CAROL STREAM, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Connected World magazine reveals Verizon Wireless to be the leader in M2M data connections, with AT&T taking the top spot when it comes to connected devices.
In addition, T-Mobile inched ahead of Sprint to claim the third position in terms of M2M data connections, but could not quite sneak past in the area of connected devices, where Sprint holds the third spot.
Connected World recently announced a new report, “The Coming Age of M2M and Connected Devices,” and gave conference attendees a taste of just what exactly the report entails as Peggy Smedley, editorial director of Connected World, presented the findings, followed by a panel discussion to officially open the conference today.
Understanding the distinction between what is an M2M data connection and a connected device helps to clearly define which carriers are the leaders within the U.S., as well as globally.
“In addition to consistency among the definitions surrounding M2M and connected devices, the industry must also clearly state how it tracks true M2M data connections. And while some carriers have clearly shown how they are disclosing these numbers, others have not,” says Smedley. “As the voice of the industry, Connected World magazine stepped up in an effort to count connections equally, across the board.
The race to be the top carrier ultimately comes down to how the market for connected devices is defined. Applying the definitions announced by Connected World paints a different picture than some of the perceptions that exist today about which carrier is indeed No. 1 when it comes to connected devices.
One factor to consider is the fact many consumer single-purpose devices are still very new. As a result, the way in which they are defined and categorized today may change tomorrow. Devices that are considered single-purpose today could in fact evolve to become multi-purpose devices in time. Even the carriers are not consistent in the way in which they categorize such devices.
The consumer vs. enterprise count factors big into determining which carrier leads the way as well. One carrier may be strong in consumer, yet lacking a bit in enterprise, and vice versa. Projecting out ahead, predicting which market has the most growth potential could ultimately loom large in determining which carrier will be No. 1 over the long term.
“The carrier rankings serve to give a little perspective on how each company is positioned in the marketplace,” says Mike Carrozzo, chief editor, Connected World magazine. “While the standings may change as new devices are added and global growth increases, this serves as a snapshot of where we sit today, and may change how each company moves forward into the future.”
To read more about the race to be the top U.S. carrier and the full report, place your order today.
About Connected World Magazine
Connected World is the first word on connectivity trends and mobile lifestyles. The magazine and Website set the direction for influential individuals looking to take innovation and emerging technology to the next level. By shaping the way readers embrace connected devices, Connected World helps make the present look more like the future. www.connectedworldmag.com