Thales has launched what it claims is the world’s first all-in-one IoT connectivity activation and lifecycle management platform.

The Cinterion IoT Connectivity Activation suite simplifies and digitalises cellular connectivity and the daily operations of industrial IoT device manufacturers and service providers. Based on standard eSIM technology, it eliminates the need for IoT service providers to set up and run complex eSIM remote subscription provisioning platforms.

It uses a single IoT eSIM that works with whichever mobile operator is selected by the device manufacturer or IoT service provider. This also enables resilient device connectivity and lifecycle management over the multi-year life spans of industrial applications thereby delivering a reduction in cost.

By 2025, 75 billion IoT devices will be connected with a potential market value of around $1.6tn. This not only brings business opportunities, but also problems such as how to streamline supply chain logistics for smart devices.

The suite simplifies manufacturing processes and logistics; device manufacturers no longer need to produce multiple product variants for deployment with different mobile network operators (MNOs) in different countries. One product now fits all MNO networks as the IoT eSIM embedded in the industrial device can connect to any MNO network worldwide.

“Thales leverages its unique expertise of cellular network infrastructure and collaboration with more than 400 mobile operators to simplify industrial IoT connectivity,” said Frederic Deman, senior vice president at Thales. “Thales connectivity offers all the benefits of digitalisation and eSIM technology for the industrial IoT sector. With more than 25 years of constant innovation in IoT connectivity, Thales enables the best total-cost-of-ownership and performance to its customers.”

Thanks to a remote activation process, the IoT eSIM automatically downloads the MNO profile that best suits the device location and connects to the network according to the service providers’ pre-defined business rules.

This guarantees network resilience and longevity. As networks and IoT applications evolve, it ensures reliable connectivity and business continuity by automatically switching to back-up connectivity providers removing the need for physical device updates.

“The IoT eSIM is a huge step forward for Aidon helping to ensure 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 for IoT devices at Aidon. “The solution co-developed with Thales 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.”

Phil Sealy, research director at ABI Research, added: “Thales Cinterion Connectivity Activation turns traditional methods of IoT device service provisioning and updating on its head, bringing new levels of service digitisation, automation, over-the-air management and digital security to industrial IoT. Device manufacturers and service providers will no longer be tied to complex connectivity device design and logistics, thanks to a simplified and flexible approach. By easing the path to cellular connectivity and management, device manufacturers and service providers can redshift their focus toward innovation and scaling digital transformation for their customers.”

French firm Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2020, the group generated sales of €17bn.