Here at Zest4, we’ve had an exciting year launching our M2M partner programme and a number of end-to-end solutions to really help our partners succeed. We’re equally excited about what 2017 may bring, so here are some predictions from our team…
- Growth of Quad-Play Packages:
The IT and telecoms industry will consolidate further with the provision of bundled solutions for consumers. Quad-play packages consisting of broadband, television and telephone services will continue to be a driving force for providers to retain existing customers and attract new ones by offering a combined range of services.
- Increased Data Consumption:
The growing trend of video messaging and digital marketing continues to increase data consumption by users. This will force the mobile networks to look at expanding cellular service cross-over onto public WiFi and reduce network traffic on the fibre network.
- Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN):
LPWAN has been around for some time but only a few operators and partners have really understood what it can deliver. 2017 will see a more mainstream adoption of the technology with the launch of the first solid applications. LPWAN is specifically designed for interconnecting devices with low-bandwidth connectivity and will enable a range of M2M applications which have previously been constrained by cost and power issues.
- Debate Over 5G Spectrum Rights:
With 5G only a few years away, Ofcom are preparing to auction off some of the spectrum rights. With the auction already delayed from early 2016 to 2017, the debate is hotting up as to which networks will win the rights.
- Breaking of BT Openreach’s Monopoly:
It’s been an incredibly long-time coming, but a motion to break the BT Openreach broadband monopoly is finally in process. At the end of November 2016, Ofcom announced that it is proceeding with a formal notification to require the legal separation of Openreach from BT after BT failed to offer voluntary proposals. Ofcom are now preparing to inform the European Commission of their intention to implement the separation plan.
- Partners to Deal with More Suppliers:
The continuing consolidation of IT and telecoms services will continue to encourage partners to offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ for customers. This may, however, that partners will look to spread their business across more suppliers to enable them to expand their wholesale offering to customers.
- Rapid Adoption of M2M by Resellers:
M2M and IoT has been a hot topic throughout 2016 and will continue to be high profile in 2017. As increased numbers of resellers and end-user customers realise the opportunity and benefits that M2M offers, the market will see a massive acceleration in usage on both small and large data.
- Growth of M2M Pop-Up Office Solutions:
M2M technology has already made a huge impression as a pop-up office solution and will continue to do so in 2017. With BT Openreach delays affecting connectivity for thousands of businesses moving premises every day, M2M is the perfect alternative to fixed-lie connectivity.
- Resellers to Offer All Major Mobile Networks:
The growth of M2M and the IoT has made mobile networks more important than ever. Dealers/resellers will be looking to maximum mobile margins in 2017 by offering customers choices from the 3 major networks.
- Continuing Rapid Growth of M2M:
The M2M market will undoubtedly continue to grow in 2017 with industry analysts forecasting that cellular M2M connections will reach 1 billion by 2020. A number of key drivers are anticipated to accelerate this growth including…
- The introduction of solutions using LPWAN
- The growth of the connected consumer goods market driven by wearables, healthcare devices and household appliances
- The launch of government legislation which will drive M2M adoption, e.g eCall and smart metering
- The rapid emergence of Big Data allowing connectivity in all locations
- The development of sustainable M2M business models
To find out how Zest4 could help you benefit from these predicted trends and grow your telecoms business in 2017, get in touch by calling 0161 956 3355 or visit http://www.zest4.com.