What Makes a Great IoT Data SIM Card in 2024

In 2024, choosing the right IoT data SIM card is crucial for optimizing connectivity and ensuring the success of your IoT projects. Key features are compromised from both technical and commercial aspects. Here is what we believe a 2024 IoT Data SIM card should entail.

Global Coverage and Multi-Network Support

A great IoT SIM card should offer extensive global coverage with support for multiple networks. Both National Roaming and International Roaming are key things.

National Roaming means that your SIM card can connect to all the major networks within the country. As an example, The Simplex SIM card can connect to all the major carriers in USA and Canada optimizing the coverage for your IoT device.

International Roaming means that your SIM card can go to virtually any country in the world allowing single SKU deployments for your IoT Project.  Simplex Wireless, for instance, provides connectivity in 191 countries, ensuring your devices stay connected wherever they are.

Flexible Data Plans

Flexibility in data plans is essential. With our experience we have noticed that when it comes to IoT one-size-fits-all does not work in this space. Project vary from low data usage (meters, GPS trackers, alarm systems), high data usage (cameras, CPEs, Routers) to intermitting data usage (hunting cameras).

Options such as Pay-As-You-Go, Bundle, and Prepaid plans allow businesses to choose the best fit for their needs. This flexibility helps manage costs effectively.

Comprehensive SIM management

An intuitive dashboard that offers comprehensive device management is vital. When your devices are deployed out on the field you want to be able to see things such as SIM card statistics, Real-Time usage, on-demand reporting, sudden foreign roaming, rogue device behavior and fraud detection to mention a few things.

When the devices are on the field you want to be able to understand and control them effectively.

Advanced Features

For more sophisticated IoT projects you might want to understand what else can be built around a SIM card. In the backend SDWAN (software defined wide area network) there can be additional features to better control the SIM fleet. Look for advanced features like VPN, traffic shaping, and localization, which enhance security and performance. These features ensure your IoT devices operate optimally under various conditions and requirements.

eSIM Technology

In many IoT deployments the SIM cards are on the field for years and some up to 10 years. The ability to make the SIM card remotely is an amazing technological breakthrough. While it can be a bit more complicated to deploy it is still a valuable asset providing the ability to avoid things like Carrier Lock-in.

Make sure this is a discussion point when it comes to your net IoT project.

Bring Your Own Operator (BYOO)

In more mature IoT deployments companies can have more than one IoT Data SIM provider. Companies can have contracts with many operators such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. They all have to be managed separately with different credentials and different systems.

The ability to bring your own operator offers unmatched flexibility and control over your connectivity options. You can have a single pane of glass to see all your devices across multiple carriers!

Competitive Pricing

While all the features are key, ultimate a business case is something that needs to work. Make sure that you pay the right market rate for your connectivity without compromising the quality and features that you need. Avoid hidden fees such as Activation or Deactivation fees and make sure you see the full picture when selecting the next provider.

 Conclusion

In 2024, a great IoT data SIM card is characterized by its global coverage, flexible data plans, comprehensive device management, advanced features, eSIM technology, BYOO capability, and competitive pricing. These features ensure your IoT projects are well-supported, secure, and cost-efficient, enabling your business to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

For more information on IoT data SIM cards and to explore options visit out website https://simplexwireless.com or send us a note!

This article was written by Jan Lattunen, CCO, Simplex Wireless