# Providing a Global IoT Connectivity Solution | OptConnect's Chris Baird | Internet of Things Podcast

- Show: [IoT For All Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast)
- Published: 2024-10-02
- Length: 24m
- Episode: 360
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iot-for-all/episodes/Providing-a-Global-IoT-Connectivity-Solution--OptConnects-Chris-Baird--Internet-of-Things-Podcast-e2p549c

## Summary

Chris Baird, President and CEO of OptConnect, explains how the company provides a fully managed global IoT connectivity solution for unattended devices in industries like security, ATMs, and medical devices. He details OptConnect's strategy of acquiring niche firms in Europe and Latin America to navigate complex regional regulations and spectrum management, rather than relying on a single centralized hub. Baird highlights the value of managed services by contrasting them with the 'unknown unknowns' of DIY IoT, citing their ability to maintain inventory during supply chain crises and resolve outages via proprietary hardware that switches carriers autonomously.

## Chapters

- [0:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of#t=4) Introduction: Chris Baird and OptConnect
- [3:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of#t=200) Global expansion and maintaining connectivity
- [6:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of#t=376) Consolidation and acquisitions
- [8:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of#t=538) Connectivity in different regions
- [11:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of#t=678) The value of managed services
- [17:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of#t=1059) Challenges of global expansion
- [20:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2024-10-02-providing-a-global-iot-connectivity-solution-optconnects-chris-baird-internet-of#t=1210) Remote connectivity and satellite IoT

## Topics

- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- OptConnect (company)
- PTCRB (other)
- FCC (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Breaking IoT Connectivity Barriers with Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-07-25-breaking-iot-connectivity-barriers-with-chris-baird-ceo-of-optconnect) (Over the Air)
- [428: Sprinkling a Little IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-09-22-428-sprinkling-a-little-iot) (Embedded.fm)
- [Making IoT Economically Viable at Scale](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2022-07-21-making-iot-economically-viable-at-scale) (Over the Air)
- [IoT Data: Using Smart Tech to Outsmart Analog Competitors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2021-06-22-iot-data-using-smart-tech-to-outsmart-analog-competitors) (Over the Air)
- [Why IoT Is Difficult with Jonathan Beri](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-01-18-why-iot-is-difficult-with-jonathan-beri) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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