Public cellular networks are ubiquitous around most of the world, and depending on the network technology, feature exceptional data capacity, high transfer rates, and a high level of responsiveness to support near real-time data communications. Most importantly, these networks are either already built out or in the case of the newest 4G networks, are rapidly being built out to accommodate both voice and data communications. Utilities have long employed public cellular networks for a variety of applications, but the deployment of such networks has traditionally been limited in scope due to a relatively restrictive pricing structure and certain technological limitations.

Now, as utilities continue to roll out smart grid infrastructure, including smart meters, distribution automation, and substation automation, they are increasingly utilizing the public cellular networks to handle their machine-to-machine (M2M) communications infrastructure, often in conjunction with private networks using a wide diversity of technologies. Mobile network operators are offering relatively modest capital costs for network build-out, low operational costs, and the advantage of outsourcing maintenance and network management activities.

This Pike Research report provides an in-depth analysis of the current usage of public wireless technologies to handle smart grids, as well as regional-specific and worldwide forecasts of communication node shipments and revenue, along with revenue breakouts by application type. Specific forecast data on wireless chipset technology used in communication nodes are presented, covering ASP trends based on region-specific utilization models, as well as revenue segmented by wireless network technology. The report also includes profiles of active carriers, utilities, and vendors that are involved with using public cellular networks to enable smart grid communications.

Key Questions Addressed:

• Which wireless carrier technologies are being used to deploy utility M2M networks?
• What are the prevalent use cases for public cellular networks?
• How are wireless carriers, integrators, and utilities working together to enable public cellular networks for smart grids?
• How are equipment and service revenues evolving and how will that impact technology choices in the future?
• Which regions are choosing public cellular networks and what factors are influencing their decisions?

Who needs this report?

• Mobile network operators
• Network integrators
• Smart grid hardware and software vendors
• Wireless chipset and M2M module makers
• Utilities
• Government agencies
• Industry associations
• Investor community

