Resilient connectivity for push-to-talk (PTT) emergency response units
Emergency response units, medical emergency care units, perimeter patrol guards and the likes commonly use small two-way communication devices referred to as push-to-talk modules. These are bidirectional transmitters that can transfer data (commonly Mp3 files) between endpoints.
Working with such technologies, MST provides clients in security and armed response units with PTT equipment.
The Problem
Before partnering with our team, MST provided clients with pre-paid SIMs installed inside PTT devices (like two-way radios). It was critical that SIM data be meticulously managed, to ensure devices never went offline. However, this proved to be a painstaking, time-consuming task, since MST was using a rudimentary web-based platform with multiple limitations. Given that MST has a duty to provide clients with working PPT devices, any situation in which SIMs went offline was simply untenable.
The Solution
With the specificity of their current problems in mind, Trinity suggested that MST needed a system to maintain control over SIMs whilst optimising their resources. We migrated the entirety of MST’s fleet of SIMs over to Connect - Trinity’s very own communication management platform. Trinity Connect comes with unique functionality specifically created to make managing and controlling SIMs easier. Some of the most important features are highlighted below:
Increase SIM data limits remotely
By individual or bulk selection, MST can remotely adjust the data limits of SIMs. Using the Connect platform, MST can also create custom alerts that are triggered when a SIM reaches a custom data threshold. Setting daily, weekly or monthly data limits also helped MST with data usage control.
Suspend SIMs with suspicious activity
With immediate effect, MST can suspend SIMs in real-time. MST can also give certain accounts on the platform access permission to suspend SIMs, as a security measure.
Lock SIMs to devices
SIMs are linked to specific devices. Once locked, SIMs will not work if taken out and placed into another device. This reinforces that SIMs are used in the correctly assigned devices.
Create custom virtual data bundles via Trinity’s managed APN
MST has access to a secure, private network connection through Trinity’s managed APN. By allocating one “pool” of data, SIMs use only as much data as they need. The APN is reverse-billed, allowing MST to use SIMs from different MNOs across a single virtual bundle. Additionally, they will only have to pay one bill for multiple SIMs, making billing much less admin intensive. (If you would like to read more on the basics of managed APNs, click here)
What’s so special about a Managed APN from Trinity?
Other than the reduced load of admin that you or your team have to deal with, Trinity’s managed APN is perfect for business IoT applications that involve more than one Networked SIM provider (like MTN, Vodacom, Bics, etc). This is because Trinity provides a network agnostic APN-as-a-service offering. No matter the SIM, data can be used from major MNO without the hassle of multiple bills.
So what is the real business value for MST? Now they can manage their SIMs remotely for PTT clients. Better yet, it’s not necessary to employ an admin resource to monitor and update SIMs manually. MST can ensure clients have access to “always-on” connectivity via Trinity’s managed APN, and data wastage is no longer a concern.
Working with South African businesses since ‘96, Trinity is well-versed in creating successful end-to-end solutions that fit sector-specific needs. If you’re looking for a similar solution, or you would like to learn how we could assist your IoT project, reach out to our team below.
