Millicom Group-affiliated mobile operator Tigo has selected digital security firm Gemalto to provide a suite of M2M solutions, aimed at improving preventative maintainance using remote monitoring and management of machine identification modules (MIMs) in the field.

Tigo will begin the rollout in Colombia, where it is the largest operator, using Gemalto’s Cinterion MIM service to optimise performance of M2M applications.

The operator said the Cinterion platform was “ruggedized” to operate reliably in extreme environments, and a key enabler to improve quality of service by monitoring signal strength and network-based localisation events among other features, tracking and tracing devices, enabling remote module configuration and seamlessly switching to other channels when needed.

Audit services also allow Tigo to monitor MIMs over their entire lifespan and send alerts when predetermined usage thresholds are met. This allows updates before issues arise ensuring continuous service and strong revenue streams are maintained.

"Gemalto's MIM Card is now available in the Colombian market for all different vertical applications and it will help us guarantee a more stable service for a longer term for commercial and industrial applications and help our customers reduce operational costs and prevent potential fraud or failures in service," said Santiago Londoño, commercial vice president for B2B from Tigo UNE.

"With our platform, Tigo is able to deliver best-in-class innovative services for M2M solutions, giving them a clear competitive edge for everything from smart vending machines to connected cars," said Rodrigo Serna, president for Latin America at Gemalto. 

"Tigo and Gemalto share a common goal of driving innovation and IoT marketplace expansion, which is expected to grow to 2.1 billion M2M connections by 2020."