MWC Shanghai 2018: how borderless mobility can boost business – part 1

In an increasingly connected world, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology continues to grow. Businesses that make use of the IoT require reliable and expansive networks with a global reach, where connectivity remains constant, even when crossing borders.

IoT is now a key factor in digital transformation, particularly in areas such as logistics. Connected equipment like smart vehicles and tracking devices on cargo can assist remote fleet management and smart supply chains, but to be truly effective they require a reliable transfer of data that is not limited by geographical location.

This is why mobile connectivity needs to be borderless — to enable companies to operate beyond the constraints of international boundaries. The idea of global connectivity is one of the themes covered at MWC Shanghai 2018, where more than 550 exhibitors and 60,000 attendees are gathering together across seven exhibition halls to explore the opportunities for ‘creating a better future’.

Borderless is better

Not only does borderless mobility enable reliable services for consumers, regardless of location, it also enables businesses to globalise their services. The Tata Communications’ MOVE platform is built on partnerships with hundreds of mobile communications service providers.

This means that Tata Communications MOVE – enabled devices or providers can seamlessly hop from network to network when they cross borders. Tata Communications recently revealed that it is working with Singaporean ISP MyRepublic, which is looking to expand from providing home broadband to mobile services.

Using the Tata Communications MOVE platform has enabled MyRepublic to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) without having to invest heavily in its own mobile network infrastructure or service management capabilities.

This approach means that companies can expand into new geographies without the need to negotiate separate data connectivity agreements with mobile network operators (MNOs) in each location.

Freedom to roam

Tata Communications also recently partnered with the Singapore-based Internet of Things (IoT) start-up W-Locate to help the firm accelerate its international growth and expand into new countries. Not only does this allow the firm to offer seamless IoT-based services to its customers, it also enables it to significantly reduce roaming costs for its customers.

W-Locate estimates that working with a single global IoT partner like Tata Communications will help it reduce its capital expenditure by an impressive 35%. This capital can be invested in developing value-add services for customers and further international expansion.

In part two of this blog post, I will discuss how borderless mobility powered by the IoT can be used to improve customer experience as well as expand into new geographies.

Read more about empowering enterprises with borderless mobility here.