What are widely accepted industry certifications, and what is required to become an outsourced partner?

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(1) What are widely accepted industry certifications and how can you enrol for them?

Shane Rooney, Executive Director IoT Networks, GSMA

The most common certification bodies for cellular modules are GCF and PTCRB. Most mobile network operators will require this certification and may also ask for additional requirements depending on the application.

You can find out more about the IoT Device Certification Landscape in this GSMA report.

(2) What is required to become an outsourced partner to the more firmly established companies, particularly in Africa?

This will vary considerably from one operator to another, and is also dependent on the type of service you are providing. Most operators will prefer to have a direct relationship with customers but may have some operational aspects outsourced, however, this depends on what you are providing and what the operator needs, such as installation of devices. In Africa, it will vary depending on the operator. Large pan-African operators like MTN, Orange and Vodacom tend to have the resources they need in IoT, but if you have something you have to offer in IoT, you should contact them directly at the Group level.