AT&T (NYSE: T) is the latest service provider to put its stake in the burgeoning home security and automation market with plans to launch its own home-monitoring service.
 |
|
Click here for AT&T's Digital Home Life promotional video. |
Similar to offerings that have been developed by its ILEC brother Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and cable competitor Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA), the new Digital Life service will enable any wireless and wireline user, regardless if they're an AT&T subscriber or not, to access and monitor everything from water and energy usage, home security services, and the ability to shut off lights remotely.
Set to be offered in trial markets this summer in Atlanta and Dallas, participating subscribers can access the service remotely to control the products from smartphones, tablets and PCs.
The new service will offer users a number of connected devices, including cameras, window/door sensors, smoke, carbon monoxide, motion and glass break sensors, door locks, thermostats, moisture detection and appliance power controls. Inside the home, these devices will have not only built-in mobile connectivity, but will also be compliant with WiFi, Z-Wave and other wireline-based broadband connections.
Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices, resale and partnerships at AT&T Mobility, told Reuters that he sees home automation as one of the largest revenue growth opportunities, "if not the largest," with "very significant" incremental growth" next year.
Analysys Mason agreed that the home automation market is set for major growth. According to the analyst group's latest M2M forecasts, security and surveillance solutions in North America will generate $1.2 billion in connectivity-related revenue (wholesale revenue) for carriers by 2021.
While the focus of Digital Life service suite is clearly set on wireless subscribers, offering home control services creates possible up-sell opportunities and for both its U-verse and even traditional phone and DSL subscribers.
"AT&T already has deep touch into residential and small/medium business (SMB) markets," Steve Hilton, principal analyst for Analysys Mason told FierceTelecom. "Offering security and surveillance solutions deepens the relationship in an area where AT&T is already strong--secure solutions."
For more:
- see the release
- Reuters has this article
Related articles:
AT&T ups reward for copper thieves in its Fresno County, Calif., market
AT&T investors nix proposal to separate CEO and chairman roles
Home networking, wireless industry groups develop common home networking goals
AT&T next-gen business services represent $6.2B wireline revenue stream
AT&T wireline rises 2.4% with strong gains in next-gen consumer, business services