AT&T and GE are working together to create smart energy monitoring solutions to deliver efficiency for the Industrial Internet of Things.
Many of GE’s machines and assets, such as locomotives, fleet, aircraft engines and, most recently, smart grid infrastructure, are connected through the AT&T global network.
Combining advanced solutions from GE with the AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, utilities can seamlessly connect grid assets with critical software applications such as GE’s Grid IQ™ Connect or GE’s Predix™ analytics engine.
According to a statement from the companies the partnership between AT&T and GE, which builds on the companies’ global alliance agreement announced in 2013, will simplify asset connectivity for the grid.
“With its product and wireless technology leadership, GE is an ideal partner and, together, we’re creating a more energy-efficient planet,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T Mobility.
“This is a major step forward in connecting machines with wireless technology. With nearly 20 million devices connected to our network, we help provide dependable solutions that make energy management easier.”
The two companies are working on an advanced meter solution that merges GE’s innovative smart meters and wireless solutions, including jointly developed communications hardware, with AT&T’s secure cellular technology. The solution is being piloted with two North American renewable energy customers.
In addition AT&T and GE are developing intelligent lighting solutions that combine GE Lighting control systems and advance GE Wireless solutions. This combined solution will enable cities to remotely monitor and control lighting on public roadways. A web-based interface linked to the lighting controls allows municipalities to instantly identify usage and performance of street lights in specific locations.
GE and AT&T will look to market and sell these solutions to customers in 2015.
Smart grid solutions will use GE’s Grid IQ SaaS platform to deliver system intelligence, GE Wireless solutions for asset connectivity, and the AT&T network for secure and seamless data transport
