Introducing OneSimCard IoT “2.0”

We are excited to introduce you to our new IoT SIM card type: the BITW. We have been working feverishly over the last 18 months to find new connectivity partners and integrate the selected partners into our cloud-based portal. When selecting new partners, we took many of the suggestions/requests our customers have made like getting access to NB-IoT technology. You may have heard this was coming, but the time has come to officially announce this amazing service.

OneSimCard IoT BITW SIM Card features:

1) Multi-IMSI, Multi-Carrier, No Steering SIM Cards offering build-in redundancy and reliability virtually anywhere in the world.

2) Much Lower Costs in many countries and in many instances (depending on the expected data consumption) the cost of data is more than 1/2 of our “old” SIM cards. Rates start at less than $0.01/MB;

3) More Form Factors. OneSimCard IoT BITW SIM cards are available in 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, MFF2, and eSIM

4) Fully Functional including Private Static IP addresses, IPSec VPN, Private APN, Alarms, API’s (coming by the end of July), Portal SMS & much more;

5) New Features including the ability to view the IMEI of the device in which the SIM is installed, and an alarm available to notify you if the IMEI is changed (IMEI lock is also still available);

6) More Network Protocols Including NB-IoT. The new SIMs support 2G, 3G, 4G (Full LTE, Cat M, Cat M1, & NB-IoT) & 5G.

7) Flexible Plan Types. Just like our “old” SIM cards, OneSimCard IoT BITW SIMs are available for both Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) and Pooled data plans. The PAYG plans are more flexible and much lower per MB rates than our “old” SIM cards. The Pooled plans are still customized to your needs. The possibilities are infinite!;

8) Same Familiar Portal. The BITW SIM cards are also using our OSCAR SIM management portal so there is nothing new to learn. Currently, we can do single sign-on through a Parent/Child structure, but we are working to allow single sign-on without a Parent account;

9) Continue Using APN “send.ee”. The BITW SIM cards will still be using the APN send.ee so you don’t need to change any device settings if you decide to change to the BITW SIM cards. If you have a Private APN, we can usually get those added as well.

10) MUCH More International Coverage. The BITW increases the global footprint of our IoT offering to more than 200 countries and territories. Check out the coverage below:

Unsurpassed International Coverage — The BITW IoT SIM card has the best international coverage at the lowest rates

So what is happening with the “old” SIM cards? We will continue to support and stock the old SIM cards for the foreseeable future. You can continue to use them as you do today, and order additional “old” SIM cards. We did stop stocking any SIM card type ending in “E” These SIMs cannot be replaced 1-for-1 or ordered new. They will continue to work as normal, though. These SIMs can be replaced with TCNS-C SIM cards, or other KITW SIMs not ending in “E.”

January 31, 2024February 1, 2024

Breaking the Limits: Explore the Pinnacle of Connectivity with the Best IoT SIM Cards

In a world where connectivity is king, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a game-changer, seamlessly integrating devices and systems to enhance efficiency and convenience. At the heart of this digital revolution lies the unsung hero – the IoT SIM card. Join us as we embark on a journey to break the limits and explore the pinnacle of connectivity with the best IoT SIM cards of 2024.

Unveiling the Powerhouse of Connectivity

Picture this: a world where your devices communicate effortlessly, data flows seamlessly, and connectivity is not just a luxury but a necessity. This is the promise of IoT, and at its core is the choice of the correct SIM card. The best IoT SIM card is the lifeline, connecting your devices to the digital realm with unparalleled efficiency.

The Search for Excellence

With the ever-growing market of IoT SIM cards, the search for the best can be daunting. Fear not, for we’ve delved deep into the digital landscape to uncover the true champions. These SIM cards go beyond the ordinary, breaking the limits to redefine connectivity standards.

1. Unparalleled Speed and Reliability

The IoT SIM cards are not just cards but powerhouses of speed and reliability. Imagine your devices communicating at lightning speed, transmitting data without a hiccup. These SIM cards ensure a smooth and uninterrupted flow of information, making them the backbone of any IoT project.

2. Global Connectivity at Your Fingertips

No more boundaries – that’s the promise of the best IoT SIM cards. With global coverage, these cards empower your devices to join from almost anywhere on the planet. Whether your IoT project spans cities, countries, or continents, these SIM cards ensure your devices stay connected, breaking geographical barriers effortlessly.

3. Robust Security Measures

The IoT SIM cards offer robust security measures in a world increasingly concerned about data security. Your data is not just transmitted; it’s shielded by layers of encryption, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. These SIM cards provide peace of mind, knowing your IoT ecosystem can withstand potential threats.

