Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), a leading supplier of end-to-end secure mobile solutions, and Verizon have deployed ruggedized 4G LTE Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards for use in mobile machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. This represents one of the first activations on the Verizon Wireless network in the U.S. of a removable ruggedized LTE M2M SIM provided by G&D.
Standard SIM cards for mobile phones are designed to withstand certain conditions. G&D offers a ruggedized M2M SIM to withstand more harsh environments, including extreme temperature fluctuations, vibration or high humidity, like those found in outdoor meters, automobiles, external security cameras and buoys. With the rugged 4G LTE SIM card, OEM manufacturers will be able to take advantage of state-of-the-art Verizon Wireless connections for new business opportunities.
"Today's connected machines require a more robust module than a smartphone or tablet," said Mark Bartolomeo, vice president, connected solutions, Verizon Enterprise Solutions. "For certain business applications, the modules must be able to operate in extreme environments – such as sensors on powerlines in changing weather conditions or routers in vibrating locomotive engine rooms racing down a track.''
In addition to withstanding extreme conditions, these M2M SIMs are designed to have a longer data retention period than a standard consumer SIM. Longer data retention allows for support throughout the full lifecycle of the machine. M2M SIMs are also built to physically last several times longer than a typical mobile consumer SIM.
G&D's M2M SIM portfolio includes both a plug-in (or removable) M2M SIM and an embedded M2M SIM (MFF2). The embedded SIM will be soldered into the device during production to create a permanent connection between the SIM and circuit board, significantly reducing the potential for communication failure due to a loss of connectivity caused by corrosion or heavy vibrations. The Verizon Wireless M2M SIM not only supports LTE (ISIM), but also CDMA (CSIM) and 3G (USIM) networks.
Berg Insight forecasts that global shipments of cellular M2M devices will reach 152.2 million units by 2016. G&D's M2M offering includes not only ruggedized SIM cards, but also software and services for remote management. G&D has with the AirOn platform a secure platform available to efficiently manage the lifecycle of SIMs and devices Over-the-Air.
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