What is an M2M Data SIM?

What is an M2M Data SIM? M2M refers to Machine to Machine. This term describes the connectivity between two IoT (Internet of Things) devices within various IoT applications.

An M2M SIM card is a specialised mobile network data SIM that enables a machine or device to connect to the cloud or another IoT device for the purpose of transmitting data communications.

How does an M2M SIM card differ to a standard SIM card?

An M2M SIM card, also known as an IoT SIM card, can be utilised in two ways: as a standard SIM card (Plastic SIM) similar to what you use in a mobile phone, or as an eSIM (embedded SIM card, eUICC / MFF2) which is directly soldered onto a circuit board. For more details, check out our blog on eSIMs. Embedded SIMs are particularly advantageous in M2M deployments where devices operate in extreme temperatures or conditions, as they are less prone to reliability issues caused by shock, corrosion, and other environmental factors.

M2M Form Factors

eSIM (Embedded SIM / MFF2 / eUICC) format

Plastic Standard SIM

Micro SIM

Nano SIM

M2M SIM cards v Standard Phone SIMs:

Data Usage & Data Allowance

Data bundles and allowances are generally billed on a monthly basis, either per megabyte or per gigabyte, since IoT applications usually transmit small amounts of data periodically to the cloud or other devices (See our data pool blog). Additionally, M2M SIMs typically provide data and SMS plans only, without enabling, voice calling, or a phone number.

Technical Requirements

The technical specifications for deploying M2M devices vary from those of standard mobile SIM cards. Internet of Things (IoT) implementations frequently necessitate the use of VPNs or private APNs (Access Point Names) for IoT connectivity, which cannot be accomplished with regular phone SIM cards.

Roaming

M2M SIMs can be set up as Multi-Network roaming SIMs, offering global M2M connectivity regardless of the device’s location.

In M2M deployments, Multi-Network global coverage is essential, as devices are often placed in remote areas where accessing multiple networks and connecting to the strongest signal is crucial.

What are the use cases for M2M SIM’s

M2M SIM cards are utilised in various devices and applications, such as GPS trackers, CCTV systems, automotive technology, industrial machinery, smart cities, health monitoring, and environmental monitoring, among others.

What Mobile Networks do M2M IoT SIMs provide?

M2M SIM cards are capable of accessing various network technologies, including 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, and certain Narrow Band (NB-IoT) technologies like LTE-M.

Narrowband mobile networks are specifically designed for low-powered devices that transmit small, periodic data. LTE-M employs Power Saving Mode (PSM) and Discontinuous Reception (DRX) to significantly extend battery life, potentially lasting up to 10 years.

How do you deploy M2M data SIMs?

M2M IoT SIM card providers, such as IoTie Connect Ltd, offer M2M SIM Management Platforms that enable users to provision, manage, troubleshoot and monitor in real-time their SIM card inventory. Additionally, an API (Application Programming Interface) is available, allowing Internet of Things customers to seamlessly integrate SIM card provisioning into their own systems.