Machine-to-machine (M2M) specialist Numerex has secured a deal with Vodafone to offer its clients M2M solutions via the operator’s network. The agreement allows Numerex to promote Vodafone M2M services as part of its Numerex DNA (Device, Network and Application) and FAST platform along with an array of other M2M products and services. Numerex – which claims to be a leader in M2M solutions in North America – serves dealers, distributors and other businesses which serve the end-user M2M market. “Vodafone’s experience, know-how, and intimate knowledge of the M2M marketplace will help us to solidify and expand our presence in the UK and elsewhere in Europe,” said Stratton Nicolaides, CEO and chairman of Numerex. The vendor will supply hardware integration and certification support; application development hosting and maintenance; and back-end support services such as billing, 24/7 customer care, web-based management tools and training and distribution services. 

The deal is the latest in a string of agreements between mobile operators and M2M firms.  Other recent deals include T-Mobile’s partnership with Sierra Wireless; AT&T Mobility and Rogers Wireless with Jasper Wireless; Verizon Wireless and Qualcomm; and Sprint Nextel and M2M DataSmart. Telefonica has also set up its own international M2M unit. According to a recent study by Berg Insight, 1.4 percent of mobile network connections worldwide were used for wireless M2M communication last year.