LIVE FROM GSMA MOBILE ASIA EXPO 2013: The addition of 1.5 billion mobile connections in Asia by 2017 will drive the uptake of M2M technology, or ‘Connected Life’, in the region, research by the GSMA and PwC predicts.

The intelligent connecting of people to products and devices could transform the automotive, health and urban services in the region over the next five years.

“However, continued collaboration between mobile operators and key players in vertical sectors is vital in further driving the disruptive and pioneering mobile services that will improve the lives of people in the region,” said Michael O’Hara, GSMA chief marketing officer.

The research found that mobile-enabled vehicle telematics that report location, driving speed and direction could boost economic productivity in China by $22 billion by 2017 by reducing traffic congestion.

The use of smart meters that detect power theft in India, meanwhile, could save enough energy to power more than 10 million homes by 2017. India loses around 24 per cent of the electricity it generates each year due to power theft, at a cost of $17 billion.

mHealth technology could save $10 billion healthcare costs in Japan by 2017, as an ageing population will gain greater access to remote monitoring, disease management and preventive medicine.

In South Korea, education costs could be cut by $12,000 per student with mobile-enhanced learning complementing traditional after-school private classes. South Korean parents spent around $17.5 billion on private classes in 2012.

The GSMA also announced it will be working with cities around the world to develop a Smart Cities Index which will use market, social and economic indicators to show the benefits of smart city services.