Practically any physical device can be embedded with sensors or software that collect and transmit data without needing human intervention. From the fitness trackers we wear to the fleet-management solutions that tell us when our packages will arrive, the IoT is now embedded in the lives of consumers and the operations of enterprises and governments. The implications are profound.

According to McKinsey by 2030, the IoT could enable between $5.5 trillion and $12.6 trillion in value globally—but capturing this value depends on establishing interoperability and easing cybersecurity concerns.

To leverage 5G, digital manufacturing, and more facets of the IoT’s rapid evolution depend on different factors from Government permits to good ROIs for operators, but for any Manufacturer or industry this technology holds the key to unlocking drastic reductions in downtimes, new business models, and a better customer experience.

Let’s see the case of Grupo Minero Mexico

Industrial Minera Mexico managed to get the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) to grant it radio space in the 700 MHz band to automate and innovate its processes from the deployment of a private LTE network.

The approval granted by the IFT dates back to January 26 involves the possibility of using two 10 MHz spectrum blocks in the 700 MHz band, for five years, to improve the communications network and set up Industry 4.0 solutions in its production plants located in Chihuahua, San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas

This company had requested telecommunications service from various local operators but none of them could offer coverage in the areas where their mines are located, where they want to robotize, automate and digitize their processes. And, even though Altán Redes has the 700 MHz band granted, its coverage also does not reach the required areas.

So, B2B customers needs are out there. In fact they have been there for more than 20 years

Between 2000 and 2003 we had the privilege of being the first data integrator for what was then the CDPD network in Mexico. This network migrated to GPRS and many years later to 3G. In fact, it was not until 2007 when the largest operator in this country announced that the future of the company was in the data network.

In those three yearsweI traveled all over the country trying to integrate Telemetry (now IoT) solutions for vending Machines, LP gas mobile pipes , gasoline pumps to water tanks in the middle of the Baja California desert.

So the question is why if since those years there have been needs in B2B customers that have been missing?

The answer is simple, the success of this rollouts requires the commitment of leadership to ensure that IIoT is not simply an IT or OT initiative but, rather, an organization-wide effort and the commitment of the operators even if the expected ROI don’t match their financial goals.