The Cologne-based IoT Carrier 1NCE GmbH has sold more than one
million SIM cards since market launch 5 months ago. The secret behind
the success: by offering an IoT flat rate, the technology company
offers mobile communication between devices on the Internet of Things
(IoT) at a much-needed affordable price point in comparison to most
other providers worldwide, whilst still guaranteeing the highest
quality service. The technology – which is already available in more
than 30 countries – was developed by 1NCE exclusively for IoT
applications. With its strong focus, the company clearly
distinguishes itself from large network operators. “As a specialized
IoT network carrier, we are creating a new industry standard that
will enable significant growth in the Internet of Things and
machine-to-machine communication for the first time,” said Alexander
- Sator, CEO of 1NCE.
Application scenarios already exist in large numbers, but the
implementation of intelligent IoT systems often fails due to the
complexity and cost of setting up wireless network connections. This
is where 1NCE comes in with a revolutionary affordable-cost,
high-quality solution that is ideal, especially for long-lasting B2B
applications: The “1NCE in a Lifetime”-IoT flat rate comprises a data
volume of 500 megabytes and 250 SMS at a price of only 10 euros for
10 years, with no other hidden fees. “This is far more than is
required for the exchange of essential information in IoT
applications without speech,” emphasized Younes Allaki, CTO at 1NCE.
“Should the data volume still not be sufficient for a 10-year period,
customers can top-up their initially booked volume at any time and
will still remain far below the usual costs.” In contrast to classic
models with monthly fees, 1NCE ensures maximum price transparency
with its pre-paid all-inclusive offering that makes IoT connectivity
calculable and affordable for either start-ups or large enterprises.
The 1NCE offering is even more compelling since it comes with
built-in scalability as well as high availability and security.
Supported by Deutsche Telekom AG, 1NCE utilizes the mobile networks
of all major European network operators for its IoT radio services
and is also available in China, Russia and in the USA. The service is
usually supported by at least two – quite often even by all – network
operators in a country in order to guarantee maximum availability.
Another characteristic that makes the technology unique is the
capability to seamlessly switch between the different mobile
communications standards 2G, 3G, 4G or NB-IoT. “Since our SIM card
has access to all available networks and supports all common mobile
communications standards, we ensure investment security and future
viability,” explained Sator.
The addressable market is huge: Experts from the GSM Association
(GSMA), the worldwide industry association of GSM mobile phone
providers, estimate the volume at 25 billion wireless devices by
- Many industries have a great need for connectivity: logistics
service providers must locate their containers, energy providers want
to control measuring devices directly, vehicle fleets need to be
better coordinated, insurance companies want to set up telematics
services. In more precise cases this means that in smart metering
scenarios, electricity, gas and water meters report the meter reading
to the utilities themselves. In the Smart City, streetlight
luminaires signal when they need to be replaced. The waste container
itself reports that it needs emptying, and in industrial production,
wear parts such as drills can initiate their replacement
automatically. “Soon every product developed will come with
radio-capability and thus be ready to communicate,” continued Sator.
1NCE GmbH was founded in January 2017 and started sales in August
- Today, the company has more than 50 staff.
About 1NCE:
1NCE is the first fully-fledged IoT network carrier in the world to
offer fast, secure and reliable connectivity services at low cost
based on an IoT flat rate. This makes IoT applications such as tank
maintenance, smart metering or vehicle telematics affordable. The
“1NCE in a Lifetime Fee” includes 500 MB data volume, 250 SMS and
free access to the 1NCE Connectivity Management Platform via Internet
and API. To provide the service, 1NCE cooperates with Deutsche
Telekom AG and leading telecommunications providers and supports all
common mobile communications standards (2G, 3G, 4G, NB-IoT). The
company headquartered in Cologne offers its flat rate almost
world-wide. 1NCE GmbH was founded in 2017 together with Deutsche
Telekom AG and has more than 50 staff in Cologne, Hamburg, London,
Rome, Paris and Riga. For more information, please see www.1nce.com
