Mobile IoT Connectivity Explained: Challenges and Solutions for Global Deployments

Mobile IoT devices are tasked with traversing unpredictable environments, crossing coverage zones, and encountering fluctuating signal conditions, all while maintaining continuous uptime, seamless performance, and minimized power consumption. These devices must remain continuously reachable, secure, and responsive, even while in motion. 

But achieving this level of performance introduces significant complexity: network handoffs, roaming restrictions, data spikes, power constraints, and global scalability all create new challenges for IoT providers. To succeed, mobile IoT deployments require resilient connectivity architectures, intelligent device design, and strategic partnerships that ensure devices stay online wherever they go. 

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges facing mobile IoT devices and discover how Zipit Wireless’s unique product offerings allow OEMs to launch global, sustainable IoT-driven solutions. 

What are mobile IoT devices?

Mobile IoT devices are internet-connected technologies designed to move between locations or operate in environments where connectivity conditions are constantly changing. These devices need to stay online while traveling across different coverage zones, moving through remote areas, and even crossing international borders. 

Mobile IoT devices include smart sensors, wearable technology, drones, and transportation machines. They are leveraged for a variety of tasks, including promoting improved efficiency, gathering data in real-time, monitoring working conditions, and tracking assets. Mobile IoT devices influence every aspect of modern professional and private life, from retail stores and commercial manufacturing to smart homes and the healthcare industry. 

Mobile IoT devices often operate in dynamic environments where connectivity conditions like signal strength, latency, and network availability frequently change. These devices must maintain reliable communication while in motion, demanding seamless handovers between towers, network technologies, and diverse carriers to prevent data loss, service interruptions, and compromised performance.

Mobile IoT devices vs. stationary IoT devices: flexibility vs. reliability 

Mobile IoT devices are designed for seamless connectivity as they cross borders, networks, and terrains. In contrast, stationary IoT devices focus on stability, efficiency, and uptime in a fixed location. There are portable stationary devices that may move locations. However, these do not need to access connectivity while in transit, which is the primary distinguishing feature between the two device types. 

Both types of devices rely on cellular networks to achieve peak reliability, but how each deployment connects, communicates, and scales looks very different in execution.

Learn more with our stationary IoT companion piece: The Advantages of Cellular Connectivity for Stationary IoT Devices. 

Mobile IoT devices vs. mobility applications

The term “mobile device” has become synonymous with smartphones and tablets; however, these “mobility applications” are a specific subset of mobile devices. Mobility applications are designed to keep users connected to the internet at all times, allowing them to work, socialize, and entertain themselves from anywhere. These devices also heavily rely on cellular networks for reliable connectivity on the go, but their data plan demands, security concerns, monetization models, and deployment strategies differ vastly from most IoT devices. 

The challenges of mobile IoT connectivity: keeping IoT devices while on the move

Movement inherently complicates connectivity. To maintain operation despite changing network environments, mobile IoT devices need to simultaneously manage carrier and connectivity diversity, network handoffs, permanent roaming restrictions, bandwidth efficiency, and scalability strategies.

Traditionally, mobile IoT devices would only transmit minimal data. They’d connect to a tower, send a couple of kilobytes of data to the tower, and move on to the next connection point. But as technology advances, data collection has become more sophisticated and immediate, creating higher volume data demands. 

Applications like fleet management, telematics, and logistics all rely on unbroken connectivity and near real-time insights to assess driver behavior, track asset location, and monitor transportation conditions. They also leverage high-data video components to increase productivity and efficiency.

While mobile IoT use cases still typically have lower data requirements than stationary IoT deployments, their needs will only continue to grow as IoT innovation further connects the world. Applications like connected EVs and drones are already demonstrating just how robust some mobile IoT use cases can be. Network technologies continue to evolve and adapt their capacity to accommodate these increased demands and support IoT devices in motion.

1. Managing network handoffs and coverage gaps

A stable connection while on the move is critical for the success of mobile IoT deployments. Whether the sensor is traveling through a rural area, crossing an international border, or moving between coverage zones, mobile IoT devices need to switch between cell towers, frequency bands, or carrier networks without interruption in performance. 

