WASHINGTON-The best near-term opportunities for cellular and personal communications services carriers to sell data services are in the utilities and transportation industries, according to a new study from Economic and Management Consultants International Inc. and Zsigo Wireless Data Consultants.
In “Demand and Outlook for Cellular/PCS Data Services in Vertical Markets,” the companies report that new sources of competition and the creation of a spot market for electricity is compelling utilities to automate data collection activities in support of crucial applications such as demand site management, automated meter reading and real-time spot market pricing.
U.S. trucking and transportation companies are also seeking information technology solutions, which will cut operating costs and improve razor-thin profit margins, the study said.