For most people, SIMs are that small chip you slot into your device when you first set it up. Your SIM stores information about you as a cell phone or tablet user and help you access cellular networks.
What you might not know is that there are different types of SIMs. One of which is an M2M SIM – a more powerful piece of technology compared to your classic cell phone SIM card.
What you’ll learn in this article
What is an M2M SIM card?
M2M SIM stands for Machine-To-Machine Subscriber Identity Module. Within the Internet of Things, an M2M SIM is the technology that lets ‘things’ communicate with each other. That’s why M2M SIMs are often called IoT SIMs.
You can read more about M2M vs IoT here: What’s the difference between M2M and IoT?.
The wireless communication that M2M SIMs can unlock for devices – like remote sensors, industrial equipment, refrigerated shipping containers, tracking devices, or even vending machines – means they can exchange data with other internet-enabled devices and systems.
M2M SIMs can be inserted (removable) or embedded (soldered on or incorporated in chips) in devices. Data can be collected remotely and analyzed thanks to the SIMs function in wireless communication. This remote visibility gives companies greater visibility and control over their operations and unlocks the ability to build new products and solutions.
Differences between M2M SIMs and standard SIMs
An M2M SIM is specifically designed for use in machine-to-machine and IoT applications. A standard SIM is designed for cell phone and tablet use. They come in the same sizes, store authentication keys, and network profiles, but are used in very different ways. Traditional SIMs do work in M2M or IoT devices, with limitations.
For starters, standard SIMs are difficult to access and manage remotely because they’re built to accommodate the way we use cell phones. Most M2M devices don’t work in this way.
Plus, traditional SIMs lock you in with:
- Inflexible contract terms
- Fixed data plans
- High roaming charges
Commercially, traditional SIMs are focused on users who want to browse the internet, make calls, and send SMS. But M2M SIMs are often used in IoT devices which send small amounts of data at regular intervals, have no need for a phone number, and do not need HD video streaming bandwidths.
Then there’s the issue of durability. M2M SIMs are typically more rugged than their standard SIM counterparts. This means that they last longer in tougher operating environments with extreme vibrations and tempreatures. For example, an M2M SIM designed for the industrial and automotive environment can withstand extreme temperatures of anywhere between -40°C to 105°C (-40°F to 221°F).
Plus, M2M SIMs have specialized features for IoT applications, including:
- More storage capacity
- Greater security
- Longer life cycles (most can retain data for 10 to 17 years)
M2M SIM form factors
SIM cards come in multiple sizes called form factors. The form factors are:
- 2FF (mini) – this is the largest size (dimensions: 25mm x 15mm x 0.76mm)
- 3FF (micro) – (dimensions: 15mm x 12mm x 0.76mm)
- 4FF (nano) – (dimensions: 12.3mm x 8.8mm x 0.67mm)
- MFF2 (embedded) – (dimensions: 5mm x 6mm x 1mm)
- WLCSP (embedded) – (dimensions: 2.7mm x 2.5mm)
- MFF-XS (embedded) – (dimensions: 2.6mm x 2.4mm)
1FF was previously the largest size, but is no longer an option for use in modern devices.
Every form factor offers the same capabilities, but each one has different dimensions. This makes them more suitable for specific types of device.
2FF, 3FF and 4FF SIMs are removable. MFF2, WLCSP, and MFF-XS SIMs have to be embedded – this is why they are called eSIMs, something which is often used to describe remotely provisional SIMs with eUICC architecture as well.
Onomondo has gone a step further and completely removed the physical hardware component of SIMs by developing the SoftSIM – a 100% software SIM that can run on existing hardware in devices.
Onomondo’s SoftSIM | The Future of IoT – Watch video
M2M SIM cards use cases
M2M SIMs are widely used in business and industry to make entire sectors smarter and more efficient. There are certain sectors that use them more than others, including:
- Logistics
In logistics, M2M SIMs can be used for fleet vehicle tracking and the GPS monitoring of assets. Specifically, they are often used to monitor driver behavior and predict mechanical issues of vehicles.
Equally M2M SIMs are used to power IoT sensors, which enable logistics managers to track goods and packages anywhere in the world. This means they can keep on top of delivery schedules.
- Manufacturing
Embedded M2M SIMs give manufacturing firms the power to connect machinery to central maintenance platforms. This provides engineers with real-time reports on the state of equipment and potential maintenance requirements. Access to this information means machinery can be scheduled for repair before it fails using predictive maintenance, saving firms money.
- Security
Most CCTV and security systems can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, but what happens if the Wi-Fi goes down? M2M SIMs provide backup connectivity by connecting to a local mobile network. This means that security system connectivity is rarely disrupted.
- Retail
M2M SIMs are increasingly in use across retail, commonly for monitoring inventory. M2M sensors can alert supply chain managers to low stock levels.
- Heavy industry
In most industrial settings, Wi-Fi is readily available. However, standard wireless tech is susceptible to damage in extreme conditions like heat, cold, large movements (such as the vibration of heavy machinery). M2M SIMs come into their own in such conditions because they offer a high level of durability that can withstand the toughest settings.
Get more from an Onomondo M2M SIM card
Onomondo’s global M2M SIM card lets you power your IoT devices affordably and with ease. You’re not locked into rigid contracts, fixed data plans, or high roaming charges.
What you do get is:
- Pay-As-You-Go global connectivity – no active SIM fees, only pay when you send data
- Available in every SIM form factor and software architecture (UICC and eUICC)
- The option of a 100% software IoT SIM – no physical SIM cards in sight
- Global coverage – connect to over 630 cellular networks in over 180 countries
Many benefits come with an Onomondo IoT SIM to connect your devices anytime, anywhere. You can utilize 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE Cat 1bis, LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies. This minimizes disruption to device connectivity, and you can automatically connect to the strongest Radio Access Network (RAN), if needed.
Plus, you can configure your devices and systems using a secure API, and there’s added security with OpenVPN or IPSec protocols.
Then there’s the data saving benefits. We help reduce the amount of data your devices send. With no-code connectors, you can save up to 600x on your data, giving you greater value for money.
If you decide that Onomondo is not right for you after a few years, you have what’s called freedom to leave. This means that every SIM you buy from Onomondo is your property. You will own all keys associated with your SIMs.Unlike other providers that will disable keys at the end of a contract, making your SIMs useless, you are not cut off. Instead, you can approach another operator and link your SIMs to them. Most providers wouldn’t do this.
To learn more about Onomondo M2M SIMs, get in touch.
