Cellphone users to reach 24bn by 2020

GigaOM says.

According to the GSMA, the number of total wireless connected devices is expected to more than double from nine billion today, to more than 24 billion in 2020.

The GSMA's figures were derived from Machina Research, a firm devoted specifically to the connected device space, Fierce Wireless reports. The firm said that by 2020, the industries that will have the greatest play in the connected space include the consumer electronics industry ($445 billion by 2020) and the automotive sector ($202 billion).

According to Telecoms.com, Machina Research said the opportunities for mobile operators would depend on individual business strategies. Mobile operators are uniquely placed to work in partnership with other industries to enable this opportunity, because they provide ubiquitous network connectivity; deliver proven customer care, billing and distribution capabilities; and represent a trusted brand for consumers and businesses, the firm said.

GSMA said the other sectors that would benefit from this collaboration included the automotive sector, which could also generate $202 billion in revenues; the health sector, which could see growth of $69 billion; and the utilities sector, which could see an additional $36 billion in revenue by 2020, Joyonline says.