Jola Cloud Solutions' Blog

Demand for Machine to Machine (M2M) and (IoT) SIMs is growing, as well as multi-network and Low Power SIMs (LP-WAN). Channel partners are building a pipeline of big deals in key vertical markets, generating high-margin recurring revenue from mobile data.

Transport

There are many experienced providers offering end-to-end solutions to the transport industry, involving 4G/5G routers and cameras. Trams, buses and trains are tracked, and arrival times accurately estimated and advertised, factoring in potential delays. These devices need 4G/5G data SIMs, often with a fixed IP or delivered via a secure Private APN. On average there are seven SIMs per bus, for logging into the cameras to download relevant footage, Wi-Fi, secure card payments, passenger trackers, applications tracking hours worked, engine telemetry and miles travelled.

Utilities

Businesses are managing their energy flows through smart energy grids and smart meters, allowing for more accurate bills. There is a focus on improving energy efficiency and resolving outages more effectively, with remote site monitoring. These devices often require LP-WAN SIMs for longevity and don’t use much data.

Health

Smart devices offer important patient benefits, like connected ambulances. Ambulance crews have access to high-bandwidth internet capabilities, and tablets holding patient records. This means that information can be sent to hospitals in real-time. Tablets require data-only SIMs with data packages to meet requirements.

Security

Commercial security is getting smarter. CCTV and alarms can be monitored securely and footage can be stored remotely. Security devices typically require M2M data SIMs or Fixed IP SIMs.

Retail

Stores are using technology to differentiate themselves by enhancing their in-store experience. They are allowing customers to beat the queues with connected handheld smart devices. From personalised billboards to tailored signage, retailers are evolving to meet changing market conditions. For digital signage, Intelligent 4G/5G routers and multi-network M2M SIMs allow retailers to plug signs in anywhere in the UK and not worry about signal strengths, blackspots or hackers trying to edit their content.

Retailers, such as fast-food restaurants, have invested in self-service kiosks to allow customers to order their own meals in-store and have them delivered to their seats. Connected kiosks require gateways, routers and data SIMs. Stores typically have multiple connected devices, which are becoming more complex and expensive to manage.

Self-service kiosks in hotels allow guests to check in and out. They are really useful at peak times to reduce waiting times and improve customer experience. Automating processes help reduce costs for the hotel, which no longer needs to pay employees a premium to work unsociable hours on the front desk. Kiosks are also used to promote upgrades and extras, generating additional revenues.

MSPs installing self-service kiosks in multiple locations must consider electricity points, the availability of connectivity as well as the management of an increasingly complex IT network at each location.

Connected kiosks often require gateways and routers in addition to mobile data. Managing multiple connected kiosks in different locations can be costly and complex to manage. Site surveys are often required to establish the strongest mobile signal in each location.

Jola partners offer a unique solution with their Intelligent 4G/5G routers. Our routers are smart and negate the need for a gateway. Jola SIMs are all managed within one easy portal. MSPs can easily manage and monitor data usage across sites. We offer multinetwork roaming data across all four major mobile networks, and our routers arrive preconfigured. 

Suitable for mobile broadband and large-scale IoT rollouts, our routers run a unique operating system allowing apps to be installed alongside the core routing software. 

Do you have customers who use a lot of mobile data? Are you looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution you can manage?

Customers, such as CCTV specialists are now being asked for live streams from their cameras. To do this, specialists need reliable hardware and large data SIMs, that they can monitor and manage.

EE advertises itself as the UK’s best network for 4G and 5G. EE M2M SIMs are specially designed for use in demanding applications. They have a ruggedized design and have higher data endurance and greater heat resistance than normal SIMs.

Jola is an award-winning, channel-only supplier of business communications, specialising in mobile data SIMs. We are a global data specialist, providing innovative IoT and mobile data solutions to MSPs, ISPs, IT Support companies and Telecommunications Resellers.

Jola is a mobile data aggregator and MVNO, which means that we offer services from all major UK networks and hundreds of networks globally. We have been selling mobile data to the channel since 2014, and we understand our partners’ pain points and the needs of their end-users in each vertical market. Over time, we have developed a unique portal that gives partners the control and visibility they need to manage global SIM estates. We have also developed unique hardware solutions that save our partners time, helping them create a great customer experience, maximise their margins and minimise costs for their customers.

