New M2M broadband services from Hughes targets utility, energy sectors

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The smart grid is one of the factors causing explosive growth in machines, sensors and devices that must be securely and intelligently networked. But according to Hughes Network Services, older M2M networks can't accommodate the huge data load being generated today or the speeds required for real-time communications with these devices. Hughes has launched an M2M broadband service that it says will improve operational efficiency, maintenance and security of critical infrastructure  and at the same time drive down costs.

Quick Take: Hughes says it is rolling out the service nationwide with a full suite of service plans and hardware to meet a range of speed, environmental and physical format requirements. We haven't seen any pricing, but if it's affordable it could certainly solve problems that a number of utilities face.