Carl Turnley on IoT in Telecom

The Internet of Things, better known as IoT is a term the majority of people have heard but few completely understand. The Guardian explains the IoT as the connecting of devices via the Internet to consumers allowing them to stay in contact with their connected devices. One popular example of the Internet of Things is the Smart Fridge capable of monitoring products inside and texting the owner when a product is out of date.

A major concern for experts and consumers alike is the role of telecommunications companies in the delivery of IoT. One of the major issues facing telecom companies is the need for a refined infrastructure capable of linking devices of different bandwidths to residential and commercial users. For example, IoT Evolution reports the development of IoT is about more than simply the development of Cloud services for consumers, although this is a major consideration. Higher bandwidth usage and speeds are required for the connection of cars and mobile devices to Smart Home technologies, but a lower speed level is needed if a company is to develop links to Smart Meters and other rarely used appliances around a property.

Cloud technologies and memory levels of consumers are being discussed by members of the Telecom industry as more personalized plans are being considered because of a growing level of data requirements. Digitalist Magazine reports some studies to estimate around 21 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020 meaning the requirements for consumers from telecom companies are changing quickly.

The majority of telecoms are now seeking ways of expanding their Cloud-based technologies as these are seen as important in storing all the required information about the connected devices. Alongside the development of the Cloud, companies are also seeking to update their security technologies as these are seen as becoming vulnerable to attacks based around hackers looking to steal personal information stored to aid in the use of connected devices.

Telecom companies will also be able to take advantage of the IoT as they will be able to use stored information to monitor the activities and needs of customers in a positive way. Fewer outages due to maintenance and levels of use problems, the IoT could make a huge difference in maintaining the infrastructure in a positive way.