t maintain devices in many cases, and I see services around me that aren’t telecom oriented. I know many cities which have invested in LoRa that aren’t managed by Orange, or another telecom.”
The point was raised that although security is recognised as crucially important to IoT devices and networks, device manufacturers who have been making their products for years either don’t necessarily know about cybersecurity or Edge protection, or aren’t thinking about it.
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