aql appointed to provide connected deviceswith access to 3 UK's high-speed data network
Mobile operator 3 UK has appointed mobile messaging and communication specialist aql to provide machine-to-machine connectivity via the company's high-speed mobile data network. The agreement will see aql re-selling access to the 3 UK network for the growing number of connected devices, such as digital signage and traffic lights, which can be accessed, monitored and updated using a high-speed mobile internet connection.
Machine to machine connections require a reliable data standard such as 3G with a long lifespan in order to provide connectivity on an ongoing basis. In addition to this an increasing number of devices such as surveillance cameras, lone-worker safety devices and in-vehicle diagnostics also come with 3G capabilities embedded.
aql will work closely with 3 UK, aiming to bring ten data partners on board each quarter. aql will also provide all integration and configuration outside of the 3 UK network, reducing ongoing management risk and cost.
The two companies are also working closely with leading manufacturers to offer a range of SIM solutions with a greater lifespan and heat tolerance, as well as technology which allows for easier embedding of SIMS during the manufacturing process.
David York, MVNO Account Manager at 3 UK said, "As our network continues to grow we are looking for ways to capitalise on this ever-expanding footprint. The significant investment we are making in the network means that by the end of 2010 we will have a dedicated high-speed data network with nearly 98.5% outdoor coverage.
"Such a broad and fast data network provides a good opportunity for companies with connected devices. We are working with aql because we believe they can help us expand our reach into this space and bring the benefits of our network to a variety of connected devices in the most effective manner."
aql's managing director, Dr Adam Beaumont said, "Our job is to provide the building blocks for value-added partners to go to market with and we see m2m as an expanding marketplace. 3 UK's ongoing network expansion makes them a valuable partner for us because machine-to-machine access requires a fast and reliable data connection.
For more information visit the aql website at www.aql.com/mobile
About 3
3 is a communications company focused on bringing the benefits of the internet to mobile communications. We offer attractive pricing and give our customers the widest choice of ways to stay connected at home or abroad. To do this we're building the UK's best high-speed mobile broadband network. 3 UK is a member of the HWL group of 3G companies, which include 3G operations in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Macau and Sweden.
Three facts about 3:
1. 3 launched the UK's first 3G network offering national coverage for calls and texts. 3 have the UK's biggest 3G network and have over 92.74% population coverage for 3G services. On 3/3/03, Minister Stephen Timms MP made the first video phone call on a mobile in the UK on the 3 network.
2. As we consolidate our radio access network with T-Mobile we expect to reach almost complete UK population coverage for 3G by the end of 2010.
3. 3 have over 4.4 million active customers in the UK and over 20 million worldwide.
About aql
aql specialise in a range of wholesale voice applications to Enterprise and Telecommunications operators in addition to SMS products designed to enhance the communication options available to business users.
aql were winners of the 2009 Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) awards – winning the "Best Internet Telephony Provider".
Quick Facts about aql
- In partnership with software providers and systems integrators, aql have over 40,000 customers, including over twenty of the FTSE 100.
- aql sit in the background providing wholesale services, designed to be re-branded or integrated into the customers application and then resold. Their goal is never to compete with the resellers.
- aql operate their own data centres. As a result of this strategy to manage overheads, aql have not raised prices in over 10 years on any service.
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Contacts:
aql
Matthew Wignall
Matthew.Wignall@uk.aql.com
01133-20-20-19