Why Connectivity Testing Should Be the Foundation of Your IoT POC Strategy

In the world of IoT, few things are as underestimated—or as critical—as connectivity testing during the proof of concept (POC) phase.

Too often, companies race ahead with hardware development, edge logic, and application integration, only to discover late in the cycle that their devices struggle to connect in the field. Whether it's poor signal penetration, roaming inconsistencies, incompatible radio modules or data session failures, these challenges aren’t hypothetical—they’re frequent and costly.

Why POC Testing Is No Longer Optional

According to GSMA Intelligence, more than 40% of global IoT projects fail at the POC stage, with one of the top three culprits being unreliable or misunderstood connectivity. The reality is: a device that functions in a controlled lab may behave very differently once deployed in remote areas, across borders, or underground.

Lab tests do not replace real-world performance. Connectivity is not static—it changes depending on operator availability, signal interference, roaming agreements, network latency, and even power conditions on the device.

The Case for Field-Level Validation

Testing in live environments allows you to answer essential questions that directly impact cost, customer experience, and long-term scalability:

Strategic Testing, Not Just Technical Testing

POC testing isn’t just a technical task—it’s a strategic milestone. A successful test provides:

• A validated foundation for network and carrier decisions

• Confidence in device design and connectivity architecture

• Internal assurance for go-to-market timelines and investment

• A smoother path to compliance, customer delivery, and long-term scalability

When managed properly, a robust testing phase shortens time to revenue and helps prevent costly surprises later in the deployment lifecycle.

What Makes a Testing Environment Effective?

Testing connectivity isn’t about inserting a SIM into a device and checking for bars. To gather meaningful results, the testing environment should combine:

Testing with Velos IoT: Start Right with the Free Starter Kit

At Velos IoT, we provide a complete testing environment designed to reflect real-world connectivity demands. Our Free IoT SIM Starter Kit helps you validate your devices across a global footprint with full visibility and control.

What's Included:

How the Process Works

1. Request your free SIM kit online

2. Connect with a Velos IoT engineer to align on your test goals

3. Activate and configure your SIMs through the platform

4. Begin testing with real-world conditions and live data

5. Review insights, make adjustments, and prepare to scale

There’s no cost to start, and no long-term commitment required. Just real insight into how your devices will behave in the field.

Build on a Stronger Foundation

The most successful IoT deployments are built on tested assumptions—not guesses. Connectivity isn’t a given—it’s an evolving, dynamic piece of the solution stack that requires deliberate validation.

By taking the time to test thoroughly during the POC phase, you save far more down the line—in support, in deployment delays, and in customer satisfaction. Just as importantly, it lets you scale with confidence.

Start right. Test smart. Request your Velos IoT Starter Kit and set your devices up for success—wherever in the world they go.

👉 Request the kit  or if you still have questions, contact us below and one of our IoT experts will be happy to assist and get you on your way.