Published on: April 2, 2025 Updated 2 times since publishing
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to reshape critical industries—from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and infrastructure—security has never been more essential. At the forefront of securing these intelligent ecosystems is Enrico Milanese, Head of Product Security at Telit Cinterion, a global leader in IoT enablement.
With nearly two decades of experience in cybersecurity, Milanese brings a deep understanding of offensive security and real-world risk mitigation to the complex world of connected devices. In this SafetyDetectives Q&A, we explore how Telit Cinterion is innovating to meet the demands of 5G, LPWAN, and edge computing, while embedding end-to-end security into the very DNA of its solutions. From AI-powered 5G modules to scalable, secure connectivity platforms, Milanese shares his insights on the biggest challenges in IoT—and how Telit Cinterion is helping enterprises overcome them.
Can you share your journey in the IoT industry and what led you to join Telit Cinterion?
My career in cybersecurity began nearly two decades ago, during a time when the field was still largely referred to as “Information Security,” or InfoSec. Over the years, I’ve accumulated experience across various sectors, including critical infrastructure, finance, and telecommunications. My journey into the IoT industry has been driven by a strong focus on application and product security.
At Telit Cinterion, I lead product security initiatives – utilizing the expertise I’ve gained from previous roles in offensive security and conducting security assessments for both industrial and consumer devices. My passion for protecting IoT solutions and advancing Industry 4.0 inspired me to join Telit Cinterion, where I can make a meaningful impact on security in critical applications as we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of connected technologies.
Telit Cinterion has a strong legacy in IoT connectivity. What sets your solutions apart from competitors in this rapidly evolving space?
Telit Cinterion has over 20 years of experience as a trusted partner and leader in the evolving IoT landscape. It is more than merely a connectivity provider; it is an IoT enabler, supporting the entire IoT ecosystem through its modules, connectivity plans/services and platforms.
Telit Cinterion further differentiates itself via key services like remote SIM management, network optimization, data orchestration, and end-to-end security. Likewise, its comprehensive portfolio of enterprise-grade wireless communication and positioning modules (the broadest in the industry), strong presence in industrial IoT segments, global coverage, and consistent reliability set it apart from competitors.
By providing a complete solution, Telit Cinterion helps customers reduce time to market and costs – simultaneously empowering them to overcome challenges and future-proof their products. Telit Cinterion’s award-winning products and services have propelled it to become the largest Western provider pioneering IoT innovation.
With the growing adoption of 5G, LPWAN, and edge computing, how is Telit Cinterion adapting its offerings to meet these technological shifts?
One of the ways Telit Cinterion intends to meet the growing adoption of 5G is through its recently launched AI-powered 5G modules and data cards, like the FE990D and FN990D. These integrate Qualcomm’s 5G modem-RF and utilize AI capabilities to support traffic prioritization, energy efficiency, and location accuracy. Also, Telit Cinterion is designing its modules, connectivity services and platforms to enable 5G network slicing for greater resilience and low-latency connectivity.
Concerning LPWAN applications, Telit Cinterion offers LTE IoT technologies like eMTC and NB-IoT, as well as ultra-compact 5G LPWA modules. Likewise, it is actively expanding its 5G low-power wireless access module portfolio with the inclusion of new modules for indoor and outdoor IoT applications.
For edge computing, Telit Cinterion provides its OneEdge platform – a secure software stack integrated with its IoT modules and cloud services, which allows customers to connect and manage edge device deployment at scale. The aim of OneEdge is to democratize the First Mile of IoT™ by simplifying IoT solution deployment and management, ultimately shortening the IoT monetization path, and thereby maximizing IoT project success probability.
Security is a major concern in IoT deployments. What strategies and technologies does Telit Cinterion implement to ensure secure, scalable connectivity for enterprises?
Telit Cinterion acquired Thales’ IoT line of business – a leading digital identity and security solutions provider – to address the growing demand for secure IoT solutions. Telit Cinterion continues to build on Thales’ expertise in cybersecurity IoT solutions for critical industries and infrastructure, innovating next-generation products and solutions to ensure its customers and partners are ready for future security challenges.
A core security strategy of Telit Cinterion is its commitment to security by design principles, whereby IoT security gets applied to every level – from edge devices to the cloud. Most importantly, IoT security gets built into devices and infrastructure from the ground up rather than as an afterthought. Telit Cinterion also offers a portfolio of certified cellular modules, which includes a blend of secure hardware and software features to provide reliable solutions for our customers and reduce potential downtimes.
Telit Cinterion’s network – NExT™ – is a fully georedundant mobile core network that provides scalable, global connectivity with enterprise-grade security, including VPN and private APN, secure activation and network switching, and network-based security rules. Additionally, Telit Cinterion’s platforms – deviceWISE® and OneEdge™ – help customers safeguard their data and applications through deployment management and end-to-end integration.
What are some of the biggest challenges businesses face when integrating IoT solutions, and how does Telit Cinterion help overcome these hurdles?
The biggest challenges of an IoT implementation fall within three phases: planning, rollout and operation.
- Planning Phase: On top of the complex decisions businesses must make during this phase, they must choose a suitable data plan for the country or region of the deployment. They must also minimize the number of stock-keeping units or SKUs. Likewise, they must maintain continuous wireless connectivity performance; note that unstable connectivity can degrade a battery-operated device’s lifespan.
- Rollout Phase: Businesses must manage complex, multicarrier coverage for IoT devices across regions. The problem with multiple suppliers, partners and carriers is that it prevents companies from controlling their connectivity and obtaining clarity around usage and performance. Other challenges in this phase include expensive and tricky installations, sub-optimal connectivity performance, and roaming restrictions.
- Operation Phase: During this phase, local MNOs can suddenly increase roaming costs, resulting in uncontrolled data costs. Other risks include connectivity outages and cyberattacks aimed at scaled deployments – especially edge devices.
Companies can overcome these IoT obstacles with a partner like Telit Cinterion, which uses a connectivity-by-design approach across the device’s lifespan. Telit Cinterion’s IoT modules, connectivity plans and services, platforms, and custom solutions are purpose-built for every phase of the IoT journey, supporting customers from start to finish of an application’s lifecycle. This method optimizes connectivity, resulting in the best performance and longevity.
Moreover, Telit Cinterion’s NExT connectivity management platform removes the hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers, partners and carriers by providing customers with a single pane of glass to simplify remote subscription management and connectivity outage control and failover.
Looking ahead, what exciting developments or innovations can we expect from Telit Cinterion in the next few years?
Recently, Telit Cinterion launched the FE990D and FN990D – the industry’s first AI-powered 5G modules and data cards featuring the cutting-edge Qualcomm® X85/X82 5G Modem-RF. Built for future-ready connectivity, the FE990D and FN990D support 3GPP Release 18, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and longevity across enterprise and industrial applications. Customers can expect to see these product series supporting key use cases, including Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), enterprise and industrial networking, professional video broadcasting and surveillance, customizable connectivity, and NB-IoT Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
Additionally, Telit Cinterion has introduced the NExT eSIM multiprofile solution, which allows devices to maintain uninterrupted connectivity by combining multiple profiles in a single SIM. This innovative approach enhances resilience and flexibility for mission-critical applications. Furthermore, our latest modules in the LE310 LTE Cat. 1 bis series and SL871K2 GNSS module promise to deliver unique, industry-leading solutions for asset tracking, telematics, and wearables, combining compact size, low cost, and robust connectivity. The LE310 and SL871K2 are sampling now, with mass production planned for the second half of the year.