Latest news with #NB-IoT
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Vodafone Idea's enterprise unit exploring IoT-enabled smart meter business in multiple sectors
NEW DELHI: Vodafone Idea is seeking to leverage its Internet of Things (IoT) network to explore smart meter-driven business opportunities in multiple industries including oil and gas, while scaling up in the electricity segment, the telecom carrier's enterprise unit said. "Similar to electricity, we are exploring possibilities in collaboration with city gas distributors (CDGs), advanced metering infrastructure service providers (AMISPs), and gas meter manufacturers. We are engaged in a pilot project for commercial gas smart meters leveraging NB-IoT," a Vi Business spokesperson exclusively told ETTelecom . Vi, along with its private sector rivals Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio , is bullish on the IoT opportunity, backed by the Central government's initiatives such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which seeks to replace 250 million traditional electricity meters with prepaid, IoT-enabled meters by March 2028. IoT is a crucial cornerstone of all telcos' enterprise strategy. ETTelecom previously reported why Jio, Airtel and Vi are bullish on this technology to drive their business-to-business (B2B) segment growth. IoT adoption in India's electricity sector significantly outstrips other utility segments, driven by a strong regulatory mandate and robust government support, according to Counterpoint Research. The research agency said that other sectors, including water and gas, face pricing constraints, regulatory complexity, and fragmented ecosystems. Recently, Vi said it will connect 12 million smart electricity meters nationwide within the next three years, aligned with the India Smart Grid Mission, to allow distribution companies (DISCOMs) to reduce aggregate technical & commercial (AT&C) losses and provide consumers with immediate and transparent insights into their energy consumption. "The 12 million smart meters deployment shall be done through the AMISPs partnerships and the deployments would spread across 8 DISCOMs," the spokesperson said. "We are actively engaged with AMISPs and private DISCOMs with our innovative technology solutions to enhance productivity, leading to cost savings and better service delivery," it added. As per the spokesperson, Vi directly engages with private DISCOMs, with the latter managing their own smart meter deployments. On the contrary, AMISPs deploy smart meters for state-owned DISCOMs, and either have direct contracts with state-owned DISCOMs or work with REC/Power Finance Corporation (PFC). AT&C loss reduction The Vi Business spokesperson said that DISCOMs have recorded a reduction in the AT&C losses, improvements in collections, and other benefits by implementing smart meters. "The real-time consumption data and analysis-driven insights are paving the way for implementing prepaid mechanisms along with remote connection and disconnection capability; enablement of insights to exercise dynamic power purchase as an option as per requirement; peak demand analysis; and distribution and capacity planning," the spokesperson said. The Ministry of Power, in an official statement this February said AT&C losses reduced from 22.62% in 2014 to 15% in 2025, which will be further reduced to 10% by 2030. To recall, in September 2022, Vi Business had partnered with the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) to install 50 lakh Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart meters for DISCOMs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Vi – a joint venture between India's Aditya Birla Group and the UK's Vodafone Group Plc – said in an investor's presentation in June 2025 that it also sees a strong potential in automotive, vehicle tracking systems, energy, utilities, among others. It is expanding its footprint in diverse use cases, including battery monitoring, sound box, transport management, solar and water management, and smart street lighting. Vi says it is the first telco to have an end-to-end Integrated IoT offering, comprising connectivity, hardware, network, application, analytics, security and support.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iridium Communications, GCT Semiconductor Partner to Accelerate 5G Satellite IoT Development
Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM) is one of the best telecom stocks to buy according to Wall Street analysts. On June 4, GCT Semiconductor Holding Inc. (NYSE:GCTS) announced a collaboration with Iridium Communications to integrate Iridium NTN Direct service into GCT's advanced GDM7243SL chipset. The partnership aims to expedite the development of a new Iridium network-enabled Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) chipset. The development will adhere to the requirements for 3GPP Release 19, which is the next phase of 5G Advanced technology to integrate satellite communications. Both companies will jointly explore opportunities, business models, specific use cases, and commercial deployment requirements for the new chipset. A technician inspecting a satellite dish, highlighting the Mobile Voice and Data Services scope. 3GPP Release 19 builds upon Release 18, which further enhances 5G networks with features like improved support for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and satellite communications, network energy efficiency, and AI/ML integration. The functional freeze of features for Release 19 is expected by September this year, with the first Iridium NTN Direct-connected devices planned to be available in 2026. Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:IRDM) offers mobile voice and data communications services & products to businesses, the US & international governments, non-governmental organizations, and consumers. is a fabless semiconductor company that designs, develops, and markets ICs for the wireless semiconductor industry. While we acknowledge the potential of IRDM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the . READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cellular connections to outpace LPWAN, radio in Indian utilities: Airtel Business-IDC study
