Analysis of Mobile Communications Services for Internet of Things in Romania

Abstract

With the development of Information Technology and Communications (IT&C) industry, more and more electronic devices are connected to the Internet, which is defined as Internet of Things (IoT). The main objective of this paper is to identify the best mobile Internet provider which will be used further to implement a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) for an Electric Vehicle (EV). Statistical data reports of Romanian National Authority for Administration and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) are analyzed and compared to extract information relevant to the knowledge level of final users in Romania about the use of IoT. Indicators such as the degree of use of IoT devices, the attitude towards IoT, the consumer behavior, and their expectations from IoT and 5G technology were used. The analysis of communication services offered by the four main Romanian mobile Internet Service Providers (ISP) is conducted based on statistical data measured by the ANCOM Netograf platform during the period 2010-2020. The disadvantage of the Netograf platform is that it shows data only for a single provider at a time. Our performance comparison is made for all providers in terms of download speed, upload speed, transfer delay, delay variation, and loss rate. Also, the data are compared based on the subscription type (postpaid/prepaid). Finally, the best provider is identified, which will be used further for the above mentioned objective.