4. Seamless Integration with IoT Ecosystems

Connectivity is not just about speed; it’s about how seamlessly your devices integrate into the larger IoT ecosystem. The IoT SIM cards aim to play well with various devices and platforms, ensuring a hassle-free integration process. Whether working with smart home devices or industrial sensors, these SIM cards are your key to a cohesive IoT network.

5. Cost-Effective Efficiency

The IoT SIM cards excel in speed and reliability and bring cost-effective efficiency to the forefront. These cards optimize data usage, ensuring high performance without breaking the bank. Whether managing a large-scale IoT network or a smaller project, experience top-tier connectivity without compromising your budget – a defining feature of the best IoT SIM cards in 2024.

Choosing the Best IoT SIM Card for Your Project

Now that we’ve explored the features that make the IoT SIM cards stand out, how do you choose the right one for your project? It all boils down to understanding your needs and considering data requirements, geographical coverage, and security protocols.

As you embark on your quest for the best IoT SIM card, remember – it’s not just a card; it’s your gateway to the pinnacle of connectivity. Break the limits, redefine possibilities, and let your IoT devices thrive in a world where seamless connectivity is not just a choice but a necessity.

In conclusion, the best IoT SIM cards are more than just tools; they are enablers of a connected future. Explore, experiment, and elevate your IoT experience with the powerhouses of connectivity that await you in 2024. The digital realm is calling – are you ready to answer with the best IoT SIM card at your disposal?

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

eSIMs or Removable SIMs for IoT, Which Is Best?

Image of different IoT SIM card form factors and the dates they were released including eSIM — Plastic SIMs and eSIM (MFF2)

Introduction

Clients often ask “Which should I use, traditional plastic SIMs, or embedded SIMs (eSIMs) for my IoT solution?” Our go-to answer is always, “It depends.” We answer this way because it really does depend on many factors.

In this article we explore the pros and cons of both eSIMs physical SIMs for IoT projects. Not all pros and cons will have equal weight for each solution developer, but we think this is a good primer on the differences of each type of IoT SIM card.

First, let’s quickly define what we are talking about. We wrote an article several years ago that spoke to the evolution of the IoT SIM card specifically relating to the evolution of the technology behind SIM cards. We talked about eUICC as an emerging tech, and we called this an “eSIM.” For the purposes of this article, we are calling the embedded SIM (MFF2 form factor) an eSIM. Physical SIM cards are typically 2FF, 3FF, or 4FF form factors, but can also be enabled with eUICC tech, making them also “eSIMs.” “eSIM” refer to either a SIM with eUICC technology, or an embedded SIM, but these are very different things.

Embedded SIM (eSIM):

eSIM Pros:

Remote Provisioning: eSIMs are provisioned remotely and programmed with the necessary network credentials using bootstrap profiles. This eliminates the need for physical access to the device, and is particularly useful for IoT devices in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Scalability: eSIMs make it easier to scale your IoT deployment because you can provision and manage a large number of devices without physically swapping SIM cards.
Reduced Physical Footprint: eSIMs are integrated into the device’s hardware, saving space and allowing for more compact IoT device designs.
Improved Security: eSIMs often offer enhanced security features, such as better resistance to physical tampering and improved authentication protocols.
Flexibility: eSIMs can switch between different carrier profiles, providing flexibility and cost optimization as you can select the best network for a given location or situation. However, this requires the cooperation of both carriers which is not always a given. Many carriers will not allow these profile change-overs.

eSIM Cons:

Initial Cost: Implementing eSIM technology may require upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure for remote provisioning and management. Even the MFF2 SIM is more costly than traditional plastic SIMs.
Compatibility: Not all IoT devices are eSIM-ready, so retrofitting existing devices with eSIM capabilities can be challenging and costly.
Dependency on Manufacturers: Device manufacturers must support eSIM technology for it to be effective, and not all manufacturers do, limiting device options.

Traditional Physical SIM Cards:

Physical SIM Pros:

Widespread Compatibility: Traditional SIM cards are widely supported by most IoT devices and have been the standard for many years.
Low Initial Cost: The cost of traditional SIM cards and card readers is generally lower than implementing eSIM technology.
Interchangeability: Physical SIM cards can be easily swapped between devices, which can be useful in some situations.

