Netherlands-based Gemalto, a major SIM card manufacturer and digital security firm, this week received certification of its Cinterio Cat 1 LTE M2M module from Verizon, which deems the Internet of Things optimized module carrier grade.
Category 1, a standardized designation defining downlink threshold of up to 10 Mbps and uplink threshold of up to 5 Mbps, are being deployed in machine-to-machine and IoT use cases where long battery life is important and a high level of throughput isn’t necessary.
Gemalto spokeswoman Ellen Lynch explained: “This is important because the majority of M2M/IoT solutions – smart meters, telematics, tracking and tracing, smart city and smart home applications – are not dependent on sizzling speeds or huge bandwidth. Gemalto’s future-proof solution provides cost efficiency, reduced module size and improved power efficiency – just what the marketplace needs to drive growth and meet expectations of 1 billion connections by 2020.”
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Verizon Wireless VP Ro McNally said the Gemalto module is ready for use on Verizon’s LTE network: “Our leading 4G LTE network has consistently proven its reliability and strength nationwide. Gemalto’s module offers M2M/IoT customers seamless migration to the expansiveness and reliability of our network.”
Gemalto bills the module as providing a “smooth migration with faster time-to-market and reduced development spends for customers.”
Gemalto VP of M2M Juan Carlos Lazcano said, “Our LTE module along with Verizon’s network opens up new innovation possibilities for device makers and developers. By 2020, the installed base of the IoT will exceed 26 billion units worldwide. To support the industry, we are developing solutions like the Cat 1 LTE module to help equipment manufacturers who need to connect and design intelligent products and optimize device lifecycles.”