Yet many sectors still rely on global system for mobile communications-based connectivity (2G/3G/4G) to power their IoT deployments – a choice that increasingly exposes them to operational, financial and strategic risks.
With the planned sunset of legacy GSM networks by 2027 and the rise of low-power, scalable alternatives like Sigfox, the time to pivot is now.
Sector-by-sector analysis
Agriculture
| Risks with GSM | IoT network advantage |
| Poor rural coverage leads to gaps in data monitoring | Sigfox offers deep rural coverage and long range connectivity |
| High power consumption shortens battery life of in the field sensors | Sigfox devices transmit small packets efficiently, which tranlastes to long battery life, ideal for in the field sensors, where electricity is not available |
| GSM sunset by 2027 threatens long-term viability of deployed devices | Future-proof connectivity ensures continuity beyond GSM phase-out |
Potential outcomes and benefits: (based on qualitative impact and quantitative benchmarks from industry reports)
- Up to 30% increase in crop yields through precision farming
- 20-40% reduction in water usage, supporting climate resilience
- Empowerment of smallholder farmers with affordable, low-maintenance tools
Mining and industrial automation
| Risks with GSM | IoT network advantage |
| Underground operations suffer from weak GSM signal penetration | IoT networks support massive device deployments in bespoke scenarios |
| High device density causes network congestion and latency. | Sigfox allows for multiple devices to communicate simultaneously |
| Frequent maintenance due to power-hungry GSM modules | Low power sensors operate autonomously for years |
Potential outcomes and benefits: (based on international benchmarks applied to local contexts)
- 50% reduction in unplanned downtime, boosting productivity.
- Improved worker safety and compliance with environmental standards.
- Real-time visibility into remote operations and asset health.
Smart cities
| Risks with GSM | IoT network advantage |
| GSM networks struggle to achieve return on investment on low data usage solutions | Sigfox supports tens of thousands of devices per base station with low data throughput |
| High data costs and power usage limit scalability | Smart lighting, waste bins, and parking sensors run are designed for extremely long battery life using a low power wide area network |
| Legacy GSM modules may become obsolete post-2027 | LPWAN is a mature technology but still in its infancy in terms of device compatibility and longevity |
Potential outcomes and benefits: (based on qualitative impact and quantitative benchmarks from industry reports)
- 25-40% savings in energy costs through smart infrastructure
- Faster emergency response and improved public safety
- Data-driven urban planning and enhanced citizen experience
Healthcare and telemedicine
| Risks with GSM | IoT network advantage |
| GSM wearables drain battery quickly, limiting remote monitoring | Sigfox enable secure, low-power patient monitoring |
| Coverage gaps in rural clinics affect data continuity | Reliable connectivity in underserved areas supports chronic care |
| Security vulnerabilities expose patient data | End-to-end encryption ensures compliance with Protection of Personal Information Act and global standards |
Potential outcomes and benefits: (based on qualitative impact and quantitative benchmarks from industry reports)
- 30% improvement in chronic disease management via remote monitoring
- Reduced hospital readmissions through early alerts
- Expanded access to care in rural and underserved communities
Energy and utilities
| Risks with GSM | IoT network advantage |
| GSM meters require frequent maintenance and are vulnerable to load shedding | Smart meters using Sigfox operate independently of grid power |
| Data loss during outages affects billing and fault detection | Real-time fault alerts and consumption tracking improve service delivery |
| GSM sunset risks stranded infrastructure | Long battery life and low data needs reduce operational costs |
Potential outcomes and benefits: (based on qualitative impact and quantitative benchmarks from industry reports)
- 15-25% reduction in energy theft and loss via smart metering
- Faster outage resolution and predictive fault detection
- Support for renewable energy integration and demand forecasting
Logistics and asset tracking
| Risks with GSM | IoT network advantage |
| GSM trackers are expensive and require frequent charging | Sigfox devices can be disposable and have very long battery life. |
| Coverage gaps affect cross-border and rural asset visibility | Ideal for pallets, containers and non-powered assets |
| GSM congestion impacts real-time tracking accuracy | Scalable, cost-effective tracking across supply chains |
Potential outcomes and benefits: (based on qualitative impact and quantitative benchmarks from industry reports)
- Up to 90% reduction in cargo loss or theft with real-time tracking
- Optimised routing and fuel savings through connected fleet management
- Enhanced supply chain transparency and customer satisfaction
GSM-based IoT connectivity is increasingly risky in South Africa’s evolving infrastructure landscape. From coverage and cost to scalability and security, GSM falls short of the demands of modern, data-driven industries. Purpose-built IoT networks offer a resilient, future-proof alternative – designed to thrive in South Africa’s rural, industrial and urban environments.