independent provider of digital wireless services for the machine-to-machine (M2M), telematics and telemetry markets, today announced the addition of integrated GSM voice services to its M2M service platform. Available for two-way or secured, one-way transmission, the new voice services are ideal for applications where infrequent voice communication is necessary to enhance personal safety or operational efficiency.

Today, voice services available to M2M applications are typically encumbered by full voice-plan requirements, including recurring usage taxes that are charged monthly regardless of whether or not the voice service is actually used. KORE Telematics breaks this barrier by offering voice services on an on-demand basis, with charges incurred only when the service is used. This gives providers the ability to add voice options to their offerings at a very economical price-point, and thus maximize value for end-user organizations and individuals.

A number of today’s innovative M2M applications can now be enhanced with GSM voice services delivered via the KORE network. Some examples of M2M applications that will benefit from the addition of voice services include residential and commercial security alarm services, offender monitoring bracelets, emergency “in-field” notifications to and from service personnel and medical alert management.

“KORE’s business has always been singularly focused on providing the strongest, most flexible wireless network to enable and drive functionality growth for M2M applications,” said Alex Brisbourne, president and chief operating officer, KORE Telematics. “As our ASP partners expressed the desire to fold in low use voice offerings to meet new customer demands, it was only natural for us to throw ourselves at the challenge. KORE is pleased to be able to build on its existing experience and relationships with our operator partners to bring affordable and ubiquitous wireless voice options forward.”

Just as data driven M2M applications blossomed on KORE’s pay-for-use network model, voice stands out as the next logical frontier as M2M matures. Voice now becomes an optional feature to all KORE service platforms throughout North America, to be turned on at-will by service providers via KORE’s Web-based PRISM management portal. New customers and those already using KORE GSM services can take advantage of this new offering. The special service provisioning is designed to minimize recurring impact fees. “Provisioning voice brings a number of new considerations to bear for ASPs. We have designed different service offerings for both fixed location calling and dialable services, specifically to meet the security and commercial needs of typical M2M customer applications,” said Brisbourne.