Steve Statler of Wiliot talks to Simon Ford of Blecon about the Evolving Role of Bluetooth in IoT

Simon Ford recently featured on the Mr. Beacon podcast hosted by Steve Statler, CMO of Wiliot. In this episode, Simon and Steve dive deep into the expanding role of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) in IoT, Blecon's mission, and the future of scalable, wireless connectivity. Special thanks to Steve for his insightful questions and expertise, which brought even more depth to the conversation.

Highlights from the Episode

Bluetooth: From Consumer Tech to IoT Powerhouse

For many, Bluetooth is a consumer technology used to pair devices like headphones or fitness trackers. But as Simon highlights, Bluetooth is making waves far beyond that space. Blecon is tapping into Bluetooth’s massive potential to bring IoT solutions to industries like healthcare, logistics, and beyond. Bluetooth can deliver the same powerful connectivity found in cellular and Wi-Fi, but with lower power and cost.

The Problem Blecon is Solving

The conversation shifts toward a key challenge in the IoT space: the complexity of deploying large-scale networks. Solution providers are often faced with a tough decision—build their own networks or buy existing solutions. Simon explains how Blecon is addressing this with a plug-and-play Bluetooth infrastructure, which allows companies to focus on their core products rather than becoming network operators.

Enabling smartphones and laptops as “hotspots,” or plugging in a dedicated hub, Blecon eliminates the need for complex, costly infrastructure. This allows businesses to deploy IoT solutions at scale without massive upfront investments, making it easier and more economical than ever to connect assets and gather data.

A Solution for Product Companies

Simon also shares how Blecon is positioning itself to serve technology companies that want to embed Bluetooth connectivity into their products, rather than solely focusing on enterprise clients. This approach is similar to how companies like Stripe or Twilio provide building blocks for payments or telecommunications. Blecon offers the foundation for adding seamless IoT Connectivity, enabling companies to track, manage, and update their products in the field.

Why You Should Listen

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a business looking to scale IoT solutions, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Simon’s experience, spanning from his time at Arm to leading Blecon, offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of Bluetooth in the IoT space. 

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