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?
In a world buzzing with connectivity, the key to navigating the digital landscape is making smart choices. Enter the era of prepaid IoT sim cards – your passport to seamless connectivity without the constraints of traditional contracts. Join us as we explore the revolution of smart connectivity and how embracing the future with prepaid IoT sim cards is a game-changer in the world of devices.
Unshackling Connectivity from Contracts
The days of being tied down by long-term contracts are over. With IoT sim cards, you can choose connectivity on your terms. There are no more monthly commitments, no hidden fees – just the freedom to recharge as you go. It’s about making smart choices that align with your usage, offering flexibility that traditional plans can’t match.
Embracing Affordability without Sacrificing Performance
Smart connectivity means getting the best value for your money, and IoT sim cards deliver just that. These cards are not just about affordability; they’re about achieving optimal performance without compromising your budget. Recharge when you need to and pay for what you use – it’s a cost-effective approach that makes smart financial sense.
Breaking Down Geographical Barriers
The beauty of prepaid IoT sim cards lies in their capability to break down geographical barriers. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, these cards ensure that your devices stay connected wherever you go. There is no need to worry about roaming charges or connectivity issues – just seamless communication, regardless of location.
Flexibility in Your Hands
Smart choices mean having the flexibility to adapt to your needs. With IoT sim cards, you can customize your connectivity based on your device usage. From smart home gadgets to industrial sensors, these cards cater to a range of IoT devices, allowing you to choose the plan that best fits your unique requirements.
Empowering Your Devices with Prepaid Freedom
Your devices deserve more than just connectivity – they deserve the freedom to flourish. Prepaid IoT sim cards bring a new level of empowerment to your devices, offering the freedom to choose, adapt, and scale your connectivity as your devices evolve. Imagine your devices are connected and flourishing in an ecosystem tailored to their needs.
No More Contractual Commitments
Bid farewell to contractual commitments that weigh you down. Prepaid IoT sim cards liberate you from the chains of long-term agreements, allowing you to switch carriers or plans as your needs evolve. It’s a dynamic approach to connectivity, giving you the freedom to stay agile in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
The Joy of Recharging at Your Fingertips
One of the perks of IoT sim cards is the sheer convenience of recharging. There is no need to wait for a billing cycle – recharge when it suits you. This level of control puts you in the driver’s seat, ensuring that your devices are always ready to connect, adapt, and evolve with the demands of the IoT ecosystem.
Staying Ahead in the IoT Game
In the ever-evolving world of IoT, staying ahead is not just an option; it’s a necessity. Prepaid IoT sim cards empower you to stay ahead of the curve. Upgrade, change plans, or experiment with new devices without the hassle of being tied to a lengthy contract. It’s about staying agile in a world where adaptability is crucial to success.
Making the Smart Move
In conclusion, the era of smart connectivity beckons, and prepaid IoT sim cards are leading the charge. Make the smart move – embrace the future of connectivity without compromises. It’s not just about making calls or sending data; it’s about making choices that align with your lifestyle, devices, and future vision. With IoT sim cards, the power of smart connectivity is in your hands – take control, make the smart choice, and embrace the future.
Choosing Multi-IMSI IoT SIM Cards or single-IMSI SIM cards
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT), connectivity is a critical factor that directly influences the success of projects. Multi-IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) SIM cards have emerged as a solution to address some of the challenges associated with IoT connectivity. These SIM cards can switch between different Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), providing flexibility and improved coverage. However, like any technology, Multi-IMSI SIMs come with their own set of pros and cons that need careful consideration in the context of IoT projects. In this article we will be discussing these advantages and disadvantages of using Multi-IMSI SIM cards for your IoT solution
Multi-IMSI SIM Card Pros:
1. Global Coverage:
One of the primary advantages of Multi-IMSI SIMs is their ability to connect to multiple MNOs across different regions. This global coverage ensures that IoT devices can maintain connectivity even when they traverse international borders, enabling seamless operations in diverse geographic locations. Many of these solutions offer service in virtually every country with a single APN and managed under a single pane of glass.
2. Network Resilience:
Multi-IMSI SIMs enhance network resilience by allowing devices to switch to an alternative network if the primary one experiences issues. This ensures a more reliable and robust connection, reducing the risk of downtime for IoT devices and systems, which is crucial for mission-critical applications. Each network can also multiple roaming partners adding to the resilience of the connection
3. Optimized Connectivity Costs:
IoT devices often operate in dynamic environments, and data usage patterns can vary. Multi-IMSI SIMs enable dynamic selection of the most cost-effective network based on factors like data rates and coverage, helping organizations optimize their connectivity costs. A good solution partner will customize your IMSI selections to keep your costs as low as possible.
