Wireless Tech to Play a Big Role in an Efficient, Connected Future

Wireless Tech to Play a Big Role in an Efficient, Connected Future

A new report from BSR and CTIA, the wireless industry lobbying group, touts the potential energy cost savings and significant reduction of carbon emissions through the use of wireless technologies.

The report highlights the impact of wireless technologies on transportation, energy, agriculture, and the public sector, and underscores the increasing connected world of buildings, vehicles, and information in a concept what we call VERGE.

According to the BSR report "Wireless and the Environment," trucking and logistics companies stand to gain through improvements in fleet management and route optimization.

Wireless-enabled software gathers real-time performance data to analyze speed, idle times, the number of stops, and tire pressure.

These data allow fleets managers to implement strategies to reduce unnecessary driving. The report boasts a potential $3,600 per truck cost savings, eliminating nine million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Wireless technology also holds the promise for smart grid in the rollout of smart meters, connected home appliances, building automation, and sensors to optimize distribution on the grid. In helping reduce peak demand and promoting energy conservation, these benefits, according to the BSR report, would translate into an estimated savings of $15 billion to $35 billion in the U.S. by 2020.