Exploring the Benefits of Cellular IoT for Indian Consumers

India’s ongoing digital transformation is being greatly influenced by the Internet of Things (IoT), which is not only revolutionizing various industries but also has the capability to revolutionize the way consumers live. Currently, there are over 7 billion IoT devices being used worldwide, and this number is projected to reach 22 billion by 2025.

In this vast IoT ecosystem, cellular IoT has gained significant traction, opening up opportunities for Indian consumers. With its ability to connect and control devices using cellular networks, the cellular IoT is revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and smart homes.

According to a recent analysis by Frost & Sullivan, the IoT market in India is on the rise. It is projected to rise to $9.28 billion by 2025 from $4.98 billion in 2020. Pandemic-induced changes in business behavior and focus on automation are driving the market.

Global players are eyeing India’s IoT pie. For example, technology giants such as Cisco, IBM and Bosch have made their presence felt as healthcare IoT experts. California-based Cavli Wireless, a maker of IoT modules for mobile phones, recently raised $10 million in funding to strengthen its position in the global IoT market and deepen Cavli’s manufacturing base in India.

As a technology, IoT has the potential to completely upgrade the lifestyle of the end user by changing consumer electronic devices as we know them. Consider a day in the life of Meera, a modern woman embracing IoT.

A day in the life of an IoT user

As the sun rises, Meera’s smart home greets her with a gentle alarm triggered by her IoT-enabled smartwatch. The smart home system reads natural sunlight to adjust room lighting and curtains. With a voice command from her smart assistant, Meera starts her day with her favorite morning playlist while learning the weather forecast for the day.

In the kitchen, a smart coffee maker brews a cup of fresh coffee, while an IoT-enabled refrigerator automatically orders groceries when supplies run low. Her smart recipe app suggests healthy breakfast options based on her dietary preferences and available ingredients. IoT-enabled nutrition trackers provide real-time information on his calorie intake and suggest personalized dietary recommendations.

When leaving work, Meera uses her smartphone to book a ride through a ride-sharing app that uses IoT for efficient route planning and real-time monitoring. The app also ensures his safety by sharing the vehicle details and estimated arrival time with his trusted contacts. His commute is further enhanced by intelligent traffic management systems that utilize IoT to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Meera’s office uses IoT-compatible sensors to control lighting and temperature, smart meeting room reservation systems ensure efficient use of resources, and smart occupancy sensors help save energy by automatically adjusting lighting and air conditioning according to occupancy.

As the day progresses, IoT-enabled video calling platforms allow him to have virtual face-to-face conversations with his loved ones, while IoT-based home security systems offer peace of mind with real-time alerts and remote monitoring functions. He can even monitor his home’s security cameras and control door locks.

To maintain her fitness goals, Meera uses wearable IoT devices and fitness apps to track her daily activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns and guide her through workouts.

With such amenities in sight, it shouldn’t be too difficult to sell IoT to the end consumer.

Mobile IoT in India at a macro level

Cellular IoT is revolutionizing the lives of Indian consumers by offering them a range of smart and connected solutions. From farms to healthcare, from smart homes to transportation, mobile IoT empowers individuals and businesses alike. Here are some of the sectors that are gradually harnessing the power of mobile IoT.

Consolidation of Indian Farms

Cellular IoT is playing an important role in developing India’s agriculture game. In February, the Jammu and Kashmir government approved Rs. 30.40 crore ‘Sensor-based Smart Agriculture’ project.

In March, PepsiCo together with Cropin presented a yield data model for potato crops in India.

These IoT-based projects, implemented in collaboration with government agencies and private companies, aim at real-time monitoring and control of agricultural processes. Farmers can leverage cellular IoT-enabled devices to collect data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and crop health data, which can help optimize irrigation, pest control, and fertilization, improving yields and reducing resource wastage.

Revolutionary healthcare

Cellular IoT has also made progress in the field of healthcare by enhancing the treatment and monitoring of patients. In India, companies such as Aeris Communications, which recently acquired Ericsson’s IoT accelerator, are using cellular IoT technology to create remote patient monitoring systems. These allow doctors to monitor patients’ vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels, in real time. By enabling continuous and proactive healthcare management, cellular IoT devices are changing the way medical services are delivered, with an emphasis on rural and remote areas of the country.

Smart homes for a smarter lifestyle

Indian homes are becoming smarter, and mobile IoT is at the heart of this revolution. Companies such as Jio and Airtel have introduced cellular IoT platforms that allow consumers to connect and control various smart devices in their homes. For example, Jio is likely to launch Air Fiber services on Diwali, which is expected to boost Jio’s connected home strategy.

From remote control of home security systems and control of devices to energy consumption monitoring and resource utilization optimization, mobile IoT offers offerings that will make the Indian consumer swoon.

Changing traffic

The Indian transport sector is witnessing a transformation with the introduction of mobile IoT solutions. One significant project is the integration of IoT-based GPS tracking devices into public transport systems, launched by Airtel last October.

This technology allows commuters to track the real-time location of buses and trains, minimizing wait times and improving overall efficiency. The IoT-enabled fleet management systems of the mobile phone network also help logistics companies to optimize routes, monitor fuel consumption and improve vehicle maintenance, thereby reducing costs and the carbon footprint.

Future possibilities

The potential of mobile IoT in India is huge and promises even more exciting developments in the future. With the introduction of 5G networks, the IoT capabilities of the mobile phone network are expected to expand even further. Smart cities, smart infrastructure and connected cars are just a few areas where mobile IoT will have a significant impact on how Indian consumers interact with their environment.