Berkeley Varitronics Systems (News - Alert), a global provider of wireless solutions and products, announced the release of the Squid M2M 3G Cell Tower Tester.

Squid 3G Cell Tower Tester is a handheld receiver targeted at the machine-to-machine (M2M) installation market. The launch of Squid is expected to put an end to the 3G signal bar coverage issues prolonged by consumer smartphones.

Offering installers a real-time display of local 3G carriers’ base stations and their signal strength, the Squid identifies RSSI, carrier network and several 3G bands. With this, installers can make key installation site decisions as well as optimal antenna placement to select the best mobile carrier for their particular site.

Installers and electricians can also avoid relying on consumer grade cell phones for important install decisions. Squid contains multiple radios and multi-band antennae for several U.S. network carriers, according to a press statement.

By leveraging the Squid from Berkeley Varitronics Systems, there is no need for SIM activation or monthly contracts. Installers can estimate the coverage for their M2M site by utilizing a single Squid that can provide data required for UMTS, CDMA, GSM and GPRS networks. The features of Squid include an ultra-crisp OLED display, USB port and integrated GPS receiver for time-stamped and geo-located measurements for analysis.

The Squid targets the issues faced by contractors installing ATMs, electric vehicle charging stations, vending machines and kiosks. The device’s operation and precision signal strength measurements allow anyone to pick carrier signal without multiple devices, heavy laptops or complicated software and dongles.

Recently, Berkeley Varitronics Systems unveiled its new WatchHound Cell Phone (News - Alert) Monitor. The new WatchHound Cell Phone Monitor can address the growing security threat where confidential information cannot afford to be compromised. 

Want to learn more about M2M technologies? Then be sure to check out the M2M Evolution conference, collocated with TMC’s (News - Alert) ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. The M2M Evolution Conference is for those industry professionals interested in capitalizing on a rapidly growing segment of the telecom industry. The M2M Evolution Conference embraces the any-to-any strategy of the Internet today. Co-sponsored by TMC Partner Crossfire Media, it showcases the solutions, and examines the data strategies and technological requirements that enterprises and carriers need to capitalize on a market segment that is estimated to grow to $300 Billion in the year ahead. To register, click here.