Moving beyond connecting things : What are the factors telecommunication service providers need to consider when developing a Data-as-a-Service offering?

Abstract: The Internet of Things and connected devices has been getting more and more recognition in multiple industries the last few years. At the same time, the gathering of data is withholding a more central role for both companies and civilians. One type of Internet of Things is enabled by telecommunication Service Providers(TSP)providing SIMcards in devices, functioning by an advanced telecommunication infrastructure. This study aims to examine how these TSPs can leverage data generated by the communication infrastructure, by providing an additional data-as-a-service (DaaS) to current customers. The study was done at a global TSP within the area of SIM-fleet management/IoT enablement. The number of industries that are starting to connect devices are growing extensively, to get all types of information regarding the devices ranging from electricity-usage & geocoordinates to performance or other useful information. The data that is sent by the SIM-card belongs to the customer, and the TSPs does not access it. However, the telecommunication infrastructure generates data created by the communication of the devices, which is gathered by the TSP. Since a huge amount of data is attained by the TSP offering the infrastructure, the aim for this study is to examine eventual obstacles and opportunities of a DaaSoffering. How the data is to be delivered, customers connectivity-needs and how current insights streams are delivered are examples of subjects the study will examine. The work has its foundation in a theoretical reference frame and a qualitative empirical study. The theoretical reference provides a theoretical overview of the industry's development and earlier research within the area. It was created by conducting a literature study combined with reports provided by trade organizations and other stakeholders. The empirical study contains 6 interviews with employees at a global TSP, with an extensive history of connected devices. The two parts were then compiled in order to compare the result with the theoretical background. It appeared that a lot of the challenges of developing a DaaS from the result agreed with the theoretical reference frame. The customers' differences in connectivity-maturity was shown to pose a great challenge to standardize a DaaS-offering, and the clients analytical needs were dependent on the same premises. Furthermore DaaS is considered to have a great effect on the industry's future development,