What is an IoT SIM card?

 The complete form of IoT is the Internet of Things. An IoT SIM card is also referred to as M2M (Device to Device) SIM card. It is a variation of standard cards you utilize in customer mobile devices like smart devices and tablets but developed to be used in IoT devices. Hence, these are more versatile, durable, and secure than conventional, i.e., customer SIM cards. The work of an IoT SIM card is to develop a connection to your host network and then transfer information between your gadget and the other IoT platform.


While you can do this with a conventional SIM card too, the practice is not recommended as they are not well-equipped for the majority of IoT tasks. The needs of IoT devices are different from devices like phones and tablets. IoT devices require to maintain secure connections all the time, survive in severe environments, and satisfy project-specific needs.

Why Were IoT SIM Cards Created?

Both IoT and conventional SIM cards perform a similar function, i.e., keep gadgets connected to the web. However, that's the only similarity they have in common. IoT SIMs need to manage gadgets from another location also, together with being connected to the internet. These cards are purchased and activated wholesale, unlike the standard SIM cards, which are purchased and allowed by an individual customer one at a time. Additionally, all the IoT SIM cards fetch information from a single aggregated swimming pool of data plans, which makes the tasks more cost-effective.

How Durable is the Internet of Things SIM Cards?

Since IoT gadgets are suggested to endure in extreme scenarios, exposed to extreme temperatures and strong winds or water, IoT SIMs are constructed to sustain all these things. That's why they are way more rugged and lasting than conventional SIM cards. They were created using industrial-grade techniques, for this reason, they are more resistant to rust and extreme climate condition. They can withstand extreme vibrations and temperatures ranging between -40 to 105 degrees Celsius or -40 to 221 degrees Fahrenheit. This indicates you can release your IoT device in any kind of jarring environment without stressing over its SIM card being harmed.

Lifespan of an IoT SIM Card

The time your IoT SIM card can stay practical is an essential concern. As discussed, IoT devices are often deployed in such places or conditions where changing their SIM card frequently is difficult. For example, it becomes extremely tough to substitute SIM cards if the IoT device is released deeply under the ground or undersea, too high on a mountain top or a tower, and so on. That's why IoT SIM cards need to have a long life expectancy.

Traditional SIM cards typically have a life expectancy of around 3 to 4 years. On the other hand, IoT SIM cards can last for a year or longer. Embedded SIM or eSIM is even more long-lasting as it is surface mounted to the IoT gadgets and is vacuum-sealed too. Even in unforgiving environments, it can last longer than a year. That's why IoT eSIMs are the most sustainable option.

Steered vs Non-Steered Internet of Things SIM Cards

A large part of IoT devices requires roaming on several networks. However, it is important to note how these SIMs connect outside your main network. Unlike conventional SIMs, these cards provide either guided or non-steered multi-network roaming. A steered IoT SIM card will constantly choose your main network for roaming, even when your main network is weak and other networks are more powerful. They will remain connected to your primary network till it is completely out of range. This will be hazardous to your IoT device as it might stop operating in absence of bad or no signal.

On the contrary, non-steered IoT SIM cards do not stick to the main network. This card will connect to the strongest network offered, irrespective of if that network is your main one. In some IoT devices like medical or navigation-related ones, a non-steered IoT SIM is essential. That's because they require a continuous connection at all times. In the case of these SIMs, network operators have arrangements to utilize each other's networks when in need so that the circulation doesn't break.

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