Mobile Manager is our M2M/IoT SIM management portal, which communicates in real-time with multiple mobile network operators. Mobile Manager handles M2M SIM activations, ceases, suspensions, reports, alerts and bolt-ons and can be used by resellers and their end users to manage large estates of M2M SIMs in multiple devices worldwide.

Demand for reliable mobile data to track the location of lorries, buses, coaches, taxis, delivery vans and hire cars is growing. As is the tracking of assets such as mobility scooters, e-bikes and electric scooters. On construction sites, assets such as telehandlers are tracked and monitored to record operational-critical alarms for servicing, remote diagnostics and load usage. Do you have customers who need to track their devices? Could they be buying bespoke mobile data solutions from you?

Jola offers a cost-effective range of M2M and IoT SIMs designed for asset tracking and monitoring. Many device tracking specialists have been let down by the MNOs in the past, who have not been responsive enough to solve problems as they were identified. Mobile data aggregators like Jola are able to offer partners the widest range of M2M and IoT SIMs from multiple suppliers as well as Multinetwork and Fixed IP variants all controlled within a real-time automated portal. Customers are able to tailor packages to meet exact requirements with solutions, you just cannot get from the MNOs directly. End-users need to be able to stay in control of their end-user experience and track usage to avoid bill shock. Jola allows partners to use pooled data options to share data across multiple sites and track data usage in real-time. Alerts are really useful for partners, who can then add bolt-ons where required or use data pools to control their own margins and their customers’ charges.

Jola is an award-winning, channel-only supplier of business communications, specialising in mobile data SIMs. We are a global data specialist, providing innovative IoT and mobile data solutions to MSPs, ISPs, IT Support companies and Telecommunications Resellers.

According to a recent report by Nester, the global electronic security market is expected to be worth £104.5 billion by the end of 2024. The predicted growth is being driven by increasing demand for safety and surveillance systems.

The market is segmented by product type such as video; surveillance systems; intrusion alarm systems; fire alarm systems; access control systems; CCTV; electronic article surveillance and detection systems; electrified door hardware; hybrid video recorder and network video recorder.

The CCTV segment has the highest predicted growth, due to increased utilisation in newly constructed buildings and offices.

Opportunity

Partners who sell security solutions are partnering with companies like Jola, for a wide range of 4G and 5G data packages for their pre-configured routers. Data SIMs with static IP addresses within routers allow users to access their CCTV camera footage when fixed-line connectivity is not available, for example on construction sites and in remote areas.

Partners use engineers to test the signal strength in each location to advise on the best 4G network to connect to. Multi-network roaming SIM packages are popular as they always connect to the strongest signal. External antenna can increase signal strength and routers are generally pre-configured for a plug-and play solution.

Jola

Jola provides a wide range of 4G and 5G data packages including cost-effective multi-network roaming packages, controlled within Mobile Manager. Our multi-network SIMs roam to the strongest signal in each area.

The UK Security System Services market consists of 2,203 businesses, employing over ten thousand employees, generating £1.4bn in revenue with an annual growth of 11.8%. Factors driving growth are concerns over a rise in crime and the threat of terrorism. Businesses are upgrading security systems and Governments are focussing on national security. 

Security specialists are investing in mobile broadband in rural locations, where 4G/5G speeds are fast and fixed-line services are slow. 4G CCTV is growing in popularity, as it doesn’t require direct power or a WiFi connection. 4G+ download speeds around 300Mb/s are available to 90%+ of the population.

4G/5G Broadband

4G and 5G broadband packages are available on short-term contracts.

Managed 4G/5G WiFi

Pre-configured 4G/5G routers are available with next-day delivery, with a choice of contract terms for companies who want to monitor data usage and avoid bill shock.

4G/5G Failover

Wireless 4G and 5G connectivity provide a powerful failover solution, ensuring there is a connection to central databases and systems if the fixed line fails. It can also provide primary connectivity in rural locations where fixed line speeds are not sufficient.

Many organisations use 4G or 5G for temporary connectivity initially, while they wait for the fixed-line to be installed, and then continue to use it for failover afterwards – maximising the return on their investment.

