Focused Delivery of Key Market Enablers in 2017/18

After a very successful 2016/17 for the mobile industry, the GSMA Internet of Things Programme will continue to work with the telecommunications industry and the wider ecosystem to further accelerate the growth of the IoT and to unlock the full potential of the market. To this end, the Programme focuses on a range of key market enablers and industry verticals that are essential to the industry. Below, see a short overview and outlook into the new year for all areas.
 
Mobile IoT
Mobile IoT = TRUSTED IoT
 
cl_miot_blackMobile IoT (licensed spectrum low power wide area) are a new set of technologies that will connect billions of new devices forming the IoT. Low power wide area (LPWA) technologies can serve a diverse range of vertical industries and applications that use low data rates, require long battery lives, are low cost, and often operate in remote and hard to reach locations.
The GSMA worked with the industry to get the Mobile IoT technologies standardised in 3GPP Release 13 in June 2016.  Since then the GSMA has continued to work with mobile operators to implement more than 40 pilots across the world. By enabling mobile operators to provide cost-effective and low maintenance connectivity, these LPWA technologies are fuelling a dramatic expansion in the IoT, making it viable to connect large numbers of sensors, monitoring devices, utility meters and consumer devices to mobile networks.
For 2017/18 the Internet of Things Programme will focus on accelerating the growth of secure and commercial Mobile IoT solutions by encouraging commercial LPWA launches by mobile operators. A number of operators are already rolling out commercial Mobile IoT services across their markets, paving the way for broad adoption of these new technologies by both individuals and enterprises. To further support the growth of Mobile IoT solutions, the Internet of Things Programme will keep on building a vibrant ecosystem in the form of the GSMA Mobile IoT Innovators, bringing together developers, device makers, network vendors, operators and end customers
 
IoT Security
Securing the IoT from the ground up
 
cl_security_blackAs widespread adoption of the IoT depends on maintaining consumers’ and companies’ confidence and trust, the GSMA is steering the development and dissemination of IoT security best practices. Building on the decade-long expertise of the telecommunications industry in managing and securing mobile networks, the GSMA IoT Security Guidelines promote best practice for the secure end-to-end design, development and deployment of IoT solutions on any mobile network.
In late 2016, the GSMA has launched an IoT Security Assessment process, which is designed to enable IoT companies to demonstrate their solutions are following best practices as outlined in the GSMA IoT Security Guidelines and to enhance their reputation as trusted IoT solution providers.
In the new year, the Internet of Things Programme will continue to work with its partners to enhance the IoT Security Guidelines and the IoT Security Assessment to cover Mobile IoT networks, ensuring best practice for the secure connection and management of IoT devices on any mobile network. The Programme will also continue its work with regulatory bodies to stress the importance of flexible policy frameworks to allow unhindered growth of the IoT.
 
IoT Big Data
Unlocking the potential of the IoT
 
cl_miot_blackThe GSMA is working with mobile operators and partners to unlock the potential of the vast amount of data within the IoT.
In February 2017 the GSMA launched the IoT Big Data API Directory, making harmonised data sets from multiple operators worldwide available to developers and third parties, and enabling them to create innovative IoT services. The directory, which is the first of its kind, is designed to encourage a common approach to data sharing and the development of new projects related to transport, the environment and smart cities. China Mobile, China Unicom, KT Corporation, Orange and Telefónica have already implemented solutions enabling them to share harmonised IoT data.
In 2017/18 the IoT Big Data project will focus on evolving GSMA big data enablers such as harmonised data entities, APIs to access historical data and inclusion of data analytics into the architecture. The value of IoT big data will be demonstrated by leveraging data assets and partners in a proof of concept on Air Quality, and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a “Big Data for Better Future” proof of concept. 
 
IoT Policy & Regulation
Growing the socioeconomic benefits of the IoT
 
cl_miot_blackThe IoT can transform economies and societies but it is still at a nascent stage. To help realise potential socioeconomic benefits, the GSMA’s IoT Policy and Regulation project is working to create a sustainable policy and regulatory environment that enables operators to unlock the consumer and business benefits of the IoT.
In October 2016 the GSMA launched the IoT Knowledgebase, an online tool for policymakers and regulators. This is designed to help them unlock IoT opportunities for their country, understand new IoT business models and learn about emerging policy and regulatory best practice from around the world.
In 2017/18 the project will be focusing on the regulatory aspects of key verticals including smart cities, connected vehicles, smart transport and drones.
 
Connected Vehicles
Driving the successful growth of the Connected Vehicle market
 
cl_smart_cities_blackThe Connected Vehicle market is one of the most promising growth areas of the Internet of Things, with a potential application revenue of $USD 253bn by 2025 (Machina Research, 2017). But only a unified, standardised and collaborative approach of mobile operators, regulators and industry stakeholders can ensure a timely, successful scaling of the market to fully unlock its potential.
To this end, the GSMA is working with mobile operators, automotive OEMs and suppliers, relevant industry associations and regulatory bodies, to accelerate the growth of the Connected Vehicle market by agreeing a common approach to security, regulatory and infrastructural solutions. The Internet of Things Programme has held three global Connected Vehicle Forums in 2016/17 to bring the industry together.
In 2017/18, the Internet of Things Programme will continue to work with its partners to support a unified and collaborative approach. Three global Connected Vehicle Forums and Summits will help bring the industry together to discuss important topics that will define the future of the Connected Vehicle market, including Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (Cellular V2X) technologies allowing vehicles to communicate with other smart city applications (also referred to as “LTE support for V2X” in the upcoming 3GPP Release 14). The Programme will also continue to participate in and consult with global regulatory bodies to align the industry around a common approach to security and spectrum harmonisation.
 
Smart Cities
Creating smart city benefits through IoT technologies
 
cl_smart_cities_blackThe GSMA is working with mobile operators and cities to create real, long term benefits for citizens and businesses through IoT technologies.
In June 2016 the GSMA smart cities project produced Keys to the Smart City, a report highlighting the crucial role that mobile operators play in the development of smart cities, and the unique benefits that they provide.  Following this, a number of in-depth smart cities guides were released including crowd management, traffic management, water management and street lighting. The project also produced three focused case study videos on Tainan, Chicago and Seville, featuring interviews from mobile operators and cities promoting their successful collaboration.
In 2017/18 the project will continue to focus on real case studies, showcasing how mobile industry enablers (such as Mobile IoT and IoT Big Data) are being deployed in smart cities.