Verizon Communications is set to take advantage of its $612 million acquisition of Hughes Telematics with the rollout of its Networkfleet solution. The offering is a fleet-management service that will work in concert with Verizon Wireless’ cellular network to provide monitoring, management and route optimization capabilities, according to Verizon.
Verizon noted the Networkfleet offering, which runs under the telecom operator’s enterprise solution division based in Atlanta, uses a combination of in-vehicle hardware and a Web-based application to “store, view and analyze data on specific vehicles as well as overall fleet performance.” The in-vehicle hardware includes both a GPS device and equipment to access Verizon Wireless’ cellular network.
Verizon said it was deploying Networkfleet to an initial 18,000 company vehicles in its fleet this year.
“We see the fleet management space as a tremendous opportunity,” explained David Small, SVP and chief platform officer for Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “We will continue to work with our ecosystem to serve this growing market, and we are committed to innovating in the machine-to-machine space.”
Verizon Wireless was recently dealt a blow in the telematics space when General Motors signed a multi-year deal with AT&T Mobility to provide an “enhanced suite of safety, security, diagnostic and infotainment services” to OnStar deployments in GM’s range of car brands using the carrier’s LTE network. The agreement is set to begin in 2014. GM had relied exclusively on Verizon Wireless to provide 2G and 3G telematics services to its OnStar service for nearly a decade, including through a controversial transition between analog and digital in-car offerings. Verizon Wireless announced last year plans to bolster its LTE telematics offering through a new partnership with auto makers BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota.
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