4G/5G CCTV

Data SIMs with static IP addresses within 4G or 5G routers allow users to access their CCTV camera footage when fixed-line connectivity is not available. Un-steered multi-network roaming SIM packages always connect to the strongest signal. An external antenna can increase signal strength and routers are generally pre-configured for a plug-and-play solution, that works in every location.

The deal will enable Wireless Logic to consolidate its routes-to-market through a single, focused channel, serving VARs and dealers in the UK

LONDON, UK – TUESDAY, 12  JULY, 2022 – Wireless Logic, the leading global IoT connectivity platform provider has acquired Jola, the channel’s leading mobile data specialist, for an undisclosed sum. This agreement marks the latest step in Wireless Logic’s business expansion following a series of acquisitions for the UK company.

Headquartered in Nottinghamshire, Jola is a channel-only supplier of business communications, specialising in mobile data SIMs. Jola provides innovative IoT and mobile data solutions to managed service providers, internet service providers, IT support companies and telecom resellers, who provision, manage, and support thousands of SIMs through Jola’s own Mobile Manager self-serve platform. Jola’s expertise in the UK channel is highly complementary to Wireless Logic’s routes-to-market and customer base.

This partnership will deliver the scale and reach of the Wireless Logic Group whilst ensuring that the specific expertise, product innovation and quality of service continue to meet the needs of the channel. With the financial backing of Wireless Logic, Jola will be in the strongest position to continue its growth trajectory and exploit new opportunities.

The Jola team will continue to manage Jola partners.

Andrew Dickinson, CEO of Jola commented, ‘“Wireless Logic is one of the standout successes of the ICT sector and we have long been admirers of Oliver Tucker and his team. Jola will remain an independently-run company within the Wireless Logic Group, focussing as always on the UK channel, but with a global reach. The 1000+ Jola partners will see no change in the short term and over time they will benefit from product innovations across the group and more extensive supplier relationships. I would like to thank our customers, suppliers, and most of all the amazing team at Jola who have worked so hard to achieve this milestone.”

With 4G+ download speeds around 300Mb/s available to 90%+ of the population, mobile data is now a credible alternative to fixed line, as well as a great 100% SLA, backup story. It is also the only practical solution to replace millions of PSTN lines in the next few years. Only around 20% of resellers sell mobile data but by 2025 every reseller in the UK will have to have it in their portfolio. As is always the case with disruptive technological change, early movers win more market share and ringfence their customers from competitors.

Every reseller/MSP has at least one significant IoT/M2M opportunity in their existing base of customers, and mobile data aggregators like Jola are helping to find and win them. Resellers need experienced hands-on support with key customers, so the only practical option is channel-only suppliers, with a proven track record and robust processes.

The financial markets value mobile data EBITDA at least twice the multiple of fibre and broadband. With self-service, fully automated portals like Mobile Manager, it is easy to sell, manage and bill.

Mobile data is more than just IoT. Vendors offering too few options and no control will fail to connect with the thousands of resellers trying to develop differentiated and converged solutions for their customers.

Good reward and recognition schemes can encourage the right culture to drive growth in a channel business. Working from home has highlighted a need for useful KPIs. Teams with the right measures in place have found that productivity has gone through the roof. Sales teams are able to fit in more calls, meetings and webinars. Companies measuring not only call and ticket responses but also online statistics, such as the number of webinars completed, have seen an increase in activity leading to a surge in orders.

According to McKinsey, revenues from mobile data are set to increase dramatically over the next five years. Factors driving growth are the availability, speed and reliability of 4G, 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). Fortune Business Insights predict this market will be worth £1085 billion by 2027. The opportunity for the channel is significant, but many partners do not know where to start.

Jola has over 1000 partners successfully selling mobile data. They have productised their unique process and called it The M2M Data Revenue Generator (The MRG). The process helps partners to identify low-hanging fruit and win their first significant mobile data opportunity.

Andrew Dickinson, CEO at Jola commented, ‘This unique process defines the way we work together and qualifies opportunities, capabilities and skills. We help our partners to focus on large opportunities and ultimately win large, high margin, long-term contracts.’