In this information age, the evolution of technology, the mere idea of smart and sustainable living is inevitable. The terminology “Internet of Things (IoT)” is more often than not used and heard in today’s world.
To be on the cutting edge of technology and not be left behind, Singapore has to ride the waves of change. IoT is one of the key parts of the Smart Nation vision.
With IoT, the embedment of intelligent and connected devices in our urban living environments will allow the nation to collect and exchange data more easily. This will subsequently improve accessibility and hence the efficiency of Singapore’s public services.
The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore will be embarking on a trial to see how an open GSMA standard can enable e-SIM chips to switch between different mobile network operators.
With this trial, the focus will be on the recent government effort to support the deployment of IoT in the machine-to-machine (M2M) market.
M2M devices are commonly connected to existing mobile networks using Embedded SIM (or eSIM) chips.
This trial will be conducted in partnership with Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore’s water agency, and will involve the mobile network operators.
Such a standard will allow M2M businesses, and potentially consumers with e-SIM equipped smartphones, to switch network providers more flexibly.
“The trial will explore how an open GSMA standard can enable eSIM chips to switch between different mobile network operators and would be conducted in partnership with the PUB,” Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information.
To sum it up, the adoption of interoperable standards will lead to a more competitive environment for the deployment of M2M devices, by reducing costs and increasing the adoption of IoT in various manners.
Having common standards will also boost sensing capabilities across different IoT services, and enable IoT devices to communicate with each other more seamlessly.
Subsequently, the prior could lead to an easier inauguration of new IoT applications such as Smart Homes that intelligently monitor and manage water and energy consumption to help their owners save on utility bills.
Ultimately, with these developments in IoT, businesses and companies can create state-of-the-art products and services which the population can then leverage on to improve the quality of life of the nation.