IoT sims are variations of traditional sim cards that offer their users much more freedom and flexibility. While both technologies serve the same function, which is maintaining a connection between your device and the internet, IoT sims can facilitate much wider coverage as their contract terms are not restricted to one local network. Instead, they can offer a standardised rate across foreign networks, not to mention various other features. Knowing more about IoT sims could aid you in making a purchase decision. In this article, we explore what this technology is, what it can do and its benefits.
What is an IoT sim card?
IoT stands for ‘Internet of Things’ and refers to the way that technology is becoming increasingly more interconnected. With IoT technology, regular devices can communicate with each other and form sophisticated networks that don’t involve human beings. This means that IoT sim cards are not only able to connect to cellular networks, but also to each other, turning regular devices into highly intelligent ones. There are also sims called ‘IIOT’, which stands for ‘Industrial Internet of Things’, and these are used for industrial applications.
Benefits and features of IoT sim cards
There are many features and benefits of IoT sims that distinguish them from regular sim cards. These include:
Better connection: Because these sims allow you to access multiple networks, switching automatically between the one with the best coverage, users enjoy strong signals on their devices the majority of the time.
Lower cost: With IoT sims, users are not subject to expensive roaming charges because this technology enables global coverage.
Flexible contacts: Another cost-cutting feature is the ability to pause and resume contracts whenever you like. This means that you are only paying for the data you use and not while you’re sleeping, for example.
Durability: IoT sim cards can last up to 10 years as they were originally designed for industrial uses and to survive extreme conditions. They can even survive the humidity, high temperatures, and chemical exposure.
Remote access: Devices using IoT sim cards can be accessed remotely and manipulated by authorized people. Additional features need to be integrated to set this up, such as a private APN with static IPs and IPsec connections to an internal network, but once this has been done.
Low-power technology: This technology is designed to be energy efficient, which comes with cost advantages to the end-user.
Facilitate business scaling: IoT sim cards can be purchased with personalized contract terms that support the individual needs of businesses. These sims were originally created for enterprise usage, so they have many features that are useful for businesses. Particularly, the management of all devices can be consolidated in a central location and can even be done remotely.
More memory: IoT sims have a much greater storage capacity compared to traditional sims. Because these sims are often used in remote locations and remain isolated there for a long time, it is necessary for them to be able to store much more data, as it cannot be removed regularly.