What makes a SIM an IoT SIM?
Technically, any SIM can connect a device. What separates an IoT or M2M SIM is everything around it.
- Tariffs built for machines. A smart meter might send a few kilobytes a day. Paying for a phone allowance on thousands of devices wastes money, so IoT tariffs start very small and share data across the estate.
- Long life. Devices may be installed for ten years or more. IoT SIMs are made for that, with industrial grade materials and contracts that do not assume a two year upgrade cycle.
- Control. You can see every SIM, set usage alerts, suspend a lost device and change settings without a call centre.
- Networking. Fixed IPs, private APNs and VPN integration let devices talk securely to your servers.
LTE-M and NB-IoT
Many sensors do not need the speed of 4G. They need long battery life and good coverage inside buildings and underground. Two low power technologies, LTE-M and NB-IoT, run on the operators’ 4G networks for exactly that job.
| 4G LTE Cat 1 and above | LTE-M | NB-IoT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | High, suitable for video | Moderate, suitable for firmware updates | Very low |
| Battery life | Mains powered in most cases | Years on a battery | Many years on a battery |
| Mobility | Full | Full, with handover | Best for fixed devices |
| Voice | Yes, with VoLTE | Possible, used by some alarms | No |
| Typical use | Routers, CCTV, signage, gateways | Trackers, wearables, alarms, meters | Water meters, parking and environmental sensors |
Support for LTE-M and NB-IoT varies by network and area. Tell us the device and the locations and we will match the SIM and network to them.
The 2G and 3G switch off
All UK networks have now switched off 3G, and the government and operators have agreed that 2G will be retired by 2033 at the latest. A large number of alarms, lift lines, telecare units, vending machines and meters still rely on 2G. If you manage devices like these, plan their replacement with 4G, LTE-M or NB-IoT modules now rather than waiting for a switch off date in your area.
Fixed IP for IoT
Most IoT devices send data outwards to a platform and never need to be reached. For those, a dynamic IP SIM is simpler. A fixed IP becomes valuable when your system needs to poll the device, open a remote session, push configuration or trust traffic only from known addresses. A private fixed IP on a private APN is the usual choice for larger IoT estates, because every device can be reached from your servers without any of them being visible on the internet.
IoT SIMs on every network
Our IoT SIMs are available on single networks, as multi network SIMs across EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, as multi-IMSI SIMs for international estates and as eSIM for devices that must change network remotely.
Questions we are often asked
What is the difference between an IoT SIM and an M2M SIM?
Very little. M2M, machine to machine, is the older term. IoT SIM is the more common name today. Both describe SIMs and tariffs built for devices rather than people.
Can I use an IoT SIM in a router?
Yes. Many of our customers use IoT SIMs in 4G and 5G routers, often with a fixed IP for remote access.
Do IoT SIMs expire if they are not used?
Our SIMs are supplied on business contracts and remain active while the contract is in place, even if a device sends very little data.
Can I stop a SIM if a device is stolen?
Yes. SIMs can be suspended or barred so they cannot be used on another device.
Do you supply chip SIMs for embedding?
Yes. MFF2 chip SIMs, which are soldered onto a circuit board, can be supplied for device manufacturers.