Global wireless M2M services launched by Tele2, plus ORBCOMM and Telefonica

Mats Granryd, Tele2

Tele2 AB is launching new services in M2M. Its initial target markets are Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands, but Tele2 M2M Global Solutions is already able to serve customers globally. At the same time, ORBCOMM Inc. has struck a deal with Telefonica Digital enabling it to offer Telefonica’s GSM cellular communications service for M2M applications in multiple vertical markets worldwide.

Tele2 (STO:TEL2A / STO:TEL2B) has invested in personnel and IT to become a competitive player in the machine-to-machine (M2M) market. Tele2 aims to provide a simple, flexible and customer-oriented M2M alternative. Tele2 will also offer competitive prices.

Mats Granryd, president and CEO of Tele2 AB (pictured above), commented: ”The potential of M2M is great and we believe that now is the time to make a dedicated move. The market is ready for a broad roll-out, as more and more companies see how they can connect IT and communication services with their business processes – with cost savings and new revenue streams as a result.”

Granryd continued: “Even if we will have our M2M customer base in parts of the Tele2 footprint, the M2M business is global in its nature. Our customers’ activities are increasingly international in character – almost regardless of size. Hence, it is natural for us to offer them our services wherever they go.”

Founded by Jan Stenbeck in 1993, Tele2 has been listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm since 1996. Tele2 has 15 million customers in 10 countries. Tele2 offers mobile services, fixed broadband and telephony, data network services, cable TV and content services.

ORBCOMM strengthens cellular footprint worldwide and expands network service options

Meanwhile, ORBCOMM (Nasdaq:ORBC) will expand connectivity for its end-to-end cellular and dual-mode solutions targeted in the transportation & logistics, and heavy equipment industries. The company will leverage Telefonica’s operations in 24 countries as well as roaming agreements covering more than 150 countries.

“We are building the world’s most comprehensive offering of both satellite and cellular network services, and our agreement with Telefonica strengthens ORBCOMM’s lead as the largest and most diverse multi-network provider in the M2M industry,” said Marc Eisenberg, ORBCOMM’s CEO. “Telefonica’s reliable cellular connectivity will increase our global reach and round out our cellular footprint in key markets.”

“This joint service offering will provide ORBCOMM’s customers worldwide with versatile connectivity options tailored for their best-of-breed M2M asset tracking and monitoring solutions,” said Christian Solomine, Telefonica’s Global Partner Sales USA general manager.

ORBCOMM will also provide a secure and scalable online platform to simplify satellite, cellular and dual-mode device management, including provisioning and messaging capabilities. With 24 x 7 x 365 access to near-real-time data, ORBCOMM’s customers can use this platform to increase visibility over their network, improve customer service and promote device reliability and longevity. In addition, this full-service platform — built and hosted by ORBCOMM — enables its customers to reduce the complexity, time to market, cost, and risk of developing and deploying their complete M2M solution set.

ORBCOMM customers include Caterpillar, Inc., Doosan Infracore America, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Hyundai Heavy Industries, I.D. Systems, Inc., Komatsu Ltd., Cartrack (Pty.) Ltd., and Volvo Construction Equipment. Using a global network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure as well as its tier one cellular partners, ORBCOMM’s low-cost and reliable two-way data communication services track, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets in its core markets: commercial transportation; heavy equipment; industrial fixed assets; marine; and homeland security.

ORBCOMM provides tracking, monitoring and control services for the transportation market. Under its ReeferTrak®, GenTrakTM, GlobalTrak®, and CargoWatch® brands, the company provides customers with the ability to proactively monitor, manage and remotely control their cold chain and dry transport assets. Additionally, ORBCOMM provides Automatic Identification System (AIS) data services for vessel tracking and to improve maritime safety for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Rochelle Park, New Jersey and has its network control centre in Dulles, Virginia.

Telefónica Digital is a global business division of Telefónica delivering new growth for Telefónica through research & development, venture capital, global partnerships and digital services such as cloud computing, mobile advertising, M2M and eHealth. It is headquartered in London with regional centres in Silicon Valley, Sao Paulo, Spain and Tel Aviv.

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