Telstra released a new control center for the Next G mobile network that allows users to easily manage "machine to machine" mobile connections. The connections, which involves links between inanimate objects such as cars, vending machines and digital photo frames, allows SIM mobile chips and transmitters to transmit data even without human interaction.

For example, a vending machine would be able to notify the soft drink manufacturer automatically when a refill is needed. Also, a digital picture frame would be able to download and display new photos automatically as they Web sites such as Flickr.

The company earlier announced a partnership with Jasper Wireless for the launch of the portal. The company also aims change the way it handles SIMS that are intended for M2M purposes.

Mike Cihra, the company's director of M2M products and partnerships, said that, in Australia, the M2M market is currently worth around $300 million annually. However, he adds that his company expects the market to breach the $1 billion mark over the next four years.

"What we need to do is put a big sign out the front saying Telstra is open for business - we are the default provider," Cihra said.

John Paitaridis, the director of the company's Enterprise and Government division, added that the sectors targeted for M2M devices are manufacturing, transportation, logistics, healthcare, security and utilities, with new markets such as e-readers and GPS navigation devices.