Frost & Sullivan has recently released a new research titled U.S. Cellular M2M Communications Market which provides market trends, market forecasts, and predictions for 2011 and beyond.
In this research, Frost & Sullivan’s expert analysts examine the following: smartphone and feature phone applications, 2G, 3G, and 4G cellular networks, and M2M application development.
Market Overview
-Robust Demand for Wireless Connectivity from Multiple Segments Propels U.S. Cellular M2M Communications Market toward Vibrant Growth-
High demand for wireless connectivity from diverse verticals has buoyed prospects for the U.S. cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) communications market. A multitude of devices and endpoints can be connected through a wireless network to an enterprise’s IT backend for remote monitoring and reporting; error detection and resolution; content display and refresh usage-level tracking, and other functions. As the M2M connectivity model can be used in a wide range of industries, wireless connectivity is slated to witness a demand upswing.
“The consumer electronics, utilities, retail, telematics, transportation, medical devices, and remote home and industrial monitoring as well as the automation segments are already leveraging wireless as the primary or secondary backup connectivity option to expedite daily business operations,” notes the analyst of this research service.
“Additionally, new deployment models and use cases are continuously being evaluated, and many of them will ultimately lead to commercial deployment.”
Strong support from leading mobile operators has helped the market gain steam. Independent M2M service providers and M2M mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) offer specialized access, application development, hardware, management, control and reporting, and settlement services. To drive the next phase of their growth strategies, mobile operators must maximize revenues from existing mobile subscribers by offering them additional services and target newer segments (such as M2M). Mobile network operators (MNOs) are in various stages of executing next-generation M2M strategies by putting systems and network components in place and going the extra mile to deliver greater service and support features to enhance the M2M opportunity. Mobile operators have the required resources at their disposal to support the M2M value chain and they, together with their partners, are leading the charge for wireless M2M. Independent M2M service providers and M2M mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Kore Telematics, Numerex, Wyless, M2M Data Smart, Aeris Communications, nPhase and many others lease wholesale wireless capacity from MNOs. They provide complete airtime/connectivity and development and professional services solutions for M2M deployments and have been the key enablers in the U.S. cellular M2M communication market as well.
Catering to Varying Customer Requirements is an Uphill Task for Service Providers
Supporting the widely varying requirements of different types of M2M customers can put a significant strain on the service, support, and maintenance capabilities of the service providers. The M2M ecosystem is complex, with chipset and module vendors, device OEMs, application providers, system integrators, and MNOs, and other types of industry participants co-existing to provide various solutions to M2M customers.
“New types of M2M implementations generally need customized support in the form of new device types and form factor, battery management and ergonomics, new pricing models and pricing splits/revenue settlements that are supported by appropriate rating and mediation capabilities,” says the analyst.
“Besides, application support, support for different network and device identifier types, OSS/BSS enhancements, organization training, regulatory requirements and others are also necessary.”
Service providers may be forced to focus their efforts on specific verticals or on specific functions/processes. Arriving at judicious decisions to maximize the growth of their businesses in a sustainable manner could become a challenge. Mobile operators already have established relationships with specialized solution providers to provide various services to M2M customers and scale up their businesses. With more enterprises relying on M2M for connecting to their in-field assets, such specialized service providers will be increasingly relied upon to provide the necessary customization to the new customers in the M2M space.
Technologies
The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Smartphone and feature phone applications
- 2G, 3G, and 4G cellular networks
- M2M application development
