IoT firms Eseye and Telit Cinterion are using Thales connectivity management expertise.

Eseye is using Thales TAC adaptive connect to enhance IoT devices with an automatic, seamless, optimal local network connection when first powered up. Telit Cinterion has integrated Thales TIC instant connect services in its IoT modules for remote eSIM activation.

TAC is a flexible cloud-based option that eliminates the need for Eseye to configure a large number of IoT devices before deployment in the field. TAC is said to be the first market-ready option to provide such a level of scalability and resilience.

Implementing this with Eseye’s Infinity platform provides eSIM-based devices with out-of-the-box connectivity, and streamlined operations across manufacturing and logistics, while complying with security standards.

Eseye selected Thales to accelerate and simplify worldwide IoT deployment with seamless connectivity. Thales lets Eseye automatically connect IoT devices with the most appropriate profile the first time they are powered up and in-life.

TAC is based on eSIM (embedded SIM) technology that simplifies the management of IoT devices lifecycle. The market-ready option eliminates the need to configure mobile subscriptions in the factory, or for technicians to visit them in the field.

Eseye provides IoT cellular connectivity services worldwide, and TAC brings connectivity management of IoT devices remotely to make it easier to roll-out and support major projects in areas such as smart utilities, supply chains, logistics and automotive. Indeed, any kind of IoT device can be deployed and connected in any region or country without being configured beforehand.

TAC (www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/mobile/connectivity/esim/adaptative-connect) is remotely managing the eSIM automatic configuration to provide the best local connectivity from its first usage and throughout its lifespan on the field. With Thales, Eseye can ensure they all connect to the preferred mobile network whenever it is needed. For example, deployed IoT devices can be switched to another mobile network remotely, over-the-air, at any time. This complies with the GSMA SGP.32 eSIM IoT standard, ensuring security, reliability and future proof capability for massive IoT use cases.

Thanks to the Thales connectivity offer for eSIM-based devices, Eseye will be able to operate and manage flexible, end-to-end connectivity from the factory to the field, and throughout the device lifecycle, which means the entire operation, including manufacturing, logistics and connectivity, is streamlined and simplified.

“Combining SGP.32 and SGP.41 support will ensure future IoT device deployments can deliver optimum efficiency and value to our customers,” said Adam Hayes, chief operating officer at Eseye (www.eseye.com). “Not only do enterprises get a completely future proofed eSIM platform, but it also enables maximum choice of either personalising devices for local mobile networks ahead of deployment or using TAC to do this for them in the field.”

Guillaume Lafaix, vice president at Thales, added: “Eseye is a dynamic partner with whom we have also worked on a proof of concept for customers interested in in-factory provisioning for their devices. This enables profiles to be securely provisioned during the device manufacturing process. For example, a blood sugar monitor device that has been configured at the factory will have a substantially longer battery life since there is no need for an in-field local profile download. This, which meets the latest SGP.41 market specifications, retains all of the benefits of an automatic and cost-effective connection to the preferred local network.”

Telit Cinterion IoT modules featuring TIC (www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/mobile/connectivity/esim/instant-connect) can be remotely activated for cellular connectivity at the time of device installation or during in-field operation. This streamlines IoT deployments as it simplifies supply chain, device installation and maintenance, helping keep IoT devices connected anywhere and at all times. Aidon, a specialist in smart metering, is the first to benefit from this partnership, deploying IoT modules and initial connectivity from a single vendor, Telit Cinterion.

“The IoT eSIM is an important innovation, ensuring production flexibility and connectivity of our smart meters, even in rural areas, and all without the need for physical handling of SIMs,” said Petri Ounila, director at Finland-based Aidon (aidon.com). “This provides a true operator selection and provisioning at any stage of the product lifetime. It is improving our ability to get smart meters connected, stay connected and adapt to new metering as-a-service business models.”

By integrating Thales technology into Telit modules, enterprises can enjoy instant out-of-the-box connectivity activation irrespective of the grid of available mobile networks. The collaboration between the two companies on this enables them to get their IoT connected products in the market quickly, allowing them to reap the benefits of digital transformation that is at the core of the IoT promise.

The way this works is that, at the end of device production or when it is deployed in the field, the Telit module uses the initial connectivity provided by TIC to download the target local connectivity from the network operators selected by the IoT service provider. This allows device manufacturers and service providers to postpone selecting a connectivity provider until after the device is manufactured and throughout the deployment process. It can also be used during in-field operation, enabling deployed devices to stay connected throughout unexpected cellular network outages. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in situations where the devices are deployed across different regions or countries, as it allows for seamless integration with local network operators.

“Helping our enterprise customers to quickly launch and monetise IoT is our mission at Telit Cinterion,” said Manish Watwani, chief product officer at Telit Cinterion (www.telit.com). “Adding the Thales eSIM to our modules in combination with our SIM provisioning and global MVNO services to streamline the final connectivity provider selection is a game changer in the industry. This delivers unparalleled adaptability to changing circumstances and simplifies supply chain and logistics because it is based on a single eSIM with TIC, which can be shipped anywhere in the world.”

Lafaix added: “Thales aims to support IoT adopters and streamline device deployment with our eSIM with initial connectivity via TIC. This simplifies and accelerates large scale IoT deployments for device makers, benefiting all stakeholders in the value chain. Thales is pleased to work with Telit Cinterion to support its success in cellular connectivity and speed up device deployment.”

Thales (www.thalesgroup.com) has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the group generated sales of €17.6bn.