Feedback
Feedback

If you are having issues with the exercises, please create a ticket on DevZone: devzone.nordicsemi.com
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 2 files.

Network coverage and SIM cards

A key element in an IoT device powered by cellular technology is its SIM card. The SIM card handles authentication and registration of your UE to the network, through a service provider, either a mobile network operator (MNO) or a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Therefore, it is important to understand the differences in service between different service providers, and different regions, and the difference between roaming and local-use SIM cards.

Just like regular cellular services we use every day, cellular IoT technologies are also subject to their service provider. It is not guaranteed that what works in a certain region or country will work in others. This depends on a list of factors, like whether LTE-M and NB-IoT have been deployed in that area, what the coverage is like, what your SIM card supports and what the service provider you are using supports.

Definition

Mobile network operator (MNO): Provider of cellular network services that owns or controls all the elements necessary to sell and deliver services to an end user.

Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO): Provider of cellular network services that buys access to the network services through an MNO.

Network coverage

The GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) created a mobile IoT deployment map, which lists the deployment of LTE-M and NB-IoT in a country-by-country basis. The map shows which countries support LTE-M, which countries support NB-IoT, which countries support both, and which countries support neither. It is worthwhile to check the map and make sure that the country you intend on deploying your application in is covered by the needed cellular IoT technology.

Although the deployment map depicts coverage over a whole country, the coverage can also vary by region within that country. Therefore you need to check with the specific network operator operating in that area to get a more detailed coverage map.

SIM card

The type of coverage and subscription you will get depends on your SIM card and the service provider you bought it from. It is important to note that the type of SIM card you need is usually different from the SIM card used for communication between cell phones.

Roaming SIM cards are designed to be used anywhere where the SIM card provider has a roaming agreement with the local service providers, giving the user ease of mobility.

For example, you may need to develop your IoT solution to operate in more than one country. In this case, you might be able to purchase a roaming SIM card that operates in the intended countries. However, contact your SIM card provider to make sure that PSM and eDRX are supported with the roaming SIM card, as that’s not always the case.

For local cellular applications, you can use a local SIM card from a service provider already present in your country instead of needing a roaming SIM card. Though make sure the service provider supports the cellular technology you intend to connect with.

Register an account
Already have an account? Log in
(All fields are required unless specified optional)

  • 8 or more characters
  • Upper and lower case letters
  • At least one number or special character

Forgot your password?
Enter the email associated with your account, and we will send you a link to reset your password.