Future growth in the wireless industry is going to come from the Internet of Things (IoT), which promises widespread connection of everything from connected cars and smart homes to coffee makers and washing machines.
CBR looks at five networking companies driving developments in this area.
1. Vodafone Global Enterprise (VGE):
British telecoms firm Vodafone is an IoT enabler that operates networks and provides telecommunications and IT services for customers in over 65 countries.
The company, which sold its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless to Verizon Communications earlier this year, said its MachineLink 3G is intended to facilitate IoT connectivity in areas such as utilities, asset management, healthcare and security.
Eric Goodness, VP of managed services in the communications sector at Gartner, told CBR: "The mobile network operator has a strong global presence, tons of cash from the Verizon deal, 20 million connected devices under management and is pouring millions to make the IoT real."