Deutsche Telekom has teamed up with US-based Digi International to offer M2M services to heavy industry in Europe.

M2M specialist Digi, which serves customers with a need for remote devices, is a logical fit for DT’s M2M Form Factor (MFF) SIM chips, which are specifically designed for usage in extreme weather conditions.

Digi will integrate the MFF SIM chips into its wireless routers and gateways, which connect remote assets such as storage tanks, vehicle fleets and solar-powered products.

Analysys Mason’s Steve Hilton said the solution would most likely interest the construction, industrial, agriculture, mining, public sector and heavy fleet industry spaces.

In addition, Digi has a cloud-based device management service that will be integrated with DT’s M2M service portal to allow customers to manage their project in one central location.

Jürgen Hase, head of DT’s M2M Competence Center, said the partnership created “the most reliable service on the market”.

Matt Hatton, Machina Research director, told European Communications that the deal was “clearly good news” for DT.

“It demonstrates the increasingly cooperative approach that all players in the value chain are taking to addressing the emerging M2M opportunity,” he said.

Hatton added that the deal is an example of the “inexorable move” towards MFF SIMs.

“For M2M devices the old plastic SIM card is, in many cases, not acceptable being more sensitive to vibration and extremes of temperature,” he said.

“The shift to MFF reflects the very specific requirements of M2M.”

The news is the latest by the Germany-based operator as it expands its M2M strategy.

In August, DT unveiled an M2M Developer Garden, which followed the May launch of its M2M Marketplace.

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