Why Connectivity-as-a-Service is essential for IoT

The global connectivity landscape is nowadays highly fragmented, with multiple network providers offering IoT connectivity under different contracts and pricing conditions. It becomes then difficult to launch IoT projects without long-term contractual commitment, even in the proof of concept phase.

We all experienced this state of things from our smartphone connectivity contracts. As soon as one subscribes to a connectivity plan, it becomes difficult to switch to another provider. The barrier to exit is high enough that people stick to their current contract, even if there is a better option elsewhere.

This observation is also made by many R&D and innovation teams when launching IoT solutions. Moreover, this lock-in effect makes it impossible to leverage the best network coverage possible in the different areas where the solution could be implemented. If I test my setup in location A with one particular network provider, what tells me that I will have the same quality of signal in location B? And how can I adapt my solution if a better network infrastructure is deployed in the future?

IoT Connectivity-as-a-Service (CaaS)

Like many “as a Service” solutions, IoT Connectivity as a Service is a new approach to connectivity management that radically improves the user experience when creating a new IoT solution.

The CaaS allows IoT innovators to manage their whole data processing from the device registration to the cloud storage of the data in one platform. This eliminates the exposure to multiple vendors, complex contracts and support centers.

Thanks to the CaaS offering, you no longer need to worry about contracts and network operators' costs. Simply choose the best connectivity depending on your region and device, and you will be able to automatically connect your devices in the IoT platform without establishing a separate contract with a specific network provider. The IoT platform takes care of the connectivity costs in the background.

The akenza platform offers currently LoRaWAN Connectivity as a Service for The Things Network (TTN), Loriot, Everynet, and Swisscom Low-power Network (LPN) and will expand this offer by adding additional network operators in various markets over the coming months.

The key benefits of IoT Connectivity-as-a-Service

Here is a summary of the main benefits of the CaaS:

• No separate connectivity contract:
  Avoid the hassle of subscribing to a separate contract for each network operator,

• Total flexibility:
  You can change your network operator at any time depending on the changes in the requirements of your project and avoid lock-in effect,

• Wholesale price:
  Profit from wholesale connectivity prices at a fixed price per device and month. The billing is done automatically on a monthly basis.

• Smoother development process:
  Being able to manage the connectivities and devices in one place instead of navigating through different platforms eases the implementation of IoT initiatives and allows a more holistic view of the whole IoT system.

Towards IoT mass adoption

Connectivity as a Service is one of the necessary features to help innovation teams minimize their effort when creating IoT solutions and accelerate time to market. Together with no-code functionalities and the usage of standardized components such as our device types, CaaS ensures a smoother IoT application development process, shorter implementation times and better resilience towards technological change.