Operators failing to gain control over M2M devices on their networks
Almost three quarters of global mobile operators are struggling to manage machine to machine (M2M) devices roaming on and off their networks, which could cause issues in the future as the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, a new study has shown.
Currently 70% of operators are unable to detect when M2M devices roam into their networks, said Starhome Mach, provider of mobile inter-carrier services.
Starhome Mach commented that these devices do not behave like people; some consume signalling but very little data, and the ones that are defective or poorly configured may cause significant network issues.
The survey, carried out at the GSMA Wholesale Agreements and Solutions (WAS) conference, showed that 75% of operators are not steering their outbound M2M devices to a preferred partner networks for fear that devices will lose coverage during the steering process. This major industry issue prevents operators from optimising their wholesales costs.
Furthermore, M2M is compounded by low ARPU, meaning unmanaged M2M roaming traffic may be costing operators significantly more without a comparable return.
However, with more than 86% of those operators surveyed indicating that they had either launched or were in the process of launching M2M services, it is clear that M2M is a mainstream, global opportunity for mobile operators.
Said Guy Reiffer, VP marketing and partnerships at Starhome Mach: “M2M and IoT has the potential to drive significant growth for operators. However, they need the infrastructure to identify and manage the opportunities while maximising revenue and minimising risk.”
