Swiss operator Sunrise has launched an IoT connectivity management platform to activate and monitor IoT SIM cards. It is targeted at smart manufacturing, smart farming, and smart sports stadiums.
The new connectivity management platform, called Sunrise IoT Connect, allows IoT customers to activate and manage SIM cards for 50-100,000 connections. Existing IoT applications can be integrated through an application programming interface (API).
The basic service offers “secure and location-independent data access with real-time data analytics”, said Sunrise. Personalized reporting is offered as an additional option. The platform is “redundantly hosted” in Swiss data centres to ensure maximum security and availability, the company added.
Sunrise offers national and international IoT rate plans; roaming is available with Vodafone.The new service comes with a a 24/7 help-desk and network monitoring. It “guarantees” 3G, 4G, 5G mobile reception, even inside buildings, the company said.
Robert Wigger, chief business officer at Sunrise, said: “We provide our customers with the ideal conditions for their IoT projects. The new connectivity management platform Sunrise IoT connect lays the groundwork for innovative IoT projects, and, with that, the further development of companies. Now it’s quick and easy to implement both simple pilots as well as complex IoT projects
The company had outlined a number of IoT application scenarios with existing customers, which use the platform, as quoted below.
Smart manufacturing
“The international industrial company GF Machining Solutions focuses on high-precision manufacturing technologies, to make machines with which other companies then manufacture products or components. 5G and IoT support the implementation of innovative process optimizations that make uninterrupted production possible. 5G and IoT support the optimization of both the machinery and the production process. They enable the system to predict – virtually in real-time – when a machine needs maintenance and intervention. Unplanned downtime can be reduced, machine uptime is extended, and costs are cut.”
Smart farming
“Agriculture is faced with the demand of reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides to the greatest possible extent, of placing even greater focus on animal welfare, and of increasing the efficiency of production. This is increasingly becoming a reality at Agroscope in Tänikon (Thurgau). Agroscope, Sunrise and Huawei are trying out the latest IoT technologies via 5G. By monitoring the eating behavior of cows using a sensor on the collar, the welfare of the animals can be monitored meticulously. Feeding behavior and illnesses should be detected early on to quickly provide the proper care. Healthy animals feel better and are more productive. Drones and robots in the field can be controlled and monitored in real time. They provide data on the growth of plants. The in-depth knowledge enables for the more resource-sparing and environmentally friendly production of food.”
Smart stadiums
“Up to now, there are only two options of attending a football match: either live in the stadium or in front of the TV. Together with the Sunrise 5G network, a new LAN and Wi-Fi infrastructure will make smart stadium experiences at St. Jakob-Park in Basel possible. The combination of 5G and IoT is set to open up a whole new and individual sports experience for spectators. Visitors will experience considerable added value when visiting FCB home games through instant replay, multi-camera functions, virtual stadium visits, and other fan engagement options.”
