AT&T believes it can make a killing getting consumers to hook up as many wireless devices as possible, preferably to AT&T’s network.

That’s the view of Glenn Lurie, who serves as AT&T’s hunter for new revenue opportunities.  Lurie believes that every device that can developed to work on a wireless network can obtain that connectivity through his company, for a price.

Lurie and other wireless industry executives have gathered to discuss where the wireless industry is headed, and the answer seems to be data, data, and even more data.

Everyday consumer products, from washers/dryers to pill bottles to pet collars are all possible candidates to get the wireless treatment.  Want to know when your dryer is done?  Why not have it send a text message.  Is it time to take your medication?  Let the bill bottle page you.  Your dog roaming the neighborhood?  Have a built-in GPS unit alert you to exactly where Fido is headed.

Lurie

“Everything that has a current running through it will be connected,” Lurie tells CNET. “They need to be smarter.”

Not every idea is all that futuristic.  Some high end refrigerators support Internet connections and even include a built in small screen television.  So-called smart-home products that work with home security systems, smart electrical meters and even smartphone apps already exist.  Dishwashers can be programmed to run at off-peak energy rates.  Lights can be turned on or off remotely, and so on.

But AT&T sees even more possibilities.  In-car wireless could deliver Wi-Fi and streamed media directly to car radios and televisions over AT&T’s wireless network.  Even parcel delivery could be smarter with tracked shipping and anticipated delivery times.

Lurie believes that AT&T can earn the most keeping things simple, which means getting devices connected easily without a lot of hassle or multiple bills.

AT&T always believed business applications would be the core driver in wireless data growth, but that assumption has now proven incorrect.  Consumers are driving wireless data growth with apps, multimedia, and a need to feel constantly connected.