  Blazars are extremely variable objects emitting radiation across the
electromagnetic spectrum and showing variability on time scales from minutes to
years. For the understanding of the emission mechanisms, simultaneous
multi-wavelength observations are crucial. Various models for flares predict
simultaneous flux increases in the X-ray and gamma-ray band or more complex
variability patterns, depending on the dominant process responsible for the
gamma-ray emission. Monitoring at TeV energies is providing important
information to distinguish between different models. To study duty cycle and
variability time scales of an object, an unbiased data sample is essential, and
good sensitivity and continuous monitoring are needed to resolve smaller time
scales. A dedicated long-term monitoring program at TeV energies has been
started by the FACT project. Its success clearly illustrated that the usage of
silicon based photo sensors (SIPMs) is ideal for long-term monitoring. They
provide not only an excellent and stable detector performance, but also allow
for observations during bright ambient light minimizing observational gaps and
increasing the instrument's duty cycle. The observation time in a single
longitude is limited to 6 hours. To study typical variability time scales of
few hours to one day, the ultimate goal is 24/7 monitoring with a network of
small telescopes around the globe (DWARF project). The installation of an
Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescope is planned in San Pedro Martir, Mexico. For the
M@TE (Monitoring at TeV energies) telescope, a mount from a previous experiment
is being refurbished to be equipped with a camera using the new generation of
SiPMs. In the presentation, the status of the M@TE project will be reported
outlining the scientific potential, including the possibility to extend
monitoring campaigns to 12 hours by coordinated observations together with
FACT.
