According to a Juniper Research by the end of June 2016, machine-to-machine (M2M) connections will help generate over $35 billion in service revenues across a diverse range of industry sectors. Looking to tap the business opportunities such growth may entail, Telit Communications, an M2M communications company, launched its India operations in early 2012.

In an interview with tele.net.in, Ashish Gulati, country manager, India operations, discusses the potential of M2M communication services in the country and the company’s plans in the country. Excerpts…

What are the key drivers for M2M communication in India?

In India, M2M Communications is riding high on different wireless technologies including GSM, CDMA, Zigbee, 3G and 4G. It finds widespread applications and usage in industries such as telecom, telematics, healthcare, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, point of sale and retail.

In India, M2M communications is finding a huge market with the government undertaking and promoting developmental projects, where they are extensively employing these services. For example, the government has a large-scale mandate for installing automated meter reading (AMR) for the Accelerated Power Development and Reform Program.

Widescale adoption of AMR by power utilities lead to increased use of M2M applications, with an aim to significantly reduce transmission and distribution (T&D) losses. Similarly, with financial inclusion being a major developmental mandate for the government, programmes such as AADHAAR present huge potential market for M2M Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) applications.

What are the potential M2M Communications applications in India?

Three M2M communication applications are going to have an immediate impact in India. These applications include wireless EPOS, wireless AMR and telematics.

Wireless EPOS handheld devices are an important M2M application which has significant growth potential in retail. In retail the handheld devices are employed to increase visibility and sale of products. These are also widely used in segments such as micro-banking and finance. M2M EPOS applications are also getting popular with central as well as the state governments for running their financial and social welfare schemes.

Wireless AMR has a huge market in India with power utilities committed to increase efficiency by reducing their T&D losses. The third M2M communication application is Telematics which includes different kinds of tracking applications. This area of application presents huge opportunity for growth with the state transport authorities installing micro tracking instruments to track movements of large fleets of their buses. For example, the Delhi Transport Corporation has installed micro tracking units in its buses. It plans to have these units in its entire fleet of buses. In fact, micro tracking instruments can also be installed in private vehicles to track personal movements.

In fact lot of schools, too, are trying M2M technologies in their classrooms.

What are the areas where telecom operators employ M2M applications?

With fast changing technologies and increase in subscriber numbers and data services, telecom operators are consistently looking at boosting their existing infrastructure. For operators M2M technologies involve monitoring and tracking individual base stations.

How does India compare with the other markets in M2M communications?

M2M Communication market has matured in Europe and the US. Use of M2M applications in these developed markets is widespread. Now, the Asia-Pacific region, too, is moving in the same direction. We see a greater adoption of new technologies as governments, companies and stakeholders understand the advantages offered by M2M technologies.

What is Telit Communications focus area in the country?

Our plan is to address energy segment in the country. We are working closely with many power utilities and government agencies to understand their needs, challenges and the roadmap ahead for implementing M2M communication technologies in the energy sector.

Europe has already set-up frequency band for smart metering, to ensure that there is no congestion on its network. An emerging view in the market is that instead of smart metering one should go with ZigBee. So, people are experimenting with different technologies to drive maximum benefits from M2M communication applications.

In the field of telematics, we are working with the local design houses to identify different needs of the consumers to come up with solutions to meet their specific requirements.

Also, we are concentrating on developing our distribution network in the country. Recently, we appointed two distribution channels to enhance our logistics.