Transforming video monitoring with cellular IoT in the UK

Retail

Retailers in the UK, from large-scale department stores to boutique shops, are using video analytics powered by Cellular IoT to understand customer behavior. Smart cameras track foot traffic data, helping managers pinpoint optimal locations for product displays or identify bottlenecks in queues. Moreover, Cellular IoT's real-time connectivity assists in loss prevention by enabling seamless monitoring without Wi-Fi interruptions in large retail parks.

Shoplifting in England and Wales reached a record high in 2025, rising by around 20 % to 500K+ offences, the highest level since police began modern recording in 2003. Cameras equipped with Cellular IoT technology make detecting such activities easier, enabling WiFi-free installation and reducing downtime from inconsistent WiFi connectivity.

Security

In the UK, security concerns across urban and industrial areas have led to an increased adoption of mobile video cameras connected via Cellular IoT. From monitoring airports like Heathrow to securing high-traffic retail centers in Central London, Cellular IoT ensures safety operations no longer depend on Wi-Fi availability.

It's no surprise that the global video surveillance market size was estimated at USD 73.75 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 147.66 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2025 to 2030. AI-integrated systems, fueled by advanced 5G connectivity, can analyze video streams to detect incidents like unauthorized access or suspicious behavior in real-time, sending out alerts instantly. 

Dash cams

Fleet management in the UK has embraced Cellular IoT-driven dash cams as a standard for trucking and logistics. These two-way dash cams improve driver safety, help log hours seamlessly, and provide management teams with visual records for compliance. Dash cams are also invaluable for addressing insurance claims promptly, helping fleet operators save time and money related to accident disputes.

With roads being constantly busy—especially critical shipping lanes such as the M25 and A1—IoT-enabled dash cams provide real-time video access even in remote or high-speed transit zones where Wi-Fi is unreliable. Cellular IoT-powered video has truly changed the game for this sector in terms of accountability and training.

Livestock monitoring

The UK's thriving agricultural industry – in 2024 £7.7 billion, an increase of £1.6 billion (+26%) from 2023 – is leveraging Cellular IoT to manage livestock monitoring efficiently. Video-equipped drones powered by Cellular IoT allow ranchers and farmers to visually inspect herds across expansive farmland, which is particularly critical in remote locations without reliable Wi-Fi.

Thermal sensors equipped on these drones not only track animal location but also provide data on their health—such as temperature changes or hydration levels—helping ranchers prevent illness outbreaks. This technology ensures healthier livestock and optimized farming practices.

Sports live streaming and wilderness video

Whether it’s broadcasting a rugby match from Twickenham or live-streaming a hiking trail in the Lake District, Cellular IoT enables uninterrupted video streaming in the most remote settings. Sports fans benefit from real-time access to thrilling events, while wilderness explorers and nature managers rely on IoT cameras to track weather conditions or observe wildlife safely.

In Richmond outside of London, sensors and cellular IoT connected cameras are being used to monitor wildlife corridor conservation sites to help identify biodiversity changes and manage the land. By removing reliance on Wi-Fi, Cellular IoT has made sports and nature video content more accessible and useful.

FAQs

Video isn't a 'nice to have' for us. It’s a critical part of our operations. What are some strategies for preventing outages?

In IoT, outages are more than just interruptions. They're a critical threat with devastating impacts to your users, your brand, and your bottom line. Watch our webinar that explores how you can arm yourself with the right strategies and technologies to minimize future disruptions to your business. Additionally, Hologram offers Outage Protection SIMs. With two mobile cores on each SIM, our Outage Protection SIMs fallback to a 2nd backup core if the primary core fails. It’s the strongest outage protection in cellular history with a 99.95% uptime, contractually guaranteed.

Do I need Wi-Fi connectivity to activate my IoT devices? Many of our locations are remote, on the move, or in places where we have no access to the Wi-Fi network.

One of the most powerful features of cellular IoT is the ability to provision and manage via cellular networks. That means you do not need to connect the device to Wi-Fi to activate it. This eliminates both the Wi-Fi reliability issue and the complexity of password management. And with connectivity in 195+ countries and 500+ networks, we have the global connectivity you need to activate and manage your devices.

Getting started

By tapping into the unparalleled flexibility and reliability of Cellular IoT, UK businesses and organizations can power intuitive, uninterrupted, and high-performing video solutions across industries. Whether it’s ensuring safety, monitoring assets, or creating engaging experiences, cellular IoT makes it all possible—even far beyond Wi-Fi zones.