Motion Intelligence board member Tim Harden has years of experience working in the world of cell phone carriers. After spending more than a decade in various leadership positions at AT&T, his success in telecommunications provided a deep understanding of how addictive cell phones can be — a problem that’s only growing. Cell phone use while driving continues to rise.

This industry is searching for a distracted-driving solution, especially for fleet drivers who have to be on the road. In its work to prevent distracted driving, Motion Intelligence is answering the call by working to shift the relationship between driver and device.

This poses the question: What if we can solve our problems with technology, with better technology? We asked Harden to share with us his views on what a technology solution could offer to mobile carriers and service providers.

Based on your time with AT&T, what potential does the type of technology Motion Intelligence has built offer to mobile carriers? 

First of all, this technology fits exactly with AT&T’s stated goals of getting mobile users to adhere to the “Don’t Text and Drive” mentality. The relationship between that stated objective and turning off the driver’s hands-on use of the data on their phone is what first attracted me to Motion Intelligence. 

The MI technology is unique in its approach to prevent distracted driving, and therefore capable of filling a gap in the marketplace. As to the potential of this technology with the carrier community—it’s a home run with their fleets and mobile technician force. Through mobile sales offerings in their stores, this tech has the potential to also be a home run with mobility customers in general.

What unrecognized opportunities should carriers be looking to this technology for? 

This technology has unlimited potential to generate new and recurring revenue from the cars it is deployed in, because it has the ability to isolate each seat in the vehicle. Therefore, the program can offer separate service and product offerings to each of those seats. 

How can technology be a part of the solution to smartphone addiction and distracted driving, instead of part of the problem? 

Through the isolation of each seat, MI software can provide different but consistent offerings, and support a consistent approach to preventing distracted driving.

Fleet safety comes to mind. If I’m the owner of a large fleet, I know that by using this technology I have taken control of one big problem and cost driver—distracted driving. My insurance costs go down because my drivers now have fewer accidents. If I’m a parent, I know that my teen is protected from driving distracted.

Mobile technology becomes the enabler of these improvements. 

The technology software gives you the ability to create a win-win-win environment. It’s a great technology that I’m proud to be a part of.

In addition to being a Motion Intelligence board member, Tim Harden is currently active in organizations that promote economic development, educational and youth activities. He is Chairman Emeritus of the QuEST Forum Executive Board managing the worldwide quality standard TL 9000 and is a member of Supply Chain 50, which represents a group of the top 50 Fortune 500 Supply Chain professionals from around the world.