Deutsche Telekom wants to simplify IoT Connectivity via MECC (Make Everything Cellular Connected)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries, but device manufacturers often face significant challenges when integrating cellular connectivity into their products. To address this, Deutsche Telekom (DT) has introduced MECC – Make Everything Cellular Connected, a solution designed to streamline and simplify IoT connectivity. By embedding cellular modules directly into devices during production, MECC eliminates the need for complex modem integrations and reduces entry barriers for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

IoT Integration, Straight from the Factory

Traditionally, adding cellular connectivity to IoT devices required manufacturers to retrofit devices with modems, SIMs, and connectivity management platforms. This process added complexity, time, and cost. MECC offers a radically simplified approach:

• Pre-installed connectivity: Cellular modules with embedded nuSIMs are directly integrated into products during manufacturing.
• Smart Standby Mode: Connectivity is only activated when needed, such as for remote configuration or device status updates. This minimises ongoing costs and optimises energy efficiency.
• Heartbeat and Dormant Tariffs: Manufacturers can choose basic standby connectivity plans during production, activating full IoT plans when the device is in use. This flexibility reduces the economic risk of mass-producing connected devices.

Partnerships Driving Adoption

Deutsche Telekom has teamed up with Nordic Semiconductor and PSsystec to bring MECC to market. Nordic Semiconductor’s IoT modules provide the hardware foundation, while PSsystec has incorporated MECC into its product range, enabling cellular connectivity out of the box.

At MWC 2025, DT showcased how MECC makes it easier and more cost-effective for manufacturers to integrate cellular connectivity without dealing with complex hardware configurations. During the session, industry leaders such as Dennis Nikles (CEO, Deutsche Telekom IoT) and Oyvind Birkenes (EVP, Nordic Semiconductor) highlighted how MECC reduces development time and provides scalable IoT solutions.

The video of the session is embedded below:

Reducing Complexity, Increasing Flexibility

One of the key benefits of MECC is its flexibility for both manufacturers and end-users:

• For manufacturers: By embedding IoT modules during production, OEMs avoid the need for time-consuming and costly retrofitting. Devices leave the factory connectivity-ready, with the option to activate full IoT functionality later.
• For end-users: Devices can be remotely configured, updated, and monitored from day one, enabling manufacturers to offer enhanced services such as predictive maintenance or usage-based pricing models.

Lower Costs, Faster Time-to-Market

With MECC, DT offers graduated hardware pricing models, allowing manufacturers to install IoT modules in mass production without incurring full connectivity costs upfront. For example:

• Standby connectivity costs as little as €10 per year per device, with the option to upgrade to a full IoT Business LPWA data plan when needed.
• The integrated nuSIM eliminates the need for physical SIMs, saving space and reducing power consumption.

A Milestone for IoT

By pre-installing cellular connectivity at the manufacturing stage, Deutsche Telekom’s MECC solution significantly lowers the barriers to IoT adoption. It offers manufacturers a flexible, cost-efficient way to bring connected products to market faster while enabling new service models. As IoT adoption accelerates, solutions like MECC will play a vital role in driving scalability and innovation across industries.

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Moldova's Telecom Evolution: From Legacy Networks to 5G Futures

Moldova, a small Eastern European nation, has developed a robust telecommunications sector, achieving extensive coverage in both wired and wireless communications. The country's compact size has facilitated the rapid expansion of mobile networks, ensuring that even remote areas have access to telephony services.

Data from GSMA Intelligence shows that there were 4.24 million cellular mobile connections in Moldova at the start of 2024. However, note that many people around the world make use of more than one mobile connection – for example, they might have one connection for personal use, and another one for work – so it’s not unusual for mobile connection figures to significantly exceed figures for total population.

GSMA Intelligence’s numbers indicate that mobile connections in Moldova were equivalent to 125.8 percent of the total population in January 2024. The number of mobile connections in Moldova increased by 946 (+0.02 percent) between the start of 2023 and the start of 2024.

Despite a wave of 3G shutdowns across Europe, many users continue to rely heavily on legacy 3G and 2G networks. These outdated technologies present unique challenges for operators and regulators seeking to modernize infrastructure while minimizing user disruption. According to OpenSignal Moldova has the highest Time on 2G/3G networks. 

Moldova’s telecom market is primarily dominated by three key players: Moldcell, Orange, and Moldtelecom.

Orange Moldova is a subsidiary of the French telecommunications company Orange and offers a wide range of mobile services.

According to nPerf Orange has emerged as a co-leader in 2024, with exceptional performance in Download bitrate and Latency, marking it as a key player in these categories. The operator also leads in Browsing, showcasing its robust capabilities in providing a seamless user experience. Orange has made substantial contributions to the market’s competitive landscape.

Established in 2000, Moldcell has been a prominent player in Moldova's mobile industry. In April 2024, marking its 24th anniversary.

Moldcell has solidified its position as a co-leader with a notable improvement in its overall score. The operator leads in Upload bitrate and shines in Video streaming, demonstrating its strength in these areas. Moldcell also maintains a strong focus on 4G, where it is the undisputed leader. Users benefit from enhanced streaming and upload capabilities, making it ideal for content creators and heavy data users.

Operating since 2007, Moldtelecom, may not be a market leader but is gaining ground and has a reliable network. 

Currently, all operators have isolated pockets of 5G coverage. However, with ANRCETI launching an auction in October 2024 for spectrum across 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3600 MHz, and 26 GHz bands, the introduction of 5G in these frequencies is set to significantly enhance the user experience.