These transitions, called “handoffs”, introduce challenges. Packet loss, temporary latency spikes, or even complete disconnection can all occur if network transitions are not efficiently handled by the device. Poorly directed handoffs can interrupt data streams and delay location updates, leading to imprecise data that generates downstream consequences for applications that depend on accurate insights. This is further complicated by the differences introduced by multiple contracts, international carriers, carrier-switching, multiple SIM cards, and differing network technologies. Managing this volatility means mobile IoT devices are at much higher risk of downtime compared to their stationary counterparts. 

2. Negotiating multiple international carrier contracts

Successfully navigating global connectivity while maintaining uptime requires intricate coordination between multiple carriers, further complicating device design and deployment.

Negotiating a single contract with a cellular provider can be daunting for device OEMs, and they will rarely be able to achieve optimal pricing and data rates on their own. Procuring multiple international contracts, each with different regulations, drains enormous amounts of time and resources, especially if OEMs do not have previously existing relationships with Tier-1 carriers worldwide. 

It’s crucial that IoT companies pick carriers that match their specific needs and can support their deployment and facilitate ongoing sustainable growth. Mobile IoT devices cannot rely on local infrastructure when they’re transporting goods across countries and oceans. But they may also run afoul of individualized roaming restrictions or face network deprioritization if they do not adequately negotiate contracts.

Complex international carrier contracts are best achieved through collaborative partnerships with MVNOs that offer connections to international cellular connectivity providers. 

3. Planning device hardware design

Mobile IoT devices may need to withstand motion, vibration, temperature change, impact, physical interference, and harsh weather conditions. OEMs must consider their device’s placement, environmental exposure, and planned trajectory from the initial design stages. 

Vehicle-mounted or outdoor mobile IoT devices may need IP-rated enclosures and motion-resistant components. Devices may need their physical designs to be durable, tamper-resistant, or weatherproof. Failing to consider this can lead to device damage, security breaches, and prematurely shortened device lifecycles. Recalling and replacing mobile IoT devices is incredibly expensive and can hinder deployment growth. 

Device hardware design must also factor in SIM card strategies. If a device is going to require an embedded SIM or multiple SIM card slots for physical, changeable SIMs, OEMs must plan for this during the prototyping stage. If they are unsure of their carrier and connectivity strategies before beginning hardware design, they may create a form factor that ultimately limits their potential reach. 

Radio and antenna design are also crucial for mobile applications. Devices must support diverse signal conditions, ranging from rural spaces to densely populated urban centers, and use configurations that maintain signal quality even while in motion. 

4. Optimizing power consumption

Mobile IoT devices may be deployed for extended periods of time, relying on internal batteries or charges to keep them operational. Therefore, the devices should be able to intelligently adjust their performance to reduce battery consumption during idle periods while still maintaining network reachability. Efficient wake/sleep cycles and lightweight communication protocols can reduce drain during data transmission. Battery efficiency in motion requires the management of frequent network handoffs, signal measurements, and data transmissions. These can all drain power quickly if the device is not optimized for power conservation.  

Battery optimization happens at the network, software, and hardware levels. Some bandwidths offer access to features like PSM (Power-Saving Mode) that allow devices to enter periods of deep sleep while retaining network registration. When it needs to transmit data, the device can awaken without performing a full network re-attachment, conserving power and time. The eDRX (Extended Discontinuous Reception) feature allows devices to sleep between paging cycles and check for incoming messages less frequently, making it ideal for mobile IoT applications that need to stay reachable and network connected, but don’t need constant transmission.

It’s important to select a network connectivity partner (like Zipit Wireless) that can ensure access to these features across network carriers and countries to maximize battery life. Designing hardware with low-power chipsets and modems with advanced idle states further reduces base power consumption. 

5. Supporting scalable global deployments 

Scalability and global readiness are essential for the longevity of mobile IoT use cases, especially ones that cross borders, rapidly expand, or move assets between diverse network environments. If your IoT business obtains a client in a new country or needs to add thousands of devices rapidly, your connectivity strategy should support these growth opportunities. 

