An interview with Raphael Atayi, Expert in EV charging cellular connectivity at Semtech
If there’s one thing Charge Point Operators (CPOs) often overlook, it’s connectivity. Not the plugs, the cables, or the apps — but the cellular signal behind the scenes, the “invisible pipe” that makes everything work. Without it, there’s no charging session, no status monitoring, no remote diagnostics, no real-time updates, and even no payment collection. In the words of Raphael Atayi, a connectivity expert at Semtech: “Connectivity is everything… when you work with someone who can master this invisible pipe, the rest will follow.”
Communications technology plays a crucial role in making EV charging infrastructure reliable and resilient—but it’s useless if it’s not connected. In this edition of Voices in eMobility, we sat down with Raphael to explore why mastering ‘always-on’ connectivity is essential for CPOs who want to scale effectively and meet today’s growing reliability standards.
Raphael’s career spans nearly 25 years in wireless communication, from “the device up to the platform” — working across hardware, gateways, core networks, and critical data infrastructure. That broad view gives him a unique perspective on what really makes systems work.
“The goal for me,” he explains, “is to be in a place where you can enable connection between remote systems and the people who need their information.”
His ambition led him to Semtech, a company whose technology quietly powers over 100,000 public EV chargers worldwide. Semtech acquired Sierra Wireless in 2022 and now combines advanced hardware, full MVNO capabilities, and its patented AirVantage® Smart Connectivity to serve mission-critical industries from charging to utilities to healthcare.
Many CPOs think of connectivity in terms of SIM cards — put one in, maybe a backup too, and you’re good to go. But as Raphael points out, that’s a costly oversimplification.
“It’s not just the SIM,” he says. “You also have the network, the support, the platform. CPOs are often looking for price — not because they don’t care about the rest, but because it’s invisible to them.”
That invisibility becomes a problem when networks drop out, cybersecurity breaches occur, or fallback SIMs don’t work in rural or underground areas. And for CPOs trying to meet new regulations like the UK's 99% uptime requirement or Europe’s NIS2 directive on cybersecurity, a shaky connection can quickly turn into a serious liability.
Semtech’s answer? A connectivity stack designed specifically for critical applications — with patented tech, AI-powered network monitoring, a redundant network infrastructure operated across continents.
“We’re not just a full MVNO,” Raphael explains. “We also manufacture the cellular hardware, so we understand how to troubleshoot issues — even with third-party devices.”
Semtech’s Smart Connectivity Premium SIM, for example, combines profiles from both local operators and Semtech itself. This ensures that even in regions with permanent roaming restrictions, the charger can switch networks and stay online. Their AirVantage Broadband Access, a managed connectivity solution, offers full on-site Wi-Fi coverage, and satellite integration is on the horizon to ensure total coverage in even the most remote areas.
Raphael listed the top three things that CPOs should consider non-negotiables:
And for those CPOs still hesitating to switch? A new global SIM standard called SGP.32 is rolling out this year, allowing remote SIM swaps — no more truck rolls or technology sunset.
“It’s what we already do on our phones. Soon, chargers will have the same flexibility.”
But Semtech’s impact goes far beyond EV charging, as their global reach and innovative technologies power critical infrastructure worldwide.
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While EV charging is a cornerstone of Semtech’s work, it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. With about 2,000 employees and offices spanning from New Zealand to the U.S., Semtech powers connectivity across industries like utilities, transportation, healthcare, and agriculture. Their LoRa technology, for example, connects 400 million devices worldwide — from water meters to smart cities — proving their ability to deliver reliable, low-power solutions at scale.
With Semtech’s global expertise as a foundation, Raphael’s vision for the EV charging industry is refreshingly collaborative.
When asked what advice he’d give to new CPOs, he didn’t talk about scale or speed. He said:“Go step by step. Don’t burn the stages. A satisfied customer is the best guarantee of success.”
He also advocated for greater collaboration between CPOs, even those seen as competitors:
“You’ll see partnerships. You’ll see consolidation. It’s like petrol stations — Shell, BP, Total. They don’t all compete on every corner. A unified experience helps everyone.”
At Nexxt Industry, we’ve seen firsthand how sometimes CPOs struggle to explain their value beyond price or charging speed — especially when it comes to invisible layers like connectivity. Working with Semtech on their eBook last year, we helped turn their complex infrastructure story into something that resonates with business leaders, not just engineers.
Raphael put it simply: “Successful business is our business.” And the more CPOs understand the value of resilient connectivity, the better equipped they are to deliver great driver experiences and grow sustainably.
Semtech doesn’t scream for attention — and maybe that’s the point. As Raphael says: “If you buy an iPhone, you don’t really know what’s inside. But we are the guys that are inside! Nothing works without us.”
In a world chasing visibility, Semtech thrives in the unseen. And that might just be the strongest signal of all.
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