This milestone was reached just six months after the program expanded from the US to Europe.
Since last February, 170 new partners—including device manufacturers, solution providers, and distributors from Europe and the US—have joined the program, which is expected to expand to other markets this year. Interest in the initiative continues to grow, with another 100 companies poised to join as M2M partners.
Telefónica launched the M2M Global Channel Partner Program in the US in June 2013 with the aim of expanding its commercial reach by partnering with several key links in the M2M value chain. Telefónica also uses this platform to identify competent M2M service providers with whom to create vertical solutions for its customers in the future. The affiliate ecosystem also enables a more collaborative approach to M2M companies, enriching Telefónica's M2M offering to potential customers and multiplying its scale. Furthermore, partners can use the program as a means to reach new markets, helping them increase sales and generate new revenue streams.
“Our program has been well received by the M2M market, exceeding our expectations and demonstrating that this infrastructure is capable of creating new business opportunities,” said Rafael García Meiro, B2B Director of International Affiliate and Indirect Sales Channels at Telefónica. “We are moving quickly; we have already surpassed our affiliate target six months ahead of schedule. Now we will work to extend the program to new regions, which will accelerate affiliate acquisition and increase the range of M2M solutions we can offer our customers.” “
The continued success of our M2M Global Channel Partner Programme demonstrates that Telefónica remains a leading company in the M2M market, further evidence of its transformation into a digital telco,” added García Meiro.
It is estimated that there will be 20 billion connected devices by 2020, according to the GSMA. This is a staggering figure compared to the mere 92 million connected devices in 2004.
Telefónica's M2M Global Channel Partner Programme and its overall activity in the global M2M market have been recognized for the second consecutive year by Machina Research in its annual report, "M2M Communications Service Provider – Market Comparison 2014." Telefónica ranks among the four largest companies in the international M2M market, boasting notable achievements such as securing a major contract with the British government for the installation of smart meters and other connectivity agreements with companies like Tesla and JC Decaux.
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