NEW DELHI: Cellular connectivity, led by Narrowband-Internet of Things ( NB-IoT ), are likely to outpace the growth of low-powered wireless access network (LPWAN) and other radio technologies in India's utilities sector over the next four years, according to the findings of a study conducted by the International Data Corporation (IDC), commissioned by Bharti Airtel 's enterprise arm. The growth of NB-IoT will be supported by a low-cost of ownership, standardised wireless chipsets and modules, security, and reliability and availability, the study found. The Airtel Business-IDC study found that the growth rate of cellular connections, including NB-IoT, in the utilities segment is expected to increase by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.6% between 2023 and 2027. By contrast, the LPWAN, including LoRaWAN and Sigfox, and radio (including RF mesh) segments are expected to grow at annualised rates of 17.8% and 13.5%, respectively, over the same period. In India, NB-IoT is being extensively utilised under the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), which envisages the conversion of 222.4 million meters into prepaid smart meters. However, just 32.90 million smart meters, or about 14.8%, have been deployed across India, according to the latest data available on the NSGM dashboard. 'Telecom service providers in India are further investing in upgrading the underlying network infrastructure, including 4G and NB-IoT networks. This improved connectivity will encourage the adoption of cloud platforms and services, offering greater scalability and flexibility for utilities companies,' IDC analysts Nikhil Batra and Swathi Arunaa said in the report. NB-IoT provides cellular-based connectivity with wide coverage and low power consumption, making it ideal for large-scale smart metering deployments, the analysts said. 'By investing in reliable connectivity solutions, utilities can ensure the seamless integration of AMI and smart metering into their operations, thereby driving the success of India's National Smart Grid Mission,' according to the analysts. The country's top telecom carriers, Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), are all bullish on the growth prospects of IoT which has become central to their enterprise segment strategy. Gopal Vittal, vice chairman & managing director of Airtel, at the telco's most recent post-earnings conference call said, 'We continue to add muscle to our digital portfolio with cloud…cybersecurity, financial services, IoT and CPaaS and all of these are getting additional investments.' For instance, Secure Meters in partnership with Airtel Business has successfully deployed 1.7 million NB-IoT smart meters across Bihar. Secure has developed its own smart meters with NB IoT communication module, head end system, and meter data management system, which have been integrated with Airtel's IoT platform to ensure seamless cellular connectivity. This large-scale deployment is supported by Airtel's (NB-IoT/GPRS) network, and includes a network feasibility tool and a SIM services management portal to assist Secure in effectively planning and implementing smart meter installations.
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Business Standard
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Annual tech spend of utilities sector to reach ₹32,500 cr by 2027
Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) is emerging as the preferred connectivity choice for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), supported by a projected rise in India's utilities sector technology spend to ₹32,500 crore by 2027, according to a white paper released by data and market intelligence major IDC and backed by Airtel Business. The sector's spending has been rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7 per cent since 2022, when it stood at ₹14,500 crore. This surge in investment underscores the sector's commitment to digitalisation, seen as crucial to tackling persistent high aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses and operational inefficiencies. While India's AT&C losses fell to 15.4 per cent in FY23, this remains nearly double the global average of 8–9 per cent, the paper noted. The government's Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) aims to reduce AT&C losses to 12–15 per cent by 2025. This target is based on replacing 250 million conventional electricity meters with AMI systems to improve the financial and operational performance of power distribution companies. However, while over 222.4 million meters have been sanctioned for conversion under the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), only 20.85 million — around 9 per cent — had been converted as of February, the paper highlighted. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. These devices range from everyday household items such as Wi-Fi routers, smartwatches, and Bluetooth devices to smart fridges, LED lighting, RFID tags, and sophisticated industrial equipment. NB-IoT, a cellular-based connectivity technology, offers wide coverage and low power consumption, making it ideal for large-scale smart metering deployments. Cellular connections (including NB-IoT) in the utilities segment are expected to grow at a CAGR of 25.6 per cent during the 2023–2027 period. With a broad portfolio of IoT offerings, Airtel Business provides a scalable foundation for connected devices, including connectivity options such as NB-IoT, 5G, 4G, and 2G, along with applications like head-end systems, meter data management, and prepaid billing hosted on Airtel Cloud. In partnership with Airtel, Secure Meters has successfully deployed 1.7 million NB-IoT smart meters across Bihar. Airtel's IoTHub serves as a central platform for managing IoT deployments, enabling meter life-cycle management, data visualisation, and analytics. In 2023, Airtel became the first Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service provider in India to connect over 20 million devices through its IoT solutions. In the smart utilities domain, Airtel offers solutions that go beyond connectivity—supporting AMI service providers with end-to-end system uptime tracking and custom-built tools to assess the feasibility of large-scale deployments. The company has pitched these integrated solutions to utilities across the country.
