A survey of nearly 900 members of the Light Reading community reveals expectations that the Internet of Things will increase network demand and require upgrades.

Jason Meyers, Executive Editor

July 9, 2014

2 Min Read
Poll: IoT Will Require Network Overhaul

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) will intensify the demand on mobile networks and require carriers to adapt both network systems and devices, according to a recent poll of the Light Reading community.

Out of nearly 900 respondents to the poll, 38% believe IoT traffic and device proliferation will increase the demand placed on networks, and 30% think the IoT will require service providers to upgrade both networks and devices.

Indeed, it will radically transform the business of mobile network operators, as tens of millions of connected devices are added to networks. Early activity around standards development has already created some confusion in the IoT community, as all manner of IoT participants -- chipmakers, device manufacturers, infrastructure developers, and service providers -- scramble to join one of the many emerging standards development camps. (See Intel, Others Form Another IoT Alliance .)

Figure 1:

Despite that rising hum of activity, some 17% of Light Reading poll respondents aren't buying the IoT hype, while 15% expect businesses to bypass carriers and set up their own networks to connected devices.

A recent Heavy Reading Insider report, "IoT Platforms: A Heavy Reading Competitive Analysis," explores the kinds of systems that must be put in place for mobile operators to help manage the tasks that go along with connecting IoT devices -- everything from connectivity to device management to application creation and customization. (See IoT: More Things, More Challenges.)

As is the case for many categories of service, the imperative for mobile operators in the IoT era is to avoid becoming simply a mode of transport. Adapting and upgrading networks to handle the IoT onslaught and implementing platforms that add intelligence to application development and device connectivity are the first steps toward achieving that end.

— Jason Meyers, Utility Communications Editor, Light Reading

About the Author(s)

Jason Meyers

Executive Editor

Jason Meyers joined the editorial staff of Light Reading in 2014 with more than 20 years of experience covering a broad range of business sectors. He is responsible for tracking and reporting on developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), Gigabit Cities and utility communications areas. He previously was Executive Editor of Entrepreneur magazine, overseeing all editorial operations, assignments and editorial staff for the monthly business publication. Prior to that, Meyers spent 15 years on the editorial staff of the former Telephony magazine, including eight years as Editor in Chief.

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.
Join 62,000+ members. Yes it's completely free.

You May Also Like