Airtel launches IoT platform for enterprises

Airtel says its IoT platform is easy to integrate and can help manage billions of devices. It also comes with high-end security for data.

India’s cellular connectivity based IoT market is forecasted to grow to ₹10,000 cr by 2022  REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri (REUTERS)

Bharti Airtel on Wednesday announced the launch of an Internet of Things (IoT)-focused platform. Called Airtel IoT, the platform will be available for enterprises in the country.

According to the company, Airtel IoT is an end-to-end platform that allows enterprises to connect and manage devices and applications securely and seamlessly. Under the hood is Airtel's ‘5G Ready' network that brings access to technologies, such as NB-IoT, 4G or 2G connectivity using Airtel e-SIM technology.

Airtel says the IoT APIs make the deployment and other processes such as connecting, collecting and analysing data easier for businesses. The platform also comes integrated with security solutions to ensure the IoT data is safe and available for analysis in real-time.

The company further revealed that companies such as MG Motor, Pine Labs, Paytm, Kirloskar, BSES, Genus, and Kent are among the businesses that are already using Airtel's IoT solutions.

“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,” Ajay Chitkara, Director & CEO – Airtel Business, said in a note.

Airtel's latest foray is aimed at capturing India's booming IoT market. While the consumer market is already flooded with a variety of connected devices, enterprises are also looking to leverage the technology at their backend.

According to Airtel data, India's cellular-based IoT market is estimated to grow at ₹10,000 crore by the end of 2022. Connected cars and appliances, SMART factories and utilities are some of the sectors that are likely to drive the market.

A separate June 2020 study conducted by consultancy firm Zinnov reveals the IoT investments in India were close to $5 billion in 2019 and are expected to triple to touch roughly $15 billion by 2021 across both technology products and services components. According to an IDC report, IT spending on IoT in the Asia Pacific is estimated to reach $288.6 billion at a CAGR of 11.7% in 2021.