Connectivity and 5G company BICS has formed a partnership with Telcofan, a Belgian consultancy and system integrator, to facilitate the delivery of private networks for businesses. This collaboration aims to address technical challenges associated with connecting IoT devices to private networks, including initial setup and ensuring consistent connectivity for devices in transit.
Through this partnership, Telcofan will offer its clients SIMs and eSIMs for connected devices, such as components in smart factories or tracking chips for shipping pallets. An associated SIM management platform will enable organisations to flexibly set up and manage multiple connected devices in real-time.
BICS and Telcofan are enhancing the functionality of eSIMs, enabling smoother roaming between public and private networks and allowing national public networks to be used as a backup. This advancement simplifies the implementation of use cases requiring continuous connectivity, such as asset tracking and critical applications, by removing the need for complex operator agreements. This helps enterprises avoid network lock-in and allows devices to roam freely across global networks. BICS and Telcofan will provide SIMs that are ready for immediate connection, enabling businesses to focus on innovation without the complexities of setup and connectivity configuration.
Lieven Vanthomme, managing director of Telcofan, remarked, “Private networks, especially with 5G, have the potential to revolutionise industries like manufacturing and logistics. However, technical intricacies can hinder adoption. Working with BICS, we’re simplifying the process, offering a single SIM with a unique identity, usable on both private and operator networks.”
The demand for private mobile networks is growing in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and security, as businesses seek to connect on-site technology such as machinery and IoT devices. Private networks offer enhanced connectivity and security, but their bespoke nature and setup complexities can be challenging. Telcofan, as an integrator, strives to meet diverse technical needs while simplifying setup for its clients.
This partnership is among BICS’s recent initiatives to bridge the connectivity gap for businesses using IoT and private networks. By collaborating with other industry players like Microsoft, Thales, and Able Device, BICS is working to streamline the enterprise IoT landscape and eliminate technical obstacles, enhancing efficiency and security across various industries.
Divya Ghai Wakankar, vice president at BICS, stated, “As businesses embrace cutting-edge technologies like M2M and IoT, BICS and Telcofan are here to manage connectivity needs, sparing enterprises from delving into telecom complexities. With our collaboration, businesses now have access to a global SIM, eSIM, and a platform that simplifies device connection, from network roaming to SIM provisioning.”
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