25/05/2010 By David Pittman ( Source: http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk )

Three ties up first M2M partner

Full service MVNO Stream Communications has launched a dedicated machine-to-machine (M2M) MVNO with Three, the 3G network operator's first.

Stream offers mobile network services for M2M and telemetry sectors, including technical support for GSM, GPRS and 3G mobile network services, billing, managed fixed IP, private APN and cell-ID location-based feeds.

The Stream M2M MVNO on Three's network can be used to communicate with and manage any equipment that can incorporate a SIM card into its design. Typical applications could include digital signage, such as advertising displays, or information boards in train stations or bus shelters, Stream said.

Stream added that the technology is being incorporated into a much wider range of devices, such as remote controlled CCTV systems, where the images are wirelessly transferred back to a central database. It is also being installed in everything from healthcare equipment – enabling greater out of hospital care– to smart metering devices, such as those used to keep track of gas or electricity usage.

Three's business development manager for the M2M market Tom Gardner said: “We are finding new ways for people and businesses to access and use the UK's biggest 3G network, and the M2M market is one of these.

“As a network operator, we have selected Stream to take the Three network and tailor it to the M2M market's needs with M2M specific services such as fixed IP addressing, aggregated tariffs and dedicated APNs all managed from Stream's online SIM management tool Oasys.

“Stream is our first M2M partner, and we are delighted to have them on board. This is an area of the market we are looking to expand in rapidly, as we have the right network to offer business partners a reliable, fast and future-proof service. This is aptly demonstrated in the way we have grown our wholesale partnerships three-fold during the past 12 months.”