Enabling new IoT use cases with Lightbug trackers.

Challenges with smart asset tracking

Lightbug makes small and powerful GPS tracking devices. You’ll find their products tracking assets, vehicle fleets, drones, people, and much more. Their trackers need global visibility and they didn’t want to be tied into cellular data subscriptions. Flexible data pricing for global networks tied to value creation moments didn’t seem possible until they met with Onomondo.

Solution

With Onomondo’s global connectivity, Lightbug has one SKU, one APN, and one connectivity contract, dramatically reducing the complexity of managing a global fleet. Additionally, Lightbug passes Onomondo’s PAYG data pricing model on to their customers, making it easy to integrate IoT into products. Finally, Onomondo’s public API and real-time data monitoring tools streamline development, scaling, and operation.

Small trackers with a long battery life and no subscription

Lightbug and Onomondo started working together in early 2021. Onomondo’s IoT stack and cellular network have given Lightbug the flexibility and control they were looking for, helping them focus on building better devices and adding value.

Onomondo’s PAYG data pricing (with no active SIM fees) has been especially beneficial for Lightbug.

Typical IoT connectivity providers tie customers into data subscriptions from the point of activation. New devices sit on shelves accumulating costs and end-of-life devices need to be tracked and deactivated. This old-school telco mentality is holding IoT back.

With Onomondo, you know that whenever your device sends data, whenever it brings value, that’s when you pay for data. PAYG data billing is resonating well with Lightbug’s customers. The ability for manufacturers to make their products smart without committing to a subscription has opened up a wealth of new use cases.

What changed with Onomondo?

Access to a global network

Onomondo’s global network offers access to over 590 local networks in more than 180 countries. For Lightbug, whose GPS trackers should function anywhere in the world, that means complete assurance that all networks behave the same way and provide coverage no matter where their devices end up.

This has enabled Lightbug to fulfill contracts with its customers globally. One example is the PGA tour, who are fitting players with Lightbug devices and using them for automatic scoring and stat generation. Without Onomondo’s connectivity reach and software for on-the-fly troubleshooting, this wouldn’t be possible.

Gaining and providing PAYG data

A key benefit of Onomondo for Lightbug is PAYG data pricing and costs scaling directly with revenue or data value. With Onomondo, when SIMs are not transmitting data within a given month, Lightbug isn’t paying for them. This is possible through the use of Magic Mode on Onomondo IoT SIMs.

As a result, Lightbug customers spend less time juggling SIM subscriptions and more time solving problems.

Better processes with a public API

At Onomondo, APIs are treated as invaluable tools for customers’ success. By providing access to platform APIs, Lightbug has made major enhancements to its products capabilities.

This includes automatically generating network lists based on pricing, geography, and other variables – which helps make scaling operations more efficient.

Wrapping it up

Lightbug is committed to leading the charge on what can be achieved with cellular connectivity. Their team supports a variety of use cases, empowered by Onomondo connectivity and software. The tools they employ through Onomondo supports more efficient devices, lower costs for their customers, and a faster troubleshooting experience.

For more information about Lightbug and their products, please visit their website.