The simple answer is, well, no. Adding a cellular radio to a watch increases the size, drains the battery faster and makes it more expensive. That's why most of the high-tech watches opt for Bluetooth for talking to a nearby smartphone.
AT&T isn't convinced. It sees value in having an independent cellular line built into a wearable device. After all, do you really want to carry your clunky smartphone when you go on a run? And wearable medical devices may require the kind of persistent connection only a cellular network can provide.
For AT&T, this is more than an academic discussion. That's because the company is keen to jump into the burgeoning area of smart wearables, a market that research firm Analysis Mason sees growing to $22.9 billion by 2020. That market represents a new growth opportunity beyond AT&T's core business: providing wireless and home phone and Internet service.
AT&T aims to provide a cellular connection to all manner of devices, whether it's a car, dog collar or system in the home managing the lights, thermostat and security system. The goal is to get consumers to add more devices onto their shared data plans. Adding more devices equals greater demand for data and a higher monthly wireless bill.
AT&T is keen on wearables. And since most wearables connect to a mobile phone, it has to go the extra mile to make sure it's in the mix.
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