Table of Contents

1.      Executive Summary

1.1   Introduction

1.2   Market Development

1.2.1     Service Revenue

1.2.2     Types of Public Cellular Networks

1.2.3     Average Selling Prices and Recurring Revenue

1.3   Outlook for Public Cellular

2.      Market Issues

2.1   The Smart Grid

2.2   Market Drivers

2.2.1     Reduced Capital Cost

2.2.2     Utility Operating Cost Reduction

2.2.3     Geographic Coverage

2.2.4     Grid Reliability

2.2.5     Enhanced/Integrated Mobile Worker Communications

2.2.6     Core Focus on Utility Operations

2.2.7     Avoidance of Technological Obsolescence

2.3   Market Opportunity

2.3.1     Market Environment and Business Structure

2.3.2     Government and Regulatory Environment

2.3.2.1     North America

2.3.2.2     Latin America

2.3.2.3     Europe

2.3.2.4     Asia Pacific

2.3.2.5     Middle East and Africa

2.4   Market Challenges and Risks

2.4.1     Technology Challenges

2.4.1.1     Availability and Reliability

2.4.1.2     Latency

2.4.1.3     Interoperability

2.4.2     Security Concerns

2.4.3     Market Shifts and Changes

3.      Technology Issues

3.1   Smart Grid Applications and Networking Requirements

3.1.1     Public Communications Requirements for Smart Grids

3.1.2     An Example Architecture

3.1.3     Smart Grid Communications Devices

3.1.4     AMI/Smart Meters

3.1.4.1     Data Requirements

3.1.4.2     Speed and Latency

3.1.4.3     Cost

3.1.4.4     Networking Requirements

3.1.5     Demand Response Programs

3.1.5.1     Data Requirements

3.1.5.2     Speed and Latency

3.1.5.3     Cost

3.1.6     Mobile Workforce Communications

3.1.6.1     Speed and Latency

3.1.6.2     Cost

3.1.7     Distribution Automation

3.1.7.1     Speed and Latency

3.1.7.2     Networking Requirements

3.1.8     Substation Automation

3.1.8.1     Speed and Latency

3.1.8.2     Cost

3.2   Smart Grid Communications Architecture, Standards, and Developments

3.2.1     The Smart Grid Architecture Challenge

3.2.2     Smart Grid Networking Standards

3.2.2.1     North America

3.2.2.2     Latin America

3.2.2.3     Europe

3.2.2.4     Asia Pacific

3.2.2.5     Middle East and Africa

3.3   Smart Grid Public Wireless Communications

3.3.1     Public vs. Private Networks

3.3.1.1     Key Benefits and Challenges of Public Networks

3.3.1.2     Key Benefits and Challenges of Private Networks

3.3.1.3     Current and Future Utilization of Public Networks by Utilities

3.4   Public Wireless Technologies

3.4.1     GSM-Based Technologies

3.4.1.1     GPRS on GSM Networks

3.4.1.1.2.    Range

3.4.1.1.3.    Coverage

3.4.1.1.4.    Costs

3.4.1.2     EDGE

3.4.1.2.1.    Performance

3.4.1.2.2.    Range

3.4.1.2.3.    Coverage

3.4.1.2.4.    Cost

3.4.1.3     UMTS/WCDMA

3.4.1.3.1.    Performance

3.4.1.3.2.    Range

3.4.1.3.3.    Coverage

3.4.1.3.4.    Cost

3.4.1.4     HSPA and HSPA+

3.4.1.4.1.    Performance

3.4.1.4.2.    Range

3.4.1.4.3.    Coverage

3.4.1.4.4.    Cost

3.4.2     CDMA-Based Technologies

3.4.2.1     CDMA2000 1xRTT (IS-2000)

3.4.2.1.1.    Performance

3.4.2.1.2.    Range

3.4.2.1.3.    Coverage

3.4.2.1.4.    Cost

3.4.2.2     CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

3.4.2.2.1.    Performance

3.4.2.2.2.    Range

3.4.2.2.3.    Coverage

3.4.2.2.4.    Cost

3.4.3     4G Standards

3.4.3.1     Long-Term Evolution (LTE)

3.4.3.1.1.    Performance

3.4.3.1.2.    Range

3.4.3.1.3.    Coverage

3.4.3.1.4.    Costs

3.4.3.2     WiMAX

3.4.3.2.1.    Performance

3.4.3.2.2.    Range

3.4.3.2.3.    Coverage

3.4.3.2.4.    Cost

3.5   Opportunities and Challenges for Smart Grid Cellular Networking

3.5.1     Technical Issues

3.5.2     Market/Public Perception Issues

3.5.3     Utility Adoption of Cellular Technology for Smart Grid Communications

3.5.4     Carrier Rationale for Working with Utilities

4.      Key Industry Players

4.1   Ambient Corp.

4.2   AT&T

4.3   Cinterion Wireless Modules

4.4   Consumers Energy

4.5   Deutsche Telekom

4.6   Digi International

4.7   ECI Telecom

4.8   ECOtality

4.9   EnerNOC

4.10 Jasper Wireless

4.11 Nokia Siemens Networks

4.12 Proximetry

4.13 Qualcomm

4.14 SmartSynch

4.15 Texas New Mexico Power

4.16 Trilliant Inc.

4.17 Verizon Wireless

4.18 Vodafone plc

5.      Market Forecasts

5.1   Global Public Cellular Communications Forecasts & Methodology

5.2   Global Forecast by Application Type

5.3   Global Forecast by Geographic Region

5.4   Global Forecast by Communications Technology

5.5   Global Forecast by Service Revenue

5.6   Regional Forecasts

5.6.1     Public Cellular Communications Forecast: North America

5.6.2     Public Cellular Communications Forecast: Latin America

5.6.3     Public Cellular Communications Forecast: Europe

5.6.4     Public Cellular Communications Forecast: Asia Pacific

5.6.5     Public Cellular Communications Forecast: Middle East and Africa

5.7   Forecast Risks

6.      Company Directory
7.      Acronym and Abbreviation List
8.      Table of Contents
9.      Table of Charts and Figures
10.    Scope of Study, Sources and Methodology, Notes

List of Charts and Figures

• Smart Grid Networking Architectural Model
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Geographic Region, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Geographic Region, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Geographic Region, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASP Comparison, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Service Revenue, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, World Markets: 2012
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, World Markets: 2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Geographic Region, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, World Markets: 2012
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, World Markets: 2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Service Revenue, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASPs, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Latin America: 2020
• Node Shipments, Western and Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Node Shipment Revenue, Western and Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Annual Service Revenue, Western and Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASPs, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020

List of Tables

• Communications Attributes and Requirements for Smart Grid Networks
• Smart Grid Networking Devices
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Geographic Region, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Geographic Region, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Geographic Region, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Service Revenue, by Application, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASP Comparison, World Markets: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Revenue, by Application, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASPs, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Chipset Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Average Monthly Service Revenue, per Node, by Application, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, North America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, United States: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, United States: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, United States: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, United States: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, United States: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Canada: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, Canada: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Canada: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Canada: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Canada: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Revenue, by Application, Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASPs, Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Chipset Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Average Monthly Service Revenue, per Node, by Application, Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Brazil: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, Brazil: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Brazil: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Brazil: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Brazil: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Mexico: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, Mexico: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Mexico: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Mexico: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Mexico: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Technology, Mexico: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, Other Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Other Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Other Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Other Latin America: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Revenue, by Application, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASPs, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Chipset Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Average Monthly Service Revenue, per Node, by Application, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Western Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Shipment Unit Revenue, by Application, Western Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Western Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Western Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Western Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Revenue, by Application, Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASPs, Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Chipset Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Average Monthly Service Revenue, per Node, by Application, Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Technology, Asia: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Northern Asia (Japan & South Korea): 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Shipment Unit Revenue, by Application, Northern Asia (Japan and South Korea): 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Northern Asia (Japan and South Korea): 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Northern Asia (Japan and South Korea): 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Northern Asia (Japan and South Korea): 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, China: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, China: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, China: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, China: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, China: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Other Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Revenue, by Application, Other Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Technology, Other Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Other Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Other Asia Pacific: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Revenue, by Application, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Cellular Technology, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node ASPs, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Chipset Unit Shipment Revenue, by Technology, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Average Monthly Service Revenue, per Node, by Application, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes, Annual Service Revenue, by Application, Middle East & Africa: 2010-2020
• Public Cellular Communications Node Unit Shipments, by Application, World Markets: 2012 vs. 2020
• Public Cellular Communications Nodes Unit Shipments, by Technology, World Markets: 2010 vs. 2020
• Node Shipments, Western and Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Node Shipment Revenue, Western and Eastern Europe: 2010-2020
• Annual Service Revenue, Western and Eastern Europe: 2010-2020