Today, Verizon Business is touting the value of eSIM for its internet of things (IoT) business. The carrier announced a new platform called Global IoT Orchestration, which will leverage eSIM to reduce reliance on roaming agreements and streamline the management of IoT devices in locations around the world.
Verizon has had its ThingSpace IoT platform for a number of years. And it says the platform currently has millions of connected devices running on it.
But now, Verizon will integrate Global IoT Orchestration with ThingSpace, allowing businesses to deploy and centrally manage their IoT devices across international borders.
As part of its announcement of Global IoT Orchestration, Verizon said it has initially partnered with two other carriers — Bell Canada and Telenor — to kick off the program. It says the combination of Verizon, Bell Canada and Telenor gives it a presence in numerous countries across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Shamik Basu, executive director of IoT and edge products for Verizon Business, said that ultimately, the company plans to work with about 30 carriers.
eSIM
Embedded SIM (eSIM) is a central element of the new Global IoT Orchestration. Unlike removable plastic SIM cards, eSIMs are integrated into the IoT hardware products.
Not all IoT devices include eSIM, but Basu said, “When Apple announced eSIM in phones, all sensor makers started warming up to the concept.”
The manufacturing of sensors and other IoT devices follows an innovation cycle that takes some time, but the inclusion of eSIMs is gaining momentum.
Verizon Business customers will deploy their eSIM devices in various countries and connect them to a network — either the networks of Verizon, Bell Canada or Telia or to a roaming partner’s network.
Asked why eSIM is preferable to roaming, Basu said, “The devices become locals as opposed to visitors. When you’re a visitor with roaming there are some limitations on the devices, such as latency levels. Whereas with eSIM you’re operating that device with a local carrier’s profile. You can operate completely using data privacy specific to each market. You could switch out an operator if you’d like to.”
He added, “For the device to function there’s a concept of ‘phone home.’ The device goes into a certain market and phones home, via bootstrap provided by us. We’re supporting the entire cycle.”
Who provides customer service?
ThingSpace operates as the customer’s central point of entry and now with Global IoT Orchestration customers can localize their IoT infrastructure in other places besides the U.S. Basu said Verizon first chose Bell Canada and Telnor because they provide excellent support service management. Customers with problems or concerns would first go to Verizon, which then has dedicated support from its carrier partners in their local markets.
Verizon Global IoT Orchestration is currently available for trials for new and existing Verizon Business customers in the U.S.