Blue Chip Carrier Panel at Connected World Conference Advises Consumers to Start Thinking Seriously about Data Usage
Contact:
Steve Lundin
BIGfrontier Communications Group
+1 312.391.8007
Chicago, Ill. June 14, 2012: Do you want a car or do you want a horse? Verizon Enterprise Solution’s Janet Schijns laid out this metaphor to the audience this past week at the Connected World Conference when talking about the speed at which companies connect their data networks.
Schijns was among the top executives from five of the most powerful telecommunications companies in the world, assembled in Chicago discuss the future of M2M (machine-to-machine) and connected devices during the Connected World Conference.
The panel, which met June 12, featured Glenn Lurie, AT&T’s president of emerging enterprises and partnerships; Schijns, vice president, vertical industry solutions and channels; Wayne Ward, vice president, emerging solutions, Sprint Nextel; Mansell Nelson, vice president, M2M, Rogers Wireless; and Jeremy Korst, vice president, wholesale (MVNO/M2M), T-Mobile, and was moderated by Peggy Smedley, editorial director/publisher of Connected World magazine, producers of the Connected World Conference.
Clearly the push is on for faster 3G and 4G networks, with 4G taking center stage, yet each carrier agreed that 2G can still make sense in certain cases. The topic of whether or not customers should migrate to 4G or stick with more traditional 2G networks was a hot debate with each member chiming in on the benefits and challenges of each scenario. T-Mobile, for example, has consistently communicated strong support for 2G over the long term, a message that Korst reiterated during the 50-minute discussion.
“The carriers we have assembled collectively represent the most powerful forces in today’s world: our communication channels. We have entered the period of convergence between highly robust data networks and ubiquitous device usage, resulting in a highly-connected citizenry,” says Smedley.
In discussing M2M initiatives, which all the carriers are pushing to customers, Schijns commented that customers need to make a fundamental decision with regards to data: “… do you want to be the dumb M2M solution or do you want to be the data M2M solution.” Such a comment further stresses the focus on delivering data services.
Among the other topics discussed was that of new markets and opportunities for data connections. AT&T’s Lurie observed that “the home is the next great frontier … people want to control their homes remotely.” The carrier recently announced its AT&T Digital Life, a platform for home automation.
The Connected World Conference attracted attendees from around the world for a three-day immersion into the future of connected devices and the companies that are powering them. Products from such companies as Apple, Nike, Samsung, Kodak, BodyMedia, Fitbit, Wilson Electronics, Nest, Bushnell, ContourGPS, were on display, along with new innovative cars from Chrysler, Audi, Chevy, Porsche, and Cadillac.
Complete agenda: June 11–13, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, Ill.
About the Connected World Conference:
The 2012 Connected World Conference sets the stage for what’s next in M2M and connected devices. Bringing together technology-conscious consumers and upwardly mobile entrepreneurs with tech-minded professionals, it is the industry event for individuals looking to either create or consume the latest emerging devices and technologies. While uncovering the latest connected gadgets on the market today, see what's in store for the next generation of the connected car, home health, fitness devices, connected home, and how they will be used in our everyday lives. www.connectedworldmag.com/conference
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