Choosing the appropriate type of mobile connectivity when developing an IoT solution is critical to the success of the connected device, as this connectivity not only influences the user’s experience but also impacts the feasibility of the solution. Limited technological choices, notably Wi-Fi, cellular-based, or satellite connectivity, provide consistent and integrated experiences that can scale globally.
Currently, more than 7 billion IoT devices operate on cellular technologies, such as 5G, 4G, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and older generations like 2G and 3G. To choose the right provider, it’s essential to identify the best-fit IoT SIM card that aligns with your needs. As IoT is more prevalent, choosing the appropriate IoT SIM card for your connected device is essential. In this blog, you will find information about the various factors to consider for choosing the right IoT SIM card.
Some important factors that you should consider while choosing the right IoT SIM card
· Coverage: Countries, Networks and Radio Standards
When choosing an IoT SIM card, it is important to consider the coverage offered by different providers in various countries and regions. You should select a provider with coverage in the areas where you plan to deploy your devices.
- Countries: Different IoT SIM card providers offer varying degrees of coverage in different countries. So, selecting a provider that caters to the countries where your devices will be deployed is crucial.
- Networks: IoT SIM cards offer various network options, ranging from 2G to 5G IoT connectivity. When selecting a provider, you must consider which network options are most suitable for your devices.
- Radio Standards: Various regions and nations may use different radio protocols, such as GSM, CDMA, or LTE. Selecting a provider that presents IoT SIM cards that work well with the radio standards employed in the countries where your devices will be deployed is significant.
· Device lifecycle and usage: Time and Usage
Other vital factors to consider are the lifespan and usage of the device. IoT devices have varying lifecycles, from a matter of months to multiple years. Choosing an IoT SIM provider that offers flexible data plans and pricing is essential to guarantee that you are only paying for the data you require.
- Time: Always take into account the anticipated lifespan of your IoT devices. Certain providers have extended contracts available which typically offer lower pricing. At the same time, others offer more flexible pay-as-you-go plans that might be better for short-term deployments.
- Usage: It is not that easy to determine the amount of data your IoT solution will need. IoT use cases change from month to month for several reasons, and there can also be unexpected peaks in data usage. Several providers offer flexible data plans that permit payment solely for necessary data requirements. So get a precise estimate of data usage to choose the right IoT SIM card.
· IoT Form Factors: Standard or Embedded
IoT devices come in various form factors; the form factor determines how to install the SIM card, its durability, etc. IoT devices have different SIM cards, including standard SIMs and embedded SIMs – called eSIMs. The standard SIMs have a more traditional form factor and are inserted into a SIM card slot. While eSIMs are embedded directly into the device’s hardware and are irremovable.
Form factors
- Embedded SIM (MFF2)
- Nano-SIM (FF4)
- Micro-SIM (FF3)
- Mini-SIM (FF2)
- Full-Size (FF1)
· Hardware: Compatibility and longevity
Compatibility: IoT devices come in various form factors and are equipped with various electronic hardware. Hence choosing an appropriate IoT SIM card provider is crucial. You should consider the compatibility factors, including the type of SIM card slot, modem or antenna being used. Ensure that the provider you select offers IoT SIM cards that are compatible with all the hardware components of your IoT devices. Some providers offer multiple hardware options that can simplify selecting an appropriate SIM card for your device.
Longevity: Choose an IoT service provider that provides SIM cards with extended lifespans, as it aids in reducing the necessity for constant SIM card replacements. IoT technology is meant to last for extended periods, sometimes several years. Therefore, it’s important for those familiar with IoT devices to choose an IoT SIM card provider offering SIM cards with an extended lifespan. Doing so can help you reduce the expenses and time-consuming nature of SIM card replacement.
· Test before deployment
Before deployment, performing proper testing of your IoT devices to guarantee their proper functioning and cloud communication is crucial. Through testing, you can also proactively identify and solve any issues that may arise during deployment, thus preventing major problems. You should perform testing under similar conditions to the deployment environment. For example, testing in indoor or outdoor settings with varying signal strength levels. Testing can also include simulating different usage scenarios, such as sending different data types.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IoT SIM card for your connected product is vital to ensure proper communication between the cloud and the devices. Considering all the points mentioned here is important to obtain good IoT connectivity. By selecting an IoT SIM card provider that aligns with your device needs and thoroughly testing your devices before deployment, you can guarantee desired results and correct operation of IoT devices.
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