4. Improved Quality of Service:
By dynamically choosing the best available network, Multi-IMSI SIMs contribute to improved Quality of Service (QoS). This is particularly important for applications with stringent latency and reliability requirements, such as industrial IoT and healthcare.
5. Easy Network Switching:
Multi-IMSI SIMs simplify the process of switching between different networks. This flexibility allows for efficient management of connectivity, facilitating the adaptation of IoT devices to changing environmental conditions or network performance.
6. Scalability:
IoT projects often involve the deployment of a large number of devices across various locations. Multi-IMSI SIMs provide scalability by offering a centralized and streamlined approach to managing connectivity for a vast number of devices, simplifying the overall deployment and management process.
7. Vendor Agnostic:
Multi-IMSI SIMs are typically vendor-agnostic, meaning they can be used with devices from various manufacturers and across different IoT platforms. This interoperability enhances the flexibility of IoT deployments, as organizations can choose devices and platforms based on their specific needs.
Multi-IMSI SIM Card Cons:
1. Cost Considerations:
While Multi-IMSI SIMs can optimize connectivity costs, the initial implementation and ongoing subscription fees can be higher compared to traditional, native SIM cards. Organizations need to carefully evaluate the potential cost savings against the upfront and recurring expenses associated with Multi-IMSI SIMs. These cost challenges typically manifest themselves in solutions that require many gigabytes of data monthly.
2. Complexity in Implementation:
Implementing Multi-IMSI IoT SIM cards can introduce complexity in terms of device configuration and network management. Integration with existing systems and protocols may require additional development effort and expertise, potentially leading to longer deployment times. Typically, devices need to have a SIM Tool Kit (STK) onboard to ensure proper IMSI rotation.
3. Security Concerns:
The use of multiple networks introduces additional security considerations. Organizations must ensure that data transmission between IoT devices and the cloud remains secure across different networks. The complexity of managing security protocols for multiple networks can pose challenges. A reputable partner will choose networks that are secure and employ other measures to keep your connections safe (like using Private Static IPs instead of Public Static IPs)
4. Potential for Roaming Charges:
In scenarios where IoT devices frequently switch between networks, there is a risk of incurring roaming charges. Organizations need to carefully manage and monitor the roaming behavior of their devices to avoid unexpected costs that may arise from crossing network boundaries. Again, this boils down to your connectivity partner. Be sure to partner with an IoT SIM card provider who manages these roaming charges/agreements for you.
5. Limited Network Control:
Multi-IMSI SIMs rely on the infrastructure and policies of MNOs. This limitation can restrict the level of control that organizations have over the networks their IoT devices connect to, potentially impacting the ability to customize and optimize for specific requirements.
6. Integration with Legacy Systems:
For organizations with existing IoT deployments using traditional SIM cards, transitioning to Multi-IMSI SIMs may require updates to legacy systems and devices. Compatibility challenges could arise, necessitating careful planning and potential retrofitting. This goes back to ensuring your devices can handle IMSI rotation.
7. Dependency on MNO Relationships:
The effectiveness of Multi-IMSI SIMs is contingent on the relationships between MNOs and the SIM card providers. Changes in these relationships or disruptions in service agreements could impact the reliability and performance of IoT devices relying on Multi-IMSI SIMs.
Conclusion:
Multi-IMSI SIMs offer a promising solution to the connectivity challenges faced by IoT projects, providing global coverage, network resilience, and cost optimization. However, organizations must carefully weigh the pros and cons based on their specific use cases, budget constraints, and security requirements. As the IoT landscape continues to evolve, the role of Multi-IMSI SIMs is likely to grow, but a thoughtful and strategic approach to their implementation is essential for reaping the maximum benefits while mitigating potential drawbacks.
Why OneSimCard IoT?
OneSimCard IoT is a partner you can trust to mitigate the cons of choosing Multi-IMSI IoT SIM cards. Choosing OneSimCard IoT offers customers a comprehensive and reliable solution for their IoT connectivity needs. With a focus on delivering seamless global connectivity, OneSimCard IoT stands out for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, the platform provides unparalleled global coverage, allowing IoT devices to connect across multiple networks worldwide. This ensures that devices remain connected and operational, regardless of geographic location, making it an ideal choice for international IoT deployments.
