While the last decade saw global connectivity expand significantly, it’s clear that some of the infrastructure that first paved the way for the data-powered digital world is beginning to creak under the strain.
Wi-Fi lacks reliability and security
Traditionally, most enterprises have relied on Wi-Fi to enable different mobile connectivity services and even Internet of Things (IoT) applications within the shop, warehouse, factory or office – but its shortcomings are evident. So, many enterprises are increasingly using traditional cellular networks to enable their mobile-first strategies.
Yet, what enterprises gain in reliability and security with this approach, they sacrifice in terms of visibility and control. Cellular coverage can also be patchy: an enterprise may see poor performance in certain locations, as international connectivity is dependent on their mobile network operator’s roaming partners.
To overcome these limitations, more and more enterprises will turn to using private mobile networks, complemented by a global, virtual private mobile network. This powerful combination puts control back in the hands of enterprises, enabling them to capture, move and manage data seamlessly around the world, not just inside the organisation but between their customers and partners too.
Crucially, as cyber-attacks grow in volume and complexity while more and more ‘things’ get connected, this combination ensures data security too.
Transforming air travel with global virtual private mobile networks
There are a lot of ‘things’ and people that need seamless connectivity at an airport, from luggage tracking to electronic flight bags. It’s also an environment that depends on punctuality, which is only possible through instant and continuous access to data. This puts pressure on public cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
Through re-imagined mobile connectivity, airlines gain real-time visibility over this critical infrastructure in real-time and overcome common network performance issues at airports. This ensures that cabin crew and pilots have more reliable connectivity, no matter where they’ll land.
It gives them seamless access to crucial data such as passenger manifests, catering stock information, flight plans and fuel requirements, which makes ground handling more efficient and improves turn-around times.
To build a world-famed Smart Hong Kong, IoT has also been widely adopted in different industries. Under the recent Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint, smart mobility is one of the key focus areas and we are seeing the efforts being implemented for a smart airport and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) and autonomous vehicles.
Creating seamless connected car experiences
The combination of a private mobile network and a global virtual private mobile network can underpin a connected car ecosystem through borderless IoT connectivity too.
Global virtual private mobile connectivity helps safeguard new innovative connected car services.
Telematics, infotainment, vehicle safety systems and driver assistance services, as well as V2X applications such as parking control systems and emergency services all depend on the security and integrity of data.
With a wealth of information being received and sent every moment by these applications, encrypted, private, mobile-edge-to-cloud connectivity is the armour that connected cars need.
Secure data capture also helps pave the way for an enhanced, personalised driving experience and new revenue streams across the connected car ecosystem, because a virtual private mobile network gives automotive manufacturers the flexibility to connect different applications in different ways.
Some of them, such as infotainment, rely on high speed network connectivity – but manufacturers may be willing to compromise on speed if the cost is too high.
After all, sharing relevant retail offers over a navigation system is a nice-to-have, not a must, unlike more critical applications such as telematics. For these applications, they want continuous high-quality connectivity to ensure safety, no matter the cost.
Going forwards, the crucial piece of the puzzle for enterprises to innovate through mobility and IoT is going to be intelligently applying the technology available. Getting this right, however, means they need more visibility and control over their networks, and more reliable and secure connectivity. A global, virtual private mobile network can act as an intelligent digital infrastructure foundation for enterprises, as more and more people go mobile, ‘things’ get connected, and more businesses become cloud-first and mobile-first.
