Mobile World Congress 2014 Event Coverage

Although the potential is clear, it’s difficult to determine whether or not M2M is making the service providers a bundle of money. AT&T, for example, doesn’t breakout M2M service revenue as a line item yet. Instead, the company uses the number of deployed devices to demonstrate its leadership in the space: 16.3 million devices as of December, 2013. Coupled with its global SIM, global MPLS, number of customers, and flattened pricing architecture, AT&T has the most compelling offering on the planet, said Mobeen Kahn, Executive Director for Mobility Marketing, AT&T Business. AT&T focuses on three streams: Connectivity (which includes billing, support, and devices), Platforms, and Finished Goods. Kahn says AT&T focuses on “the best price point per vertical,” and makes pricing simple so that it can just as easily be sold to heavy machinery manufacturers at a concrete convention as to insurance companies.

Orange Healthcare is rapidly growing thanks to the addition of connectivity to devices like pacemakers, health monitors, and wearable technology. Numerous auto manufacturers, from Ford to Volvo, were also on hand to showcase connected cars and integrations with smartphones.Other M2M highlights from the show included Ericsson's demonstration of M2M transformation, SK telecom's demonstration of learning robots that help children learn to program, and Ford's exhibit demonstrating the world through the eyes of a connected car.Wearable devices were also abound from manufacturers such as Kyocera who is innovating the design and application of personal communication devices.

Clockwise: Ericsson demonstrates how M2M can transform industries in their MWC exhibit; SK telecom showcases their learning robot that helps children learn to program; Ford shows you the world through the eyes of a connected car; and Kyocera spotlights wearable devices.

Some companies that have a legacy in network testing and measurement, such as Anritsu, rebranded to tap new verticals, like automotive and connected home. These moves are made possible by M2M. Anritsu’s customers are now using its tools to pre-validate networks ahead of deployment. One of its customers recently threw a little event that involved snow and 50 billion dollars.