M2M Module Market Declines 16% from 2009 to 2010 Due to Price Erosion; Volume to Spur Market to $2.5

The cellular M2M embedded module market experienced a more difficult than expected year in 2010. Although total unit volumes continued to rise, reaching nearly 34 million units shipped in 2010, total industry revenue fell from roughly $996 million in 2009 to about $841 million in 2010, reversing the upward momentum in revenue seen in 2009 as the market rebounded from its 2008 lows.

“Although total unit volume continued to grow in 2010, average selling pricings (ASPs) fell at a faster rate, leading to an overall decline in revenue,” says Sam Lucero, practice director, M2M connectivity. “The sharp decline in ASPs is continuing in 2011 and is indicative of the fierce competition in the market, competition that has led to industry consolidation, such as Gemalto’s acquisition of Cinterion and Novatel Wireless’ acquisition of Enfora, both in 2010.”

While module makers are challenged by both competition and an overall trend toward commoditization, the resulting declines in ASPs are broadening the addressable market for cellular M2M connectivity. As module prices decline, it becomes more feasible to embed cellular modules into a growing array of applications ranging from smart utility meters, to automobiles, to remote healthcare related devices, e.g. cardiac monitors.

“Ultimately, lower prices, combined with other factors that facilitate M2M application development, will lead to overall unit shipment volumes growing faster than prices are declining, and we will see overall module industry revenue grow significantly by 2016,” says Lucero. “Consequently, falling ASPs are, in essence, benefiting module vendors as a whole, although individual vendors may not be able to survive the fiercely challenging market environment.”

ABI Research’s report, “Cellular Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Markets,” examines the market for cellular M2M embedded modules by assessing key market trends, the competitive landscape, market shares, and important standards and technologies and by providing an extensive five-year forecast of shipments and revenue for the period from 2010 to 2016 segmented by region, application, and cellular air interface standard.

The report is part of ABI Research’s M2M research service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com or call +1.516.624.2500.