Submitted by Mike Grenville on Thu, 09 Mar 2006 12:01

Across Europe insurance companies are paying close attention to develoments in wireless M2M security technology, according to a new report from telecom analysts Berg Insight.

“Today, clients are frequently advised to install security systems that take advantage of wireless communication networks and satellite positioning when applying for an insurance policy. If you buy a high-class luxury car in any European country today, your motor insurer will most probably require that it is equipped with a GSM/GPS anti-theft system”, says Tobias Ryberg, senior analyst at Berg Insight. He adds that insurance industry organisations in four European countries – Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK – have developed national industry standards for approval of vehicle tracking devices in order to give guidance to their customers regarding the choice of car security systems.

Insurance companies also push for the use of dual fixed line and wireless signalling solutions in monitored alarm systems. Only a single landline connection between the alarm system and the alarm receiving centre is no longer deemed sufficient for high security premises. By adding a secondary wireless link, communication becomes much more reliable and cannot easily be disrupted. According to the European EN 50131 standard for alarm systems that was adopted in the UK at the end of 2005, dual signalling is required in most stores and offices. Berg Insight estimates there will be nearly 4 million alarm systems connected to wireless networks in Western Europe by 2010.

The report: Wireless M2M Communication and Security

The 2006 160 Characters Mobile Messaging Awards has for the first time included an M2M category looking for the "Most useful new M2M messaging application".