M2MAPPS: Sigfox has employed license-free spectrum to create a cellular network that is dedicated to M2M and the IoT. The obvious question is why? What is wrong with cellular technology?

THOMAS NICHOLLS: I’d like to start with a reminder that M2M and IoT applications come in numerous sizes and shapes. Those that need relatively high data rates work well with existing connectivity technologies, but many others only need to exchange small messages every so often. (more…)

M2MAPPS: Ericsson is the leading provider of networking equipment to the world’s carriers. Last year revenues were over 26 billion Euros. When and why did the company decide to enter the relatively small M2M area?

MIGUEL BLOCKSTRAND : The decision was made in 2009 as part of a strategy review that looked at the way society was heading. We came up with the vision of a networked society in which 50 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020, driven by products such as smartphones and the increased use of wireless communications in M2M verticals. (more…)

M2MAPPS: Monnit focuses on low-cost wireless sensors. When and why did you decide to specialize in this part of the value chain?

BRAD WALTERS: I’d been a successful serial entrepreneur and investor and around August 2008 I was looking around for a new opportunity. At that time wireless sensors were large and they cost around 500 hundred dollars, but it was clear that there was a huge market opportunity for products that could be battery-powered and would cost a lot less: around 50 dollars. (more…)