Physical SIM Cons:

Physical Access Required: Changing SIM cards typically requires physical access to the device, which can be impractical for remote or deployed IoT devices.
Scalability Challenges: Managing a large number of physical SIM cards can be cumbersome, leading to logistical challenges as your IoT deployment scales.
Security Concerns: Traditional SIM cards are more susceptible to physical tampering and unauthorized removal, potentially compromising security.
Limited Network Flexibility: Switching between carriers or network profiles is more difficult with physical SIM cards, leading to potential coverage and cost inefficiencies.

The choice between eSIM technology and traditional physical SIM cards in IoT applications depends on your specific use case and requirements. eSIMs offer advantages in terms of remote management, scalability, and flexibility. Traditional SIM cards are more widely compatible and have lower initial costs. It’s essential to evaluate your project’s needs, device compatibility, and long-term scalability when making this decision.

If you would like to have a conversation with one of our experts, please fill out our contact form. The contact form is located here. One of our experts will be in touch within 1 business day.

May 6, 2022

New Features Added to M2M SIM Card OSCAR Platform

New SIM Search Filter Added for SIMs with IMEI Lock

An M2M Sim card client requested to search for all M2M SIM cards with the IMEI lock enabled. With this update, M2M SIM cards with the IMEI lock engaged are now quickly identified. Many devices can be changed because the M2M SIM cards with the lock can be unlocked. This was particularity important for this client moving IoT SIMs from older 3G devices to their new 4G devices. Once the SIMs that had the lock were identified there is now a new bulk operation to remove the IMEI lock.

New Bulk Operation Added to Remove IMEI Lock

In concert with the above IoT Sim card filter, we added a new bulk operation to remove IMEI locks on many SIMs at once. This additional functionality makes the process of SIM card IMEI locks much faster because the administrator no longer has to go in the the SIM settings for each SIM to remove the lock. If you have thousands of M2M SIM cards, this was very time consuming. An administrator can now perform this function to many M2M SIM cards at once.

Contact Us!

We welcome feedback! If you have any feedback on our IoT SIM card OSCAR Platform, please send us a note. You can reach us at feeback@onesimcard.com.

If you would like to speak with one of our M2M SIM Card experts, please reach out to us at Sales@onesimcard.com. You can also submit a custom quote request on our site. We will develop a solution specific to your requirements.

April 28, 2022May 4, 2022

New API & New IoT Sim Card

New API Command Available for SIM Card Reset

We continue to listen to our IoT clients and their requests for improvements to our OSCAR IoT SIM Card Management Portal. There is now an API command for both Pooled and PAYG accounts, allowing a SIM reset. A SIM card reset takes the IoT SIM card off the network and allows it to re-register. Before now, this tool was only available on the Portal in the Service tab. There are many customers who prefer to manage most of the tools for their global IoT SIM Cards off the OSCAR management portal. This new API will help with initial troubleshooting of the IoT SIM.

New SIM Card Type Being Launched

For customers using the TCNS IoT SIM card type, you will start to see orders being filled with a new IoT SIM card named “TCNS – E”. This SIM will give you the same outstanding service you are used to, & will add some network operators. The most notable change is in Canada where we are adding Telus and Bell. Now all three major networks in Canada are available. There are also many other countries coming to this Multi-IMSI TCSN-E IoT SIM card. This is great news as we continue to grow our global IoT SIM card footprint and build more network redundancy!

If you have any questions about these enhancements to our IoT SIM card management portal, OSCAR, or any other suggestions or comments, please reach out to feedback@onesimcard.com.

April 21, 2022April 22, 2022

2 Updates to the OSCAR IoT SIM Management Portal

New API Command Available for Updating User Name and Device Fields

We added a new API command for both Pooled and PAYG accounts This command will allow you to update the User Name and Device fields for your IoT SIM Cards in the OSCAR portal. This is especially useful when you are using your own portal to activate IoT SIMs & include the User Name (nickname). The User Name & Device Type are now populated to our OSCAR portal automatically through API. Before now, these fields could only be updated on the Portal in separate tabs. Automating this process is a great time-saver!

New Feature in the OSCAR Portal Allows for Updating/Making Changes to up to 200 SIMs at a Time

Before this update, the maximum number of SIMs that can be displayed on the SIM card page was 100. You could select up to all 100 and perform a bulk operation on these SIMs. Also, these SIMs had to be in certain logical order (sorted by SIM #, ICCID, Status, etc.). If you wanted to work on SIM cards that were not consecutive in this logical order, or only some of those SIMs but not all, you needed to select (or deselect) only those which you want to work on. Last month, we added functionality to upload a CSV file into the portal with the SIM card numbers on which you want to work. You will see this file upload option at the top of the SIM card page. This upload tool allows you to load a CSV file with up to 200 SIM cards at a time. Now you can work on more SIMs at once, and choose the SIMs you on which you want to work based on the file you uploaded (maybe it was a report you ran, etc.).

