The FINANCIAL — AT&T is connecting more people, processes and machines with the Internet of Things (IoT). Since January 2015, AT&T has struck IoT agreements with more than 136 companies across numerous industries. These include agriculture, automotive, aviation, energy, healthcare, transportation, security and supply chain logistics.
The AT&T network had nearly 22 million IoT connected devices worldwide as of March 31, 2015. More than 945,000 smart devices connected during the first quarter of this year. That’s 70 percent more than the same quarter a year ago. Of those devices, 684,000 were connected cars. AT&T is leading the industry, working with eight of the top automakers, according to AT&T.
Companies and consumers are embracing the connected world. They want solutions from connected cars to wearable devices (like smartwatches), to tools that help cities (like energy grids, streetlights and irrigation pipes).
The market for Internet of Things are expected to nearly triple to $1.7 trillion by 2020, says global market intelligence firm International Data Corp. (IDC). Devices, connectivity, and IT services will make up the majority of the market, IDC reports.
“We’re seeing major interest from companies in almost every industry. They want to connect their machines, fleets, factories, shipping containers – even pallets – to our network,” said Ralph de la Vega, CEO, AT&T Mobile and Business Solutions. “We’re helping businesses solve real problems by building custom solutions that automate operations, reduce costs, and save time. With our highly secure and reliable network, there’s no limit to what can be connected.”
Connected Business
Businesses are increasingly turning to machine-to-machine (M2M) or Industrial IoT technology. It benefits them by cutting costs, boosting revenue, saving time, reducing energy use and increasing visibility. Some IoT solutions are:
AT&T Cargo View with FlightSafe – A device that monitors assets worldwide, by air or land. It uses small, lightweight sensors that record and transmit location, temperature, pressure, light and shock.
AT&T Smart Grid – AT&T is modernizing utility systems with wireless connections to smart grid devices, such as smart meters to help make energy grids more efficient and reliable.
AT&T M2X – Allows customers to connect their devices to AT&T’s cloud-based data storage service. It lets companies collect, analyze and share data – from trucks and turbines to vending machines and freight containers.
AT&T continues to work with the Industrial Internet Consortium, as a founding member to speed the growth of the Industrial IoT.
Connected Living
AT&T is making connected living a reality by enabling connected experiences across devices – now or in the future. The things we interact with every day are transformed, made smarter by embedded wireless technology.
Connected Cars – Your car can alert you when repairs are needed, help you navigate busy streets or provide rear-seat entertainment.
Connected Cities – In the future, traffic lights will alert you to trouble spots, lampposts will detect flood zones and air quality, and city water pipes will detect and protect against wasteful leaks.
Connected Homes – A connected home is a safer and more efficient home. Adjust the thermostat and turn off excess lights to save energy and money. Monitor when family members come and go, open the medicine cabinet or open and close the garage door.
Connected Health & Fitness – Know and share vitals with the doctor from virtually anywhere. AT&T leads the industry in its selection of fitness, smart locator and smartwatch wearables with more than 30 wearables to choose from.
The Next Consumer Revolution
“There’s no question that AT&T is leading this connected revolution. We were the first wireless carrier to recognize the IoT opportunity. We started investing early and put a dedicated team behind it more than seven years ago,” said Glenn Lurie, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility. “That’s why we’re the farthest along in connecting cars and seeing real traction in other areas which are just starting.”
“Think of how much has been accomplished in a short amount of time – yet we’re still just scratching the surface of what’s possible. You’ll see us continue to push, to innovate and play where our competitors simply are not,” Lurie said.
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