The GSMA Internet of Things programme is an initiative to help operators add value and accelerate the delivery of new connected devices and services in the IoT. This is to be achieved by industry collaboration, appropriate regulation, optimizing networks as well as developing key enablers to support the growth of the IoT in the longer term.
Key areas of focus include Mobile IoT (LPWA networks in licensed spectrum), IoT Big Data, policy and regulation, drones and IoT security. The North American market and its network operators are key to the success of these global initiatives and have played a crucial role in helping the industry form a common approach to forming rich new services, connected by an intelligent and secure mobile network. In 2017, the first commercial LTE-M networks in the U.S. were launched with another launched in Mexico in early 2018. As of July 2018, North American operators are supporting five IoT labs in the region to support development of this family of technologies.