Did you know there were data-only GSM carriers in the US? most people don't - but for applications where messaging or GPRS data is used for industrial applications, and voice plans are not needed - you can often do better by deploying with a data-only carrier.
one such carrier is telemetrix who provides the backbone for a few interesting industrial uses - one large fast food chain uses them to control the temperature and lighting in all their warehouses by SMS, for example. you can actually get a SIM from them that roams on T-Mobile US.
why don't the big 6 carriers offer data-only plans? i think the answer lies in how they are judged on the public markets, which is largely ARPU based. ARPU is much higher for voice than data, apparently, so they haven't been quick to offer it. i'm sure these deals have been done on the enterprise side of things, but i can guarantee you that is not a swift process you want to endeavor.
Posted by Steve at September 16, 2004 03:08 PM | TrackBack