Secondly, OneSimCard IoT prioritizes network resilience, enabling devices to seamlessly switch between different Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). This enhances the reliability and stability of connections, crucial for mission-critical IoT applications.
Moreover, the platform offers a user-friendly experience, simplifying the often complex process of managing IoT connectivity. The centralized management interface facilitates easy control and monitoring of devices, contributing to efficient scalability for large-scale IoT deployments.
Additionally, OneSimCard IoT is known for its cost-effective approach, allowing organizations to optimize connectivity expenses. The platform’s dynamic network selection and data usage monitoring contribute to a more efficient use of resources, ultimately translating to potential cost savings for customers.
OneSimCard IoT stands as a reliable choice for customers seeking a global, resilient, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution customized for their IoT connectivity requirements. Please reach out to us to speak with one of our experts.
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.
GPS Points on a map of the world connected with M2M SIM Cards
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative force, connecting countless devices to the internet, enabling data exchange, and revolutionizing various industries. Among the groundbreaking applications of IoT, the use of M2M SIM cards in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology stands out as a game-changer. You might only think of GPS applications as tracking vehicle, but there are so many more solutions using GPS. This fusion of connectivity and GPS has opened up new frontiers in tracking, navigation, and location-based services, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
Understanding M2M SIM Cards
Traditional SIM cards have long been used in mobile phones to connect to cellular networks. However, M2M SIM cards (AKA IoT SIM cards) are specifically designed to cater to the unique requirements of connected devices that fall under the purview of the Internet of Things. These SIM cards offer features like lower power consumption, enhanced security, and the ability to manage data usage efficiently.
Seamless Connectivity for GPS Devices
GPS devices, whether they are in vehicles, wearable gadgets, asset trackers, or environmental sensors, need reliable and continuous connectivity to function effectively. M2M SIM cards provide seamless connectivity across multiple networks, ensuring uninterrupted GPS data transmission. By leveraging these M2M SIM cards, GPS applications can operate without limitations, even in remote or challenging environments.
Real-Time Tracking and Fleet Management
IoT-powered GPS devices enable real-time tracking of vehicles, assets, and personnel. Fleet management becomes more efficient and productive, as businesses can monitor their vehicles’ locations, routes, and driving behavior in real time. This data-driven approach enhances safety, optimizes routes, reduces fuel consumption, and increases overall operational efficiency.
Precision and Accuracy
The integration of SIM cards with GPS applications enhances location accuracy significantly. IoT SIM cards ensure that the GPS devices remain connected to the strongest available network, reducing potential disruptions and enhancing precision. For industries such as agriculture and logistics, where precise location data is critical, this level of accuracy proves to be invaluable.
Geo-Fencing and Location-Based Services
Geo-fencing, a popular feature in GPS applications, allows users to set virtual boundaries around a specific location. When a GPS-equipped device enters or exits these predefined areas, it triggers automated actions or notifications. IoT SIM cards facilitate instant communication between the device and the backend systems, ensuring quick response times and seamless execution of location-based services.
Cost-Effective Data Management
IoT SIM cards offer flexible data plans tailored to the unique data requirements of various GPS devices. This flexibility allows businesses to manage data consumption efficiently, reducing unnecessary costs. Whether it’s occasional location updates or continuous real-time tracking, SIM cards provide cost-effective solutions to suit diverse GPS applications.
Environmental Monitoring and Smart Cities
IoT-enabled GPS devices play a crucial role in environmental monitoring, allowing researchers and authorities to gather data on air quality, weather patterns, and other environmental factors. Additionally, in the context of smart cities, M2M SIM cards are instrumental in supporting connected infrastructure and optimizing urban services like traffic management and waste collection.
Enhanced Security and Anti-Theft Measures
IoT SIM cards offer robust security features, safeguarding the data transmitted between the GPS devices and the backend servers. In case of theft or unauthorized access, these SIM cards enable remote device lock-down or data wipeout, mitigating potential risks and ensuring the protection of sensitive information.
Emergency Response and Personal Safety
GPS applications utilizing IoT SIM cards have proven to be life-saving tools in emergency situations. From locating lost or injured hikers to enabling rapid response during disasters, IoT-powered GPS devices provide critical location information to emergency services, expediting rescue operations and improving personal safety.
