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The Internet of Things (IoT) is generating intense interest. More devices are now connected to the Internet than there are people, and estimates once projected tens of billions of connected devices within a few years. This rapid expansion is exciting, but much of the public discussion misses a crucial point: the conversation has focused too heavily on wireless network technologies instead of on the needs and design of the devices themselves.
For IoT to reach its full potential, device makers need clear, widely accepted design standards—a device “bill of rights” that defines what devices should expect from their wireless connectivity. Such a framework would shift the industry’s priorities from network hype to practical, long-lived, secure, and cost-effective device deployments.
The current dominant influence on IoT development
Because no universal device standards guide development, the direction of IoT has largely been set by the most visible and influential players: cellular carriers. Consumers demand faster, broader cellular service, and carriers respond by rolling out successive network generations. While faster networks benefit smartphones and high-bandwidth applications, many IoT devices remain low-priority for carriers because they consume minimal bandwidth and generate far less revenue per unit than consumer phones.
As a result, high-volume, low-cost machine-to-machine devices are often treated as secondary. This causes friction between long-lived device expectations and the upgrade-driven priorities of carriers who favor voice and data services.
Why a device “Bill of Rights” matters
A device-focused bill of rights would re-center the market around device needs. If the industry adopted a set of common attributes and expectations for IoT devices, carriers and infrastructure providers would have to support them deliberately. Operating machine networks on unlicensed ISM bands or other machine-driven channels that aren’t tied to voice and consumer data could increase competition and produce better, more secure, and more reliable IoT solutions.
End users would benefit from improved efficiency, a wider range of services, greater network reliability, and longer device lifespans. Below are five core principles that should guide such a bill of rights, describing what IoT devices should expect from their wireless connectivity.
1. Prioritize machine-exclusive wireless connectivity.
Wireless networks for machines should be designed around machine requirements, not influenced by human-driven connectivity trends. Human-focused progress often shortens product lifecycles because consumer demands push rapid upgrades. A machine-first approach places devices’ needs at the center, ensuring networks don’t deprioritize machine traffic and enabling device lifecycles that can span a decade or more.
2. Design every IoT device for comprehensive security.
As IoT ecosystems expand, they create more potential attack surfaces. Many existing devices show concerning vulnerabilities. A proper device bill of rights should require security by design: encrypted messaging, support for firmware updates, strong device authentication (including mutual authentication where appropriate), integrity for multicast communications, and adherence to standards-based security best practices. These measures reduce risks and enable safer large-scale deployments.
3. Optimize for long battery life.
Long battery life is essential for cost-effective IoT deployments because many devices must operate for years without human intervention. Devices should transmit quickly and intelligently, then return to deep sleep to conserve energy. Thoughtful application design, efficient communication patterns, and careful battery selection are all critical to maximizing field lifetime and minimizing maintenance costs.
4. Prevent devices from becoming obsolete due to network sunsets.
Network operators frequently sunset legacy technologies as they transition to new generations. For many IoT products—especially those intended to operate unattended for a decade—this practice undermines affordability and long-term viability. If networks prioritize persistent machine connectivity instead of constantly replacing older network layers in favor of consumer services, devices can remain functional throughout their intended life.
5. Ensure true two-way communication.
Robust two-way communication—both uplink and downlink—is critical for reliable IoT solutions. A network should support message acknowledgements and full bidirectional connectivity between devices and access points. Two-way capability enables over-the-air firmware updates and remote management, letting manufacturers fix, enhance, and maintain devices after deployment.
At present, many technology companies and wireless providers are not fully realizing the opportunities IoT offers. The drive to retire networks in pursuit of next-generation consumer services leaves capable devices and potential revenues stranded. Consumers then face higher costs and shorter-lasting products. Adopting a device bill of rights focused on machine needs, security, long battery life, network longevity, and two-way communication would help IoT fulfill its promise by aligning networks and device designs for practical, durable deployments.
Would a device “Bill of Rights” help IoT achieve its potential? Share your thoughts in the comments.