Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies: what’s the value for IoT?

This research from GSMA Intelligence examines the synergy between IoT and blockchain/other distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). With IoT growing strongly, DLTs can play a key role by improving IoT technology and enabling trusted IoT verticals.

Operators have used DLTs in digital identity and mobile money services. But there is unrealised potential where the same underlying DLT technology can be applied to operator-led deployments in IoT verticals such as supply-chain management, mobility and energy.

IoT players that want to proceed with DLTs need to understand the technology and identify their requirements, as DLTs are not universally useful to all businesses. However, they are already adding value in a number of IoT applications, providing efficiency, transparency, security and trust.

The report presents the market and innovation activity among IoT players, and describes emerging use cases at the intersection of DLTs with IoT. It also identifies strategies for each type of IoT player: how to proceed, partnerships to seek and actions to take. The focus is on operators and IoT connectivity providers, IoT platform vendors and OEMs offering smart connected products.