If you have any questions on these new functions or any other questions on the OSCAR IoT SIM card management portal, please reach out to our IoT experts at Sales@OneSimCard.com.

August 6, 2021September 1, 2021

“Disposable” IoT SIM Cards Now Available for Data Pooling

There are some circumstances when IoT/M2M devices are only needed for a short period of time and then they need to be shut off and discarded. We come across this need most often in the Asset Tracking sector, especially for Cargo containers. There has always been the opportunity to have these disposable SIMs on PAYG accounts, but now we developed a disposable SIM plan for Pooled accounts.

As you know, our Pooled data plans are highly customized for each client. The disposable SIMs are no different. If you need the IoT SIM active for 5 days or 55 days, or 555 days, we can accommodate… just let us know your requirement and we will set the SIM to automatically expire in that timeframe. What’s more, if you need to have some SIMs that have a longer duration and some with a shorter duration, on the same data pool, you can set up the duration in the OSCAR Portal for each SIM.

If you have a project that requires disposable IoT SIM cards, let’s talk about it and let our IoT experts come up with the perfect solution for you.

March 4, 2021March 8, 2022

When to expect 3G Network Sunsets (Shutdowns) and Why?

Radio frequencies can be thought of as Real Estate in the world of mobile communications. Like Real Estate there is only so many radio frequencies available. This finite resource can, therefore be either very expensive to buy new licenses or impossible because there are no licenses available for “new” frequencies (aka Bands).

As Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s) introduce new technology, or generations of data transmission methods, the MNO’s have to find a band they license to utilize for that new technology like 5G. Data transmission technology is always evolving, and since there are finite resources there is a need to “re-farm” the bands on which they hold licenses to operate these newer technologies. This is the fundamental reason why old technology like 3G are being shutdown (or “sunsetted”).

In the next few years, we expect there will be many MNO’s sunsetting 3G. Here is a list of some MNO’s and the probable date of their 3G sunset:

Country	Network	Probable 3G Sunset
Australia	Telstra Corporation Limited	June 2024
Canada	Rogers Communications Canada Inc.	2025
China	China Mobile	2020
Denmark	Telia	2023
Denmark	TT-Netværket P/S	starts April 2021
Finland	TeliaSonera Finland Oyj	2023
Germany	Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. oHG	2022
Germany	Vodafone D2 GmbH	June 2021
Greece	Vodafone Greece	2022
India	Airtel	2020
Indonesia	PT Indonesian Satellite Corporation Tbk (INDOSAT)	2020
Indonesia	Telkomsel Indonesia	2020
Iraq	Telecom Ltd	2020
Italy	Vodafone Italia S.p.A.	January 2021
Japan	NTT DoCoMo, Inc.	March 2026
Lithuania	Telia Lietuva	2022
Malaysia	DiGi Telecommunications	2021
Malaysia	Maxis Communications Berhad	2021
Myanmar	Telenor Myanmar	2025 – 2027
Netherlands	KPN Mobile The Netherlands B.V.	January 2022
Netherlands	Vodafone Libertel B.V.	2020
Norway	TeliaSonera Norge AS	2020
San Marino	Vodafone Italia S.p.A.	2021
Saudi Arabia	Saudi Telecom Company	2022
Spain	Telefónica Móviles España	2025
Sweden	TeliaSonera Sverige AB	2025
Taiwan	Taiwan Mobile Co. Ltd	2019
United States	AT&T	February 2022
United States	T-Mobile 3G	July 1, 2022
United States	Verizon Wireless	Announced 2020 – Pushed
Vatican City	Vodafone Italia S.p.A.	2021

If you are operating IoT devices on these networks, you will need to address the situation and upgrade your devices before the network closes.

We have helped many clients with this transition and we would be happy to have a conversation with you to explore your options. For example, if you are operating a fleet tracking solution on 3G telematics devices in the USA and you need to move to 4G we currently provide service on all 3 major US networks (AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon) on a single SIM card with a single APN. Of course, we offer many other countries on that same single SIM and single APN.

Contact one of our experts by email at sales@onesimcard.com to see if you qualify for free SIM cards as you transition.

September 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Data Pooling Now Available – Customized to Your Unique Needs.

You asked, we listened! We are very excited to announce data pooling plans are now available for M2M/IoT accounts. These plans will allow you to share your data across all of your SIMs so the SIMs that consume more data can be offset with those which don’t use as much – this cuts down on potentially paying for data that you aren’t using.

