Mobile Networks Shift Focus to Machine-to-Machine Communication
Having connected nearly everyone, the mobile industry is now focusing on machine-to-machine data exchange. New applications are emerging from this transition.
The mobile industry has achieved its goal of connecting nearly every person globally with mobile devices. With human-to-human communication largely solved, the sector's next decade will concentrate on machine-to-machine communication.
Industry events like Mobile World Congress have showcased autonomous vehicles, drone fleets, satellite constellations, and robots. These devices are all data-exchange units that rely on fast and reliable networks to operate.
China is leading this transition, leveraging its extensive 5G network. Chinese operators are partnering with robot manufacturers to offer machines as a service to various industries. Similar developments are occurring in the United States through satellites and self-driving cars.
For mobile operators, machine-to-machine communication presents new growth opportunities. As the number of machines increases and new phone buyers decline, network owners can offer new services and generate revenue to offset slower consumer business.
The future of the industry lies in machine-to-machine communication, creating new business prospects in robotics and automation. While most of these applications do not yet directly impact ordinary consumers, they are reshaping industrial and logistical operations.