Machine to Machine Connections (M2M), will approximately triple their current number of about 75 million by 2014, according to a new study from ABI Research. These connections are split almost equally between telemetry and telematics applications, with telemetry growing at a slightly faster rate.
“Many MNOs should explore opportunities to partner with (or acquire) technology enablers,” opines M2M research practice director Sam Lucero. M2M cellular connectivity, once deployed, tend not to churn, adds Lucero.
Current cellular M2M partnerships include:
- AT&T and Jasper Wireless will allow a new categories of connected devices on AT&T’s network, including personal navigation, e-readers, mobile internet devices, gaming, healthcare, tracking, and in-car navigation systems, among others.
- Verizon Wireless and Qualcomm have a joint venture called nPhase to provide (M2M) and smart services across a wide variety of market segments, including healthcare, manufacturing, utilities and consumer products.
- Sprint and MVNO M2M DataSmart have partnered to become a “one-stop shop” for machine-to-machine solutions. Sprint solutions are currently used by the Amazon Kindle, Ford Work Solutions and DriveCam (right).
- A partnership in Germany between T-Mobile and Sierra Wireless to develop packaged or standardized applications for certain sub-segments of the market
Market researcher IDATE says the Machine-to-Machine market is still growing despite the global downturn. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are being pushed out of the M2M market so they’re repositioning themselves as “tool providers.”
