Sonim enters next chapter of accelerated growth, expansion with new category of data devices

Peter Liu of Sonim

Sonim Technologies, Inc., has announced the expansion of its product portfolio to introduce a new category of 4G/5G wireless and Wi-Fi data devices. Sonim will offer a range of mobile hotspots, USB (universal serial bus) modems, and fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions under the category name Sonim Connect. The first of these products will be available later this year, with additional devices available in 2024.

“Earlier this year, we shared that Sonim is stepping into a new phase of growth. By providing high-quality data products with advanced features at competitive price points, we expect to expand our market presence, drive increased revenue and maintain healthy margins. We’re genuinely excited about the opportunities and efficiencies we’re going to create with this new family of data devices. We are confident in our ability to market our new products to existing carrier and enterprise customers while also attracting customers in new markets,” states Peter Liu, CEO of Sonim.

Sonim Connect solutions portfolio

The Sonim Connect family of wireless connectivity Internet products will provide consumers and businesses with a secure and cost-effective way to access the Internet. With features such as signal strength optimisation and built-in security protections, customers can be sure they have a safe and secure connection regardless of location.

Mobile hotspots: Sonim adds two mobile hotspots to the connected portfolio, one premium and one value tier, each addressing the specific needs of target audiences. These competitively priced devices utilise the wireless technology to convert any location into a workspace, providing users on the go with a secure Internet connection. Designed with quality, durability, performance, and extended battery life in mind, Sonim’s mobile hotspots ensure sustained connectivity, regardless of the location.

Fixed wireless access (FWA) gateways and routers: Sonim’s fixed wireless access gateways and routers provide point-to-point links to ensure 5G Internet speeds in both home and office environments. These FWA solutions are built with a focus on durability and reliability, offering stable, quality-of-service (QoS) high-performance connections capable of handling data-intensive tasks whether for primary connectivity or back up connections. They provide a cost-effective solution for those in need of dependable, high-speed Internet access both indoors and outdoors, particularly in areas where cable and fibre options are too expensive, unreliable, or not feasible.

USB modems: These single-point modem devices deliver secure, high-speed Internet connectivity and are suitable for professionals on the move or IoT applications in remote locations, such as kiosks and vending machines.

The connected solutions market and opportunity (mobile broadband and fixed wireless)

The market for connected solutions, such as hotspots and fixed wireless, is growing. The Ericsson Mobility Report highlights an increase in global mobile network traffic. By the end of 2022, monthly traffic reached about 118 Exabytes (EB), projected to soar to 472 EB by 2028. This growth will be driven by the adoption of extended reality (XR) services, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). With the introduction of the new Sonim Connect family of data devices, the company is poised to leverage this trend by addressing the changing market needs in the advancing digital landscape.

Additionally, in a market shift, a high-end pricing provider has pivoted to focus on enterprise solutions, scaling back consumer carrier sales, while value segment contenders face challenges around safety and security. This creates an opportunity for Sonim to capture market share in North America, EMEA, and Australia.

Sonim, a US-based company, is equipped to offer secure, cost-competitive alternatives to existing incumbents. The company’s business model includes manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, delivering what carriers seek considering these market shifts. By leveraging this trend, Sonim is poised to become the go-to supplier of wireless data devices for carriers and their customers, spanning enterprise, government, SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses), and consumers.

As Sonim prepares to establish itself as a preferred provider for wireless data devices, Mr. Liu further emphasised the importance of their team additions in realising this objective. Liu notes, “We are also pleased to welcome new members to the team who bring a wealth of wireless industry and leadership experience in the areas of mobile broadband and fixed wireless access. Their expertise will fuel Sonim’s growth and enhance our ability to deliver leading connected solutions while expanding our global reach. The collective efforts of our augmented team will steer us towards our vision of industry leadership, focusing on delivering unmatched value to our customers and shareholders.”

The additions to the Sonim team include:

  • Chris Yeatts joined as Sonim’s SVP of connected solutions, spearheading the company’s expansion into connected data products such as mobile broadband and fixed wireless access. His previous leadership positions at Inseego, WSA Distributing, Kyocera Wireless, and Qualcomm have equipped him with a wealth of experience in global carrier deployments of mobile broadband and fixed wireless. This experience gives Sonim an edge in establishing global carrier partnerships.
  • Simon Rayne recently assumed the role of SVP and general manager for the UK, EMEA, and APAC. He brings a wealth of sales and market development experience specific to these regions. Before joining Sonim, Simon served as SVP and managing director for Inseego, where he drove the market entry of connected 5G solutions with top-tier operators in those markets and established global distribution channels. Earlier, as managing director for Spectralink, Simon developed a global channel sales strategy that included alliances and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) partnerships with giants like Cisco and Microsoft. He secured distribution agreements with major players such as Dimension Data, BT Global, Orange Business Services, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefonica. Simon’s leadership extends to managing Microsoft’s UK Cloud, Office, and Skype divisions, spearheading sales at Sony Ericsson Mobile, and holding prominent roles at GlaxoSmithKline, Coca-Cola, and Bass Brewing Company. With this extensive experience, Simon is well-positioned to steer Sonim’s growth in crucial global markets.
  • Ian Renwick serves as Sonim’s senior director of product management, overseeing the mobile hotspot category. With nearly three decades of experience in the telecom industry, Ian previously worked at Inseego and Novatel Wireless as senior director of product management, delivering mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, and IoT solutions to major EMEA carriers. His previous roles include head of global product at Vix Technology, where he developed smart transport ticketing solutions for major cities and launched iconic devices like RAZR and StarTAC into the European market at Motorola.
  • John Ross joined Sonim as the senior director of product management, leading the fixed wireless category. His career spans various telecommunication companies, including US Robotics, Motorola, Novatel Wireless, CalAmp, and Inseego. An RF engineer at heart, John possesses an understanding of the technical requirements needed to ensure performance of Sonim’s portfolio of fixed wireless connected solutions. His transition from engineering to business has deepened his appreciation for delivering optimal user experiences while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This broad background makes John a suitable fit for Sonim’s expansion into new categories within the connection solutions space.
  • Anette Gaven serves as Sonim’s vice president of marketing, responsible for product marketing, brand and corporate communications, and investor relations. Her previous leadership roles in marketing at Inseego, Telit, and Novatel Wireless, combined with her consulting services for various wireless OEMs, ODMs (ooriginal design manufacturer), and carriers, have given her extensive experience in the global wireless mobile broadband and fixed wireless sectors, enterprise networking, and SaaS industries.

For sales enquiries: contact sales@sonimtech.com.com.

To schedule an executive interview: contact pr@sonimtech.com.

Comment on this article below or via Twitter: @IoTNow_OR @jcIoTnow

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