The service will wirelessly enable devices in the home to connect to the IP-based Digital Life platform. It will also enable users to remotely monitor these devices through web-based access.
Applications for the automation services will include cameras, window and door sensors, smoke sensors, door locks, thermostats, moisture detection and appliance control, with trials due to begin in Atlanta and Dallas in the summer.
AT&T’s venture into the home automation market can be seen as the latest move by the company to try to broaden its revenue base in order to diminish the impact of declining fixed-line voice services.
Home automation is considered to be a growing market in the US with analyst firm BCC Research projecting that the domestic home automation market will be worth $5.5 billion in 2016, up from $3.2 billion in 2010.
"AT&T Digital Life will change the way people live, work and play – and meets a clear need in the market,” said Kevin Petersen, SVP, Digital Life at AT&T Mobility. “The service is smart, simple and customer centric – freeing homeowners to do the things they want to do without compromising on the things they need to do to care for family and home.”