Wireless Logic, a global leader in Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, has released a comprehensive report that reveals the increasing challenges faced by enterprises scaling up their IoT investments globally. The research, conducted by Kaleido Intelligence, surveyed 1,000 cellular IoT adopters and non-adopters across various industries. The study highlights the growing complexity of global IoT deployments, with a notable focus on connectivity challenges and the demand for value-added services, such as eSIM, security, and remote SIM provisioning.
The report indicates that nearly 60% of cellular IoT adopters require international or multi-regional connectivity for more than half of their device fleets. Permanent roaming restrictions and managing relationships with multiple connectivity providers were identified as top challenges, with 41% of respondents citing roaming restrictions as a key issue when scaling IoT. Additionally, 32.9% of all respondents reported that current global connectivity support is inadequate for their needs.
“Enterprises scaling IoT globally can’t afford to rely on connectivity alone – they need partners that can help them navigate the complexities of today’s fragmented connectivity landscape,” said Iain Davidson, senior product manager at Wireless Logic. “Our research clearly shows that enterprises are looking for a holistic approach that adds value at every stage of their global deployments.”
The report further highlights that quality of coverage remains the top technical consideration for choosing a connectivity provider, with 55% of enterprises prioritising it. However, the demand for flexibility in setup (53%), value-added services (52%), and customer support (48%) are also significant factors influencing decisions.
A key finding from the report is the growing role of eSIM technology in tackling permanent roaming restrictions. Around 32% of current cellular IoT adopters said eSIM’s over-the-air capabilities influenced their choice of provider. The energy and utilities sectors, in particular, have shown strong interest in eSIM, with 42% citing it as a guiding factor. However, despite its benefits, enterprises remain cautious, with 30% of those not adopting eSIM citing uncertainty around its benefits. Other concerns include limited support for certain eSIM profiles and issues with quality and interoperability.
Another key area highlighted in the report is IoT security. As cybersecurity risks rise, 89% of respondents reported that cybersecurity threats and compliance issues are significant pain points. The report reveals a strong demand for enhanced security services, with 88% of respondents expecting providers to offer tools for monitoring device traffic. The adoption of eSIM technology is also seen as a way to improve IoT security, with 50% of IoT adopters using eSIM as a security root of trust.
“IoT security isn’t optional, it’s foundational,” said Davidson. “You can’t be a little bit secure or a little bit reliable. Governments and enterprise buyers now demand high availability and cyber resilience, placing significant expectations on IoT providers, OEMs, solution providers, and enterprises alike.”
Wireless Logic’s report underscores the increasing need for IoT providers to deliver not just connectivity but also comprehensive, value-added services, including business intelligence, professional support, robust security, and network anomaly detection. With a growing emphasis on security, enterprises are looking for partners that can evolve with their needs, ensuring resilience and reliability in an increasingly complex IoT landscape.
