068: IoT Reality Check: Breaking Down the Latest Industry Benchmark Report

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IoT Reality Check: Fresh Insights from the Latest Benchmarking Report - Matt Hatton from Transforma Insights Breaks Down What's Really Working

In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with Matt Hatton, founding partner at Transforma Insights, to dive deep into his latest IoT peer benchmark report covering 27 MNOs and MVNOs worldwide. Matt brings over 15 years of industry experience, having founded Machina Research (sold to Gartner in 2016) before launching Transforma Insights.

We explore the most surprising findings from his fresh research, including the rise of SGP 32 for eSIM localization, how AI is finally being used for IoT-specific operations rather than just generic business functions, and why many connectivity providers are diversifying into adjacent markets like fixed wireless access.

Matt breaks down the persistent challenges around network fragmentation, explains why IoT growth remains steady rather than explosive, and shares his outlook for 2026. We also discuss the symbiotic relationship between IoT and AI, where IoT provides the essential data feeds that make AI applications truly valuable.

The conversation wraps up with some personal insights about music, favorite bands, and best concert experiences.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background Matt Hatton introduces himself as founding partner at Transforma Insights, sharing his journey from telematics and M2M days through founding Machina Research (sold to Gartner in 2016) to his current focus on IoT, AI, and edge computing.

00:17 Transforma Insights and IOT Market Overview of Transforma Insights' focus areas and Matt's specialization in connectivity, mobile network operators, MVNOs, and the supporting infrastructure that makes IoT deployments possible.

00:56 Telecoms and Connectivity Focus Discussion of the complexity and diversity of IoT solutions, covering the full tech stack from devices through networks, platforms, and applications - and why telecoms expertise is crucial for understanding the space.

02:51 IOT Peer Benchmark Reports Deep dive into Transforma Insights' comprehensive research analyzing 27 MNOs and MVNOs worldwide - the methodology, scope, and dual purpose of identifying industry trends while helping enterprises evaluate connectivity providers.

04:43 Surprising Findings in IOT Key discoveries from the latest report including: localization trends driven by regulatory and performance needs, AI evolution from generic business tools to IoT-specific operations, and diversification into adjacent higher-revenue markets like fixed wireless access.

15:25 Challenges in IOT Connectivity The persistent problem of network fragmentation - 2G/3G shutdowns, patchy 5G rollouts, NB-IoT adoption challenges, and why the mobile industry's choppy technology evolution continues to complicate global IoT deployments.

19:25 SGP 32 and Its Impact Explaining SGP 32 eSIM localization technology in layman's terms - how it enables better multi-country IoT connectivity, reduces reliance on roaming, but doesn't solve all the commercial relationship challenges.

26:22 The State of IoT: Current Trends and Challenges Assessment of where IoT stands today - realistic expectations vs. hype cycles, the role of specialist players vs. major tech vendors, and why steady incremental growth remains the norm.

26:52 The Evolution of IoT: From Telematics to Today Matt's perspective on IoT's steady evolution since 2011, the importance of expectation management, and how regulated mandated use cases provide the few "hockey stick" growth moments in the industry.

28:54 The Role of Major Tech Vendors in IoT Discussion of how major tech vendors have stepped back from IoT, the transition from buzzword marketing to business-as-usual implementations, and the value of focusing on business outcomes rather than technology labels.

31:57 The Intersection of AI and IoT Exploring how IoT serves as the "eyes and ears" for AI systems, enabling interaction with the real world through applications like video analytics, autonomous driving, and industrial optimization.

33:41 Future Trends in IoT: Looking Ahead to 2026 Key trends for the coming year: AI-IoT integration, video analytics adoption, compliance and regulatory drivers, and the continued shift toward value-based selling over connectivity selling.

35:33 The Impact of Satellite Connectivity on IoT Current state and future potential of satellite IoT - from traditional high-value asset tracking to new capabilities from Starlink and others, plus the limitations and cost considerations that remain.

38:43 Personal Insights: Music and Career Reflections Lighter conversation about shared musical tastes in punk/alternative rock, first concerts (Ned's Atomic Dustbin vs. a legendary $10 show featuring Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, and Red Hot Chili Peppers), favorite bands, and career reflections.

45:20 Conclusion: Reflecting on IoT's Progress and Future Wrapping up with realistic optimism about IoT's steady progress, the importance of business case-driven implementations, and looking forward to continued industry evolution.

Guest: Matt Hatton, Founding Partner, Transforma Insights

Key Companies/Technologies Mentioned: Vodafone, AT&T, Verizon, Telefonica, SGP 32, eSIM, NB-IoT, LTE Cat-1, 5G RedCap, Starlink, Machina Research, Gartner

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