Scalability and Future Potential
As the IoT ecosystem expands, the application of SIM cards in GPS technology will continue to evolve. With the growth of 5G networks and advancements in satellite technology, the scope for GPS applications will expand, leading to more sophisticated and innovative use cases in domains such as autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, and augmented reality.
Conclusion
The integration of M2M SIM cards with GPS applications has ushered in a new era of connectivity, precision, and efficiency. GPS devices can now offer real-time tracking, enhanced security, and cost-effective data management. This is achieved using SIM Card connectivity. This seamless connectivity ensures that GPS applications can thrive in diverse environments. It unlocks a wealth of opportunities across industries, from fleet management and logistics to environmental monitoring and emergency response. As technology continues to advance, the synergy between cellular connectivity and GPS applications will undoubtedly lead to even more innovative solutions and transformative changes in the way we navigate and interact with the world around us.
If you would like to learn more about IoT SIM cards in GPS Applications, please reach out to us. You can request information by filling out our Contact Form. OneSimCard has been working with thousands of GPS application providers and we will be happy to share what we have learned in our over 27 years in Telecoms.
IoT SIM cards are small, programmable chips that are used to provide a secure and reliable connection to the internet for various devices and machines. These SIM cards are designed to be used in devices that require remote monitoring, control, and data transmission capabilities. The main advantage of IoT SIM cards is that they allow devices to be connected to the internet and communicate with other devices or systems, regardless of their physical location. This makes them an essential component of IoT-enabled systems and devices.
One of the key benefits of IoT SIM cards is their versatility and flexibility. They can be used in a wide range of devices, including smart homes, security systems, energy management systems, industrial machines, and vehicles. For example, in the case of smart homes, IoT SIM cards can be used to connect various home appliances and devices, such as smart locks, security cameras, and smart thermostats, to the internet. This enables homeowners to remotely monitor and control their home appliances and devices from anywhere, at any time.
Another key benefit of IoT SIM cards is their ability to provide a secure and reliable connection to the internet. IoT devices and systems generate and transmit large amounts of data, and it is critical that this data be transmitted securely and without interruption. IoT SIM cards provide a secure connection to the internet by encrypting the data transmitted between the device and the network. Additionally, they can be programmed to automatically switch between different mobile networks to ensure that the connection remains stable and secure.
IoT SIM cards are also highly cost-effective, as they do not require a separate modem or router to connect to the internet. This reduces the overall cost of the device or system, making it more accessible to a wider range of users. Furthermore, many IoT SIM cards come with flexible data plans that allow users to pay only for the data they actually use, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
What industries use IoT SIM Cards?
The list is vast! We see new and creative uses for IoT SIM cards everyday in conversations with our clients. The only limitation to the use of IoT SIM cards is the imagination of the engineer and/or entrepreneur who are developing solutions to problems. Below is a list of just 5 industries we see the most use of IoT SIM cards:
Healthcare: IoT SIM cards are used in a range of medical devices, such as remote patient monitoring systems, wearable devices, and telemedicine systems. These devices use the secure and reliable connection provided by IoT SIM cards to transmit patient data to healthcare providers, enabling them to monitor patient health and well-being from anywhere.
Agriculture: We wrote a case study about the growth of IoT in Agtech (pun intended). IoT SIM cards are used in smart agriculture systems to monitor soil moisture levels, crop yields, and weather conditions. This enables farmers to make informed decisions about crop management and to optimize their operations for maximum efficiency.
Energy Management: IoT SIM cards are used in smart energy management systems to monitor and control energy usage in buildings and industrial facilities. This enables building owners and managers to reduce energy costs and to ensure that their facilities are operating efficiently.
Transportation: We also wrote an article and a case study about the use of IoT SIM cards in the transportation industry. IoT SIM cards are used in vehicles to provide real-time monitoring and control of the vehicle’s systems, including engine performance, fuel consumption, and location. This enables fleet managers to optimize their operations, reduce fuel costs, and improve safety.
Retail: IoT SIM cards are used in retail systems to monitor and control the temperature and humidity of refrigerated storage units. This ensures that perishable goods are stored at the correct temperature, reducing waste and improving food safety.
Summary
IoT SIM cards are an essential component of IoT-enabled systems and devices. They provide a secure and reliable connection to the internet, enabling devices and systems to communicate with each other and with remote monitoring systems. IoT SIM cards are versatile, flexible, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for a wide range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, energy management, transportation, and retail.
