Airtel launches 5G ready IoT platform for enterprises

Telecom major Bharti Airtel has launched an integrated platform that helps enterprises leverage internet of things (IoT) to securely connect and manage billions of devices and applications. 

The end-to-end platform, dubbed Airtel IoT, offers a 5G ready network that allows the option to deploy NB-IoT (narrowband IoT), 4G or 2G connectivity using Airtel e-SIM technology, a statement said.  

It also claims to have a flexible set of application programming interfaces (APIs) to eliminate cumbersome integration journey, allowing enterprises to streamline the process of connecting, collecting, and analysing data through their existing workflow tools.  

Additionally, Airtel’s telecom grade security will help enterprises ensure that their IoT data is safe and available in real time for analytics and service delivery, the company said. 

Ajay Chitkara, director and CEO of Airtel Business, said, “Enterprises have three key requirements for IoT. First, connectivity solutions that future proof their device and application investments. Second, the security of their data. And third, seamless integration with existing IT systems to make the IoT data actionable. Airtel IoT is built on these insights to massively simplify the IoT journeys of enterprises.”  

MG Motor, Pine Labs, Paytm, Kirloskar, BSES, Genus, and Kent are among the businesses across manufacturing, logistics, automobiles, BFSI and utilities that are already using Airtel’s IoT solutions. 

"With the help of Airtel IoT, we have been able to provide the customers with India’s first internet car having i-SMART technology and 60+ connected car features. Airtel IoT allows us to access real-time infotainment and telematics. The partnership seeks to provide best-in-class connected car technology to our customers,” Rajeev Chaba, president and managing director, MG Motor India, said. 

Airtel said that India’s cellular connectivity based IoT market is expected to grow to Rs 10,000 crore by 2022, driven by connected cars and appliances, SMART factories and utilities, and other use cases.  

In February, Bharti Airtel partnered with Qualcomm Technologies to accelerate 5G deployment in India.