Telecommunications Service Providers Make Good on Service Innovation
This year, more than ever, we’ve seen CSPs push the envelope of innovation, partnerships and technology to create innovative new service offerings that will become a part of the fabric of our lives.
The survey also revealed that 61 percent of people with a strong knowledge of energy technology and pricing terms viewed smart meters and smart-grid deployment plans positively, compared to only
43 percent of those with minimal knowledge.
“There have been major strides with new energy-saving technologies, new programs and incentives, but in many cases the market is seeing more confusion amongst consumers than expected,” said
Michael Valocchi, vice president and partner, Global Energy and Utilities Industry Leader, for IBM Global Business Services. “This year’s survey points to a need and an opportunity to go back to
basics and educate consumers by using terms that they understand, behavioral triggers and channels they already use. People want to conserve energy; we just need to get better at showing them
how.”
Telemedicine
Visit any local doctor’s office and you’re likely to have to ask the doctor questions while he or she tippy-taps away on a tablet. Medicine has arrived in the 21st century, and
telecommunications is a critical component. In fact, Global Information Inc. predicts the telemedicine market, fueled by tablets, will grow more than 300 percent.
Healthcare is one industry looking to drive down costs, boost accuracy and increase the distance over which services can be successfully delivered. Telecommunications networks are already
primed to fit that bill.
PwC Research has identified three major trends driving the sharp uptake in mobile technology for healthcare:
- Aging population: Aging populations and chronic illness are driving regulatory reform. Public-sector healthcare is seeking better access and quality, and it’s looking to the private sector for innovation and efficiency. mHealth improves access and quality and offers dramatic innovation and cost reduction.
- Emergence of “Care Anywhere” and electronic healthcare record keeping: The foundations of industrialization of healthcare are already in place — electronic medical records, remote monitoring and communications. “Care Anywhere” is emerging; the platform for mHealth is set.
- Personalization of healthcare services: Healthcare, like other industries, is getting personal. mHealth can offer personal tool kits for predictive, participatory and preventative care.
From apps that manage medication, like a new iPharmacy Blaze Mobile app that uses near field communication (NFC) to monitor medication, to remote aging-in-place solutions and even video
conferencing with your doctor, telemedicine solutions will continue to offer service providers a wealth of innovation opportunity.
Going Beyond Connectivity
Over the years we’ve watched CSPs fight commoditization as they’ve struggled to transform themselves. This year, more than ever, we’ve seen them push the envelope of innovation, partnerships and
technology to create innovative new service offerings that will become a part of the fabric of our lives. The new “connected experience” will factor into more and more facets of day-to-day
living, from the cars we drive to how we care for our aging population. As we look ahead, we watch as this transformation continues to unfold, made possible by the marriage of technology,
connectivity, data, and solutions that leverages the strength of each.
