Integrated advanced IoT connectivity to enable seamless smartwatch functionality
Streamlined system integrations to accelerate product launch timelines
Automated commercial processes to improve operational efficiency
Enabled global scalability while delivering a premium experience and recurring revenue stream
A leading kids smartwatch brand focused on child safety and location tracking wanted to create a product that worked straight out of the box. Their goal was to include data, SMS, and voice services from the moment the device was unwrapped, without requiring parents to hunt for a SIM card or go through manual activation steps. To make that possible, they needed a customized IoT connectivity solution that could operate across multiple countries and integrate smoothly with their existing e-commerce checkout process.
Spenza, in partnership with Aeris, developed a tailored global connectivity solution that reduced launch times, removed operational bottlenecks, and established a profitable subscription model. The result was a premium unboxing and user experience that delighted both children and parents.
The Challenge: The High Cost of Limited Visibility
The smartwatch launch faced several significant challenges:
- Multi-service requirement including data, voice, and publicly routed SMS for international location tracking and communication.
- Special carrier configuration needed to support public SMS routing, which is not standard with large operators.
- Desire for one-step activation at the point of purchase, allowing customers to order the watch and connectivity plan together through Shopify, with instant activation.
- Manual reconciliation of reseller and enterprise billing was time-consuming and made scaling difficult.
“Aeris put in a lot of time and effort to find the right connectivity setup for us. Their willingness to customise, especially for publicly routed SMS requirements, shows true customer focus.”
Vinay Chandra
Founder and CEO of Spenza
The Solution
Spenza implemented its connectivity aggregation platform, powered by Aeris to deliver multi-service SIM cards with global reach. The key elements of the solution included:
Custom network setup created over a two-month collaborative period with Aeris, enabling publicly routed SMS as well as voice and data services optimized for the smartwatch operating system.
Seamless e-commerce integration, linking subscription activation directly to the Shopify checkout process, so that every smartwatch shipped fully active.
Automated parent–child billing capabilities, eliminating manual reconciliation and enabling resellers and enterprise customers to operate with accurate markups and commissions.
Results
Faster Time to Market
Setup was ready within two months, and customer trials began immediately. The first production devices shipped within three months of contract signing. Compared to the industry average of four to six months for non-standard network setups with large operators, this represented a reduction of up to 66 percent in launch time.
Operational Efficiency
Automation in billing saved customers between four and eight hours each month and allowed reseller and enterprise accounts to scale without administrative burden.
Customer Experience
Eighty percent of buyers chose to purchase the connectivity plan along with the smartwatch. Of those, 75 percent opted for an unlimited plan to avoid any data, voice, or SMS restrictions. Activation took only seconds, and customers received a device that was ready to use out of the box, providing an immediate “wow” moment when making the first call or sending the first message.
Financial Impact
Bundling connectivity into device sales increased average revenue per user (ARPU) and made the business sustainable, as hardware was sold at cost and subscription plans generated recurring revenue. This approach reduced churn and established predictable monthly income.
Global Reach
Connectivity was available in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. Within six months of launch, the installed base grew by 500 percent.
Technical Reliability
There were no activation complaints due to the optimized APN configuration and the stable network performance across all active regions.
Future Opportunities
The success of this implementation positions Spenza to deliver similar end-to-end connectivity solutions in other sectors, including:
- Healthcare wearables for patient monitoring.
- Fleet telematics for logistics and transportation.
- Industrial IoT devices with embedded subscription billing.
“Our biggest strength in projects like this is speed. Because we already have integrations with connectivity partners and e-commerce platforms, we can help someone go live within days, which changes the game.”
Vinay Chandra
Founder and CEO of Spenza
Key Takeaway
By combining advanced IoT connectivity, streamlined integrations, and automated commercial processes, Spenza helped the smartwatch brand launch faster, operate more efficiently, and scale across multiple geographies. This project delivered a premium connectivity experience and established a profitable recurring revenue stream.