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to your account representative, or sales@onesimcard.com.

August 19, 2020May 13, 2022

What is an IoT SIM card?

It may sound very futuristic, but we are being monitored by a wide range of technologies controlled by the IoT SIM card. Yes, this may sound strange or scary to you because IoT refers to a future where every device, from ice-cream makers to car computers are connected via the internet. We are quickly approaching a time when IoT incorporates your whole home, office, manufacturing plants, farms & virtually every aspect of life.

What is IoT?

Today, the world revolves around a network of connected things. IoT is entrenching itself more and more into our life, and we are continually being monitored a number of technologies that are run by IoT SIM cards. By allowing the devices to connect and communicate, we can automate processes that would previously require human intervention. We recently wrote about AGTECH and how the farming industry is changing and relying on IoT devices to reduce cost and labor.

What is an IoT SIM card?

SIM is and acronym for Subscriber Identity Module. An IoT SIM card is designed to store the user’s information and provides the information necessary to access & connect devices to cellular networks. The rapid development, deployment and requirements of IoT devices, are bolstering the improvement of the IoT SIM Cards. IoT devices must work with machines with little or no human interaction. Unlike SIM cards which you may find in your smartphone, IoT device deployments often incorporate thousands or even millions of devices, and they need stable, flexible, & secure networks to which they can reliably connect, especially in harsh environments. IoT SIM Cards are designed with these requirements, which are not only beneficial, but necessary for commercial use.

IoT SIM cards, also known as M2M SIM cards, give the connectivity and robustness required to automate processes. In any business organization, when we need to connect two devices to communicate, they must use a data connection to start communication. In some cases, it wouldn’t be wise to use a standard cellular mobile SIM, to form a relationship in two devices, as the consumer-grade SIM cards aren’t designed with this use case in mind. It’s a risk to use Regular SIM card connections in an IoT application. IoT SIM cards provide critical functionalities including security measures. We have compiled up a list of Functionalities that IoT SIM cards give you. IoT SIM cards are beneficial for businesses.

Global IoT SIM Cards vs. Native IoT SIM Cards

Global IoT SIM Card

Global IoT SIM cards, also called Roaming SIM cards, include eUICC capabilities. With a Global IoT SIM card, you can access a cell network, and in many cases multiple networks, built for M2M data that works worldwide with a simple activation, a single APN, transparent pricing, and developer-friendly tools. Global IoT SIM cards are also “no steering” cards. No steering cards do not put a preference to any particular network in a given country; they allow the device to decide with which network to connect.

Native IoT SIM cards

Native SIM IoT SIM cards are those provided directly from the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) in a given country. While they can potentially roam in other countries (depending on their roaming agreements), the MNO will likely limit the amount of time the card can roam, or restrict the percentage of cards on your account that can operate out of the home network. Native IoT SIM cards also steer your traffic to their network because the MNO only wants the SIM to operate on their network. If these SIMs roam, there is a financial impact to the MNO. In most cases the native SIM provider will not “charge” you for roaming, and that is why the MNO limits the amount of roaming allowed. Steering your traffic can cause serious problems because the MNO of the native IoT SIM will force your device to use their network, even in very poor coverage areas, and they only allow roaming when the coverage goes down to zero. This causes delays in connecting, speed degradation, and potential loss or corruption of data.

IoT for Businesses

Maximize Productivity

IoT allows the businesses to automate processes and build-in more efficiencies. For example, Fintech IoT utilize computing devices which are many times faster and are more accurate in providing the correct results rather than humans. There are very few human errors found when using IoT in your business. In case the IoT device goes wrong at some point, the machine can quickly inform the engineer. This way, you can easily identify where the problem occurred. IoT is a time saver.

Expanding Uptime

Businesses can also increase their uptime. Working in remote areas with multi-network IoT SIM cards can maximize uptime. Using Global IoT SIM no steering cards with multi-network capabilities devices or machines can limit the chance of losing connectivity. The no steering roaming capacities of a Global IoT SIM card enables multi-network connectivity and, therefore provides redundancy. If the primary network isn’t available, the device will automatically connect to another available network. Global IoT SIM Cards minimize the risk of losing the signal. That is why Global IoT SIM Cards are found to be useful for businesses using remote devices and tracking.

Interested in learning more? Please reach out to our experts anytime to discuss your IoT project. Contact our team at sales@OneSimCard.com to have a no-obligation conversation about your requirements, and we can mutually determine if there is an opportunity to partner.