If you are interested in learning more about the role of IoT SIM cards please let us know. Our IoT experts are happy to have a conversation with you about your specific requirements and will be glad to schedule a 30-minute, no obligation discussion with you. Simply fill out our Contact Form and we will be in touch to find a time that suits you the best.
Vehicle telematics connect many systems in a vehicle
Introduction
Vehicle Telematics has been a continually growing field for many years and has become a very mature category for connectivity. In this article we discuss a Vehicle Telematics client who has been with us for over 7 years. They operated in North America and decided to expand their reach beyond North America. With over 20,000 connected vehicles on our platform, going worldwide will increase the addressable market by over 10X (based on their estimates). They not only track GPS location and speed of vehicles for their customers, but also have solutions that read and report data points like, hard acceleration and deceleration, engine diagnostics, cargo temperature, and moisture levels, accessory activation (think plow up/plow down for snow plowing equipment), and many, many more data points on which they report.
The Challenge
It’s one thing to do business in North America. When you want to expand your business to other continents and many other countries, all of your operational challenges grow exponentially. IoT SIM Card connectivity is one of these operational obstacles. There are several ways to overcome this problem though. Some organizations choose to get native IoT SIMs in each country . As you grow globally, this strategy is less and less efficient when adding more and more countries to your marketing plan. You must:
Source the IoT SIM cards from a local provider. Sourcing from new providers can take you back through an RFP process and hoping upon hope that you choose wisely;
Configure your devices correctly. Each new connectivity provider has its own settings (APN, etc.) which you will have to maintain new SKU’s for each country and had the devices setup either at the factory when ordering new shipments, or locally by your Operations team in country;
Learn new platforms. Many M2M SIM Card companies have their own software and when you start to use several providers, now you have to learn new platforms (and remember all those new passwords!!), setup new API’s, and remember which provider is for which country…nightmare!!
Deal with currency exchange rates. Yes, this is a consideration! Working in new countries means dealing with new currencies, and the frequency by which currencies vary can keep your Finance team up at night.
Go Global for Vehicle Telematics Connectivity
Another strategy to overcome the struggle with global expansion for Vehicle Telematics connectivity is to choose a provider with a global footprint. Global IoT SIM card connectivity providers are not all the same, though, and there can be pitfalls when choosing the right one for you. We talked about the considerations for choosing the right provider in a previous post. One of the things we talked about was coverage. Having service available in the countries you are going to market your Vehicle Telematics solution is obviously critical, but having multiple networks available is also very important for redundancy. But how does a global IoT SIM card provider solve the issues mentioned above?:
Sourcing SIM cards. Having a true global IoT SIM card provider eliminates having to search for a provider in each country you open for new marketing. You can rely on the same team you are used to working with and there is no need to go through a new purchasing process
Configuring your devices. Your Vehicle Telematics devices can be setup the same way for any country you want the device in which it operates. Global IoT SIM card providers have a single APN setting and this eliminates the problem of multiple SKUs for each country to which you are sending devices.
Learning new platforms. This goes without saying. Keeping the same provider means you only have one platform to learn. All of the API’s are also the same, so integration to your portal is simple.
Currency fluctuations. Having one provider means that you are working with a single currency. The fluctuations in currencies aren’t going to have an impact.
The Solution
Our customer looked at the different options outlined above. They decided the wise choice was to use OneSimCard IoT as their provider for their global expansion. This was a simple decision though. They know us and our platform very well, and have integrated their portal with ours through APIs. They understood we were able to provide service in all of the countries to which they were looking to expand, while keeping service costs low. There were several countries where the cost of service was significantly higher. For these countries we created a parent/child account structure. With this structure they could isolate these higher cost countries from the lower cost countries.
We also worked with the client to simplify logistics. We are sending the IoT SIM cards directly to their factory. By doing this, the factory can test the units before they leave the facility. We provide them with free data for this testing. Sending the SIM cards to a single facility had another benefit because they saved on shipping costs.
How Can We Help Connect Your Vehicle Telematics Solution?
If you would like to learn more about OneSimCard IoT and how we can help you, please reach out! One of our IoT experts will be happy to speak with you. We can be reached by email at sales at onesimcard.com. You can also fill our our Contact Form. On this form you can provide a little information about your requirements and one of our team members will be in touch for a quick initial call.
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.
