Machine to Machine (M2M)

As an Embedded Mobile (EM) or Machine to Machine (M2M) device manufacturer, you will be developing a sophisticated high volume product that incorporates a cellular radio modem.

Technology selection is critical. The optimum choice will depend on a range of factors including module cost, traffic charges, network coverage and the level of support that the module manufacturer can supply with integration. But you also need to consider product life.

Product life is important because over time, mobile network operators are likely to re-farm 2nd generation spectrum for use by more spectrally efficient 3rd and 4th generation services. For consumer product this may not be an issue: such products usually have a relatively short life and users can normally be persuaded to upgrade in order to benefit from new features. But if you require an in service life of 10 years or more and particularly if any upgrades would mean a truck roll, the selection of technology becomes very important.

The key here is to discuss these issues with your network operator. We can support you during this process to ensure that you have the information that you need to make informed decisions.

Having selected a technology, you can significantly reduce both the cost and time of getting to market by integrating a pre-approved cellular radio modem. This way, much of the heavy lifting in terms of testing and certification will have already been done for you. This is a significant benefit because core specifications, together with the associated conformance specifications amount to more than 16, 000 pages. But there is an important point to remember: you will become responsible for the regulatory approvals status of the cellular radio modem as soon as your product hits the market and especially once it has been taken into use.

Many National Regulatory Authorities in Europe and elsewhere in the world undertake market surveillance. Your product may be selected at random or as the result of a complaint. You may be asked to provide technical evidence of compliance and may also be required to support laboratory testing.

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