Business Wire
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
GCT Semiconductor and Iridium Sign MOU to Collaborate on Integrating Iridium NTN Direct
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GCT Semiconductor Holding Inc. ('GCT') (NYSE: GCTS), a leading designer and supplier of advanced 5G and 4G semiconductor solutions, today announced its collaboration with Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communication, to integrate the Iridium NTN Direct℠ service into GCT's advanced GDM7243SL chipset. GCT and Iridium will work together to expedite the development of a new Iridium® network-enabled Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) chipset based on requirements for 3GPP Release 19. Share GCT and Iridium will work together to expedite the development of a new Iridium® network-enabled Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) chipset based on requirements for 3GPP Release 19. Both companies will jointly explore opportunities, business models, use cases, and commercial deployments requirements for the new Iridium network-enabled NB-IoT chipset, designed for the next wave of 5G Advanced that will integrate satellite technologies into 5G. 'GCT is thrilled to collaborate with Iridium, a leading innovator in satellite IoT applications,' said John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT. 'Building on our expertise in 4G, 5G, and NTN technology, along with our leading multi-mode IoT chip, GDM7243SL, we are excited to broaden our reach into the non-terrestrial market. Working with Iridium, our goal is to address the growing need for trackers, satellite phones, and other IoT solutions.' 'Integrating Iridium NTN Direct with GCT's chipset will enable their customers to experience truly global, reliable standards-based connectivity in a compact, efficient form,' said Greg Pelton, CTO, Iridium. 'GCT is an innovative partner, forward-thinking, and deeply engaged in helping bring this next-generation service to market.' About GCT Semiconductor Holding, Inc. GCT is a leading fabless designer and supplier of advanced 5G and 4G LTE semiconductor solutions. GCT's market-proven solutions have enabled fast and reliable 4G LTE connectivity to numerous commercial devices such as CPEs, mobile hotspots, routers, M2M applications and smartphones, etc., for the world's top wireless carriers. GCT's system-on-chip solutions integrate radio frequency, baseband modem and digital signal processing functions, therefore offering complete 4G and 5G platform solutions with small form factors, low power consumption, high performance, high reliability, and cost-effectiveness. For more information, visit Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding GCT's collaboration with Iridium and ability of GCT's 4G/5G chipsets to address additional markets. Words such as 'believe,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'opportunity,' 'plan,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'will be,' 'will continue,' 'will likely result,' and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside the Company's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause actual future events to differ materially from the expected results, include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to develop its 5G products and generate revenue; the ability of the Company to enter into and meet the obligations under partnership and collaboration agreements; the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitability and retain its key employees; the Company's financial and business performance, including the Company's financial projections and business metrics; changes in the Company's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, forecasts, projected costs, prospects and plans; the Company's inability to anticipate the future market demands and future needs of its customers; the impact of component shortages, suppliers' lack of production capacity, natural disasters or pandemics on the Company's sourcing operations and supply chain; the Company's future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash; the ability of the Company to raise sufficient capital to fund its operations; the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, including the growth of the 5G market; the risk that the Company may not be able to repay its debt; the risk of economic downturns that affects the Company's business operation and financial performance; the risk that the Company may not be able to develop and design its products acceptable to its customers; actual or potential conflicts of interest of the Company's management with its public stockholders; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with SEC, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and those disclosures under the "Risk Factors" section therein. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