This requires continuous connectivity across different cellular networks, frequency bands, and coverage areas. You need to manage various roaming agreements, data policies, and regulatory differences. 

It also demands operational simplicity across markets to ensure consistent performance and to avoid fragmentation. This encompasses device provisioning and activation, billing and usage tracking, analytics tracking, diagnostics, and responsive troubleshooting. Mobile IoT companies need to deploy, monitor, and manage devices from a singular global interface. 

6. Monetizing services effectively

Massive mobile IoT deployments need to be effectively monetized to support day-to-day operations and allow for long-term sustainable growth. This presents significant challenges for many IoT solutions providers. Mobile IoT deployments have complex usage tracking, subscription pricing, and customer billing. OEMs need to access to a simplified platform that allows them to manage billing from a single dashboard. They often also need guidance on how to structure pricing tiers, subscription models, activation/onboarding fees, seasonal and pay-as-you-go services, and data top-up charges. These diverse methods of billing ensure that they are accurately and appropriately charging for their services. 

Without precise metering and automation, solution providers risk undercharging and losing margin or overcharging and limiting product usage. They can also miss early warning signs of runaway or abnormal data usage until it becomes a costly error. 

Providers need to be able to build and modify plans quickly, align pricing with device behavior and customer expectations, and offer predictable billing while maintaining margins. They need to further offer their customers the ability to dynamically adjust plans. This level of flexibility cannot be achieved through spreadsheets, manual billing cycles, or even traditional telecom billing platforms. 

They can access this through a partnership with Zipit Wireless, an industry-leader connectivity provider that also offers unique monetization services.  

What are real-world examples of mobile IoT deployments?

Devices around the globe need to stay connected while moving across diverse environments. Scalable, consistent connectivity and multi-network flexibility underpin their success.

Drones and UAVs

Drones move rapidly across varying altitudes and terrains, demanding strong signal handoffs and reliable low-latency connections. Commercial drone operators and industrial inspection companies use cellular networks and IoT technologies to transmit real-time telemetry data and video feeds. This assists with navigation, surveillance, and data capture, enhancing efficiency for beyond-the-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. Drones move rapidly across varying altitudes and terrains, demanding strong signal handoffs and reliable low-latency connections. 

Asset tracking

Asset tracking was one of the earliest use cases for IoT sensors, and remains one of the most widespread implementations of mobile IoT. Manufacturers, freight companies, and retail operations can monitor the real-time location of palettes as they cross borders and move through different network zones, allowing for data-driven inventory management, real-time positioning for customers, and maximized route visibility. 

Logistics

Mobile IoT sensors are very commonly deployed to monitor the temperature of refrigerated trucks and shipping containers to ensure food, beverages, ice, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies remain within safe temperature ranges. Even slight temperature deviations can result in enormously expensive losses for distributors. Connectivity despite mobility allows for immediate interventions, preserving products and minimizing loss. Logistics monitoring demands dependable real-time insights to be effective. 

Maritime applications

Commercial and personal vessels, shipping fleet containers, offshore energy facilities, and buoys are all equipped with IoT modules. These sensors optimize routes, fuel efficiency tracking, and monitor environmental conditions. Maritime IoT applications face extreme coverage challenge as they move between coastal zones, satellite links, and port networks. Hybrid satellite and cellular connectivity can ensure seamless network transition, cost-efficient data routing, and uninterrupted performance across international waters. 

Fleet management, telematics, and connected EVs

Automakers integrate cellular IoT modules into their vehicles for real-time diagnostics, video streaming, GPS tracking, and over-the-air updates. By design, vehicles are perpetually in motion, requiring continuous network access to maximize both user experience and automotive safety. Embedded IoT technology lets these vehicles collect telematics data (like speed, location, performance, metrics, and driver behavior), enabling services like predictive maintenance and enhanced navigation. 

