Chinese IoT provider Quectel Wireless has launched connectivity-as-a-service (CaaS) to provide connectivity-enabled modules that can be shipped for use anywhere in the world.

This complements Quectel’s heritage of providing modules and antennas to support cellular connections and help users simplify their edge-based deployments by purchasing connectivity alongside modules, antennas and design services. For Quectel, adding connectivity broadens the company’s portfolio and increases the completeness of its offering.

The connectivity will initially launch to users in Emea, providing global connectivity before extending to Asia-Pacific and Latin America users later in 2022.

Quectel connectivity is available now in more than 190 countries via over 500 network operators, and provides 2G, 3G, 4G, NB-IoT and Cat-M connections. Connectivity is available to the whole market and will particularly benefit deployments that can realise accelerated time-to-market and optimised business efficiencies from using a single supplier for module, antenna and connectivity.

In addition, with embedded and integrated SIM (eSIM and iSIM) entering mainstream adoption, it makes sense for Quectel to offer connectivity services because the company will be able to deliver connectivity-enabled modules. This simplifies deployments that previously would have needed a local-market traditional SIM card installed. With an eSIM or iSIM enabled module plus Quectel connectivity, the module, once powered up, will attach to the best available network.

“Quectel connectivity is built on the backbone of service, quality and reliability, backed by tier-one providers and robust service level agreements (SLAs),” said Richard Hart, director of global connectivity at Quectel. “While we support all forms of traditional SIM modules, we specifically also support connectivity-enabled modules that can be shipped for use anywhere in the world which means customers will be able to explore innovative business models that encompass combined module, connectivity and antenna deployments. Our focus is on providing commercial flexibility for our customers to ensure they receive high quality connectivity that enables their IoT. Using self-optimising tariffs, we can minimise the risk of additional charges when issues such as over-the-air (OTA) software updates utilise extra bandwidth and therefore prevent bill shock.”

Alongside its global expertise in modules and antennas, Quectel also has experience in connectivity, having developed its QuecConnectivity platform that manages more than 30 million SIMs in Asia. The CaaS offering can combine connectivity with modules and antennas, providing a single point of entry to Quectel’s portfolio of products and services.

“By adding connectivity to our capabilities, Quectel is reducing complexity for our customers by simplifying and accelerating IoT device deployment,” said Patrick Qian, CEO of Quectel. “Quectel is committed to innovation that drives benefits for customers in the IoT industry, and our connectivity offering is another milestone in that journey. Quectel has helped IoT companies build a smarter world for more than a decade, now we will connect a smarter world.”

Quectel’s growing global team of over 3000 professionals are providing innovations in cellular, GNSS, wifi and Bluetooth modules, antennas and IoT connectivity.