Cubic Telecom, a global connectivity provider, said it has launched Europe's largest independent LTE platform for machine-to-machine (M2M) and connected car services through deals with operators including EE, EIR, Mobistar, Orange, Salt, Tele2 and TIM.
The operators comprise seven of nine communication service providers signed up by Cubic Telecom to launch its cross-Europe LTE platform. The connectivity platform company said the network will deliver robust connectivity services to drivers in 13 countries: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria and Denmark.
Barry Napier, CEO of Ireland-based Cubic Telecom, said the network is "live on 2G, 3G and LTE" networks in the 13 markets to provide "the top automotive OEMs with the largest independent LTE network footprint in Europe."
Connected car drivers who subscribe to Cubic Telecom's service will be provided with access to infotainment services, Wi-Fi connectivity and personal apps. The company is selling access on a regional or Europe-wide basis, with access provided via a global SIM. Pricing details remain under wraps for the time being.
Cubic Telecom said vehicles equipped with its SIM will be launched in Europe in the coming months. Drivers will be able to add new services to the SIM via over-the-air updates.
Napier said the company's initial focus "is on rolling out a high-speed LTE platform with mobile operators for M2M customers" based on the global SIM.
Cubic Telecom is a privately held company founded in 2005. Funding of over $37 million (€33.8 million) has been provided by companies including Audi, Qualcomm and Sierra Wireless.
Analysts say the connected car sector is one of the fastest growing within the broader Internet of Things and M2M markets.
SNS Research recently predicted the connected car segment would generate annual revenues of $40 billion by 2020. Analyst Tim Howard told FierceWireless:Europe that mobile operators and specialist telematics service providers in Europe are today generating nearly $3 billion from connected car services, as part of out recent special report into the sector.
For more:
- see Cubic Telecom's announcement
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