Solutions for mobile IoT applications: achieving adaptable connectivity

The primary solution to the challenges presented by mobile IoT is solved by partnering with an authorized MVNO like Zipit Wireless. 

Authorized MVNO partnerships

MVNOs like Zipit Wireless unlock connectivity, flexibility, and reliability for mobile IoT solution providers. Through our and our parent company’s network of connections, we can offer robust connectivity to 50 prestigious global cellular carriers, ensuring reliable network coverage worldwide. This eliminates the challenge of managing each individual international contract. 

We can also offer industry-informed guidance on every step of deployment. From device hardware design to deployment strategies to ongoing monetization, we have over a decade of experience helping IoT OEMs launch their products and grow their operations. 

Billing and monetization support

Zipit also has the unique benefit of offering monetization services and a unified billing management portal. This gives our clients an exceptional advantage, as few connectivity providers also provide IoT-designed monetization solutions. We help our customers maximize their downstream revenue potential and simplify their overall operations. With Zipit’s services, OEMs offload subscription billing and data-usage tracking without having to invest in proprietary billing software. 

Multi-network SIMs

Devices must be able to reliably and easily switch between carrier networks as they move across regions and countries. There is are wide array of SIM card strategies that enable this flexibility, including multi-network SIMs, multiple physical SIM cards, and multiple eUICC (eSIM) profiles. 

Each device will need to employ a different combination of tactics to maximize uptime and consistency. As a result, mobile IoT device OEMs should engage with an authorized (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) MVNO partner early on. An MVNO, like Zipit Wireless, can provide crucial insights into connectivity needs and future scalability considerations that can be implemented from the earliest design stages and prevent deployment delays from short-sighted or misaligned carrier connectivity strategies. 

Cellular network connectivity

Mobile IoT devices must be able to leverage cellular technology to access guaranteed service levels, premier security features, and managed mobility backed by network operators. This reliability is typically non-negotiable, especially for mission-critical systems like logistics monitoring, healthcare applications, and valuable asset management. 

Cellular networks optimized for IoT, like LTE-M, LTE Cat 1 bis, and 5G RedCap, offer a balance between speed, power efficiency, and wide area coverage. These networks are also specifically designed to support mobile use cases. Zipit Wireless offers multi-network coverage, as well as insights into which networks your device should prioritize to best fit your needs. 

Network fallback strategies

Devices should be able to automatically switch networks if signal quality drops or deteriorates, like switching from 4G to 2G/3G or switching LTE bands. Network fallback strategies preserve ongoing operations even as external environments change. Zipit Wireless helps businesses strategize network fallback to protect their deployments from unexpected connectivity interruptions. 

Analytics-driven connectivity management platforms

Simplified solutions to operation and device management are essential for mobile IoT deployments. These solutions often deploy thousands of devices, each charting a unique course and transmitting data at different times, in different quantities, and from different locations. Streamlining this information into a singular source of truth offers IoT companies remarkable analytical insights while reducing complexity and promoting more agile operations. 

Zipit Wireless’s connectivity platform lets you deploy devices on new carrier networks in new regions without protracted contract negotiations. You can fully automate SIM activations and deactivations, offer end-user subscription billing, and manage rate plans from one interface. No need to build customized dashboards that pull from multiple sources of truth: Zipit’s connectivity management tool is designed to give you granular control with minimum effort. 

Learn more: IoT Data Analytics: Turning Insights Into Revenue Opportunities 

Partner with Zipit and unlock the potential of your mobile IoT deployment 

When you partner with Zipit, you gain a strategic ally built to help you scale globally with confidence. Zipit’s multi-network SIM strategies, monetization services, and Tier-1 carrier partnerships ensure your mobile devices stay connected no matter where they travel. Our platform centralizes activation, monitoring, and usage-based billing into a single intuitive dashboard, giving you full visibility and control as your deployment grows. 

From simplifying global connectivity and reducing operational overhead to helping you monetize your services effectively, Zipit provides the tools, expertise, and support you need to turn your mobile IoT deployment into a resilient, revenue-generating engine.

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