Guides to IoT SIMs, from choosing a plan to running a fleet.
How to pick a plan, get a device online, reach it remotely and look after a fleet of SIMs, in plain words.
Choosing a SIM
How ThingSIM billing works
When billing starts, what happens at the data allowance, and why a device is never cut off over a bill.
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Using an IoT SIM in Europe
What changes when a device works in the EU as well as the UK, how ThingSIM handles Europe, and what to sort out before devices cross a border.
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UK 4-network vs 3-network IoT SIMs
Which ThingSIM UK plan to choose, and when the cheaper 3-network plan is the right one.
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What an IoT SIM really costs per device
The full yearly cost of connecting a device, from the one-off SIM charge to the monthly plan and optional extras, with live prices.
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2G and 3G switch-off and your devices
How to tell whether a connected device depends on 2G or 3G, what to check before it stops working, and what to replace it with.
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Will my device get a signal where it is installed?
Why a postcode coverage map is only a starting point, how to check signal at the actual spot, and why a multi-network SIM changes the odds.
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eSIM or physical SIM for a device?
When an eSIM delivered as a QR code is the quicker choice for a device, when a physical SIM is still the right one, and how to tell what yours supports.
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How much data does a 4G CCTV camera use?
Why the answer ranges from a few hundred megabytes to far more than any plan, and how to set a camera up so it fits a monthly allowance.
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How much data does my device need?
A practical way to estimate monthly data for a connected device, with worked figures for common devices and the plan each one fits.
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IoT SIM or phone SIM for a device?
Why a router, camera or tracker is better served by an IoT data SIM than a phone SIM, and what actually differs between the two.
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Setup & troubleshooting
Activating, pausing and moving SIMs
Use the ThingSIM portal to activate a SIM at installation, pause or cease it, move a physical SIM and change its plan.
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Improving 4G signal for a fixed device
Compare positions, check the enclosure and test antenna options before permanently mounting a fixed 4G device.
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Setting up a 4G router with a data SIM
Install a ThingSIM in a compatible router, enter the APN, choose an allowance and test the connection where it will run.
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Signal but no data troubleshooting checklist
Check activation, APN, allowance and device settings when your SIM shows signal but cannot send data.
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Setting the APN on a device
Find the APN for your ThingSIM and enter it in a router, camera or tracker, then check that data is working.
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Remote access & IP addresses
Securing a device on a public IP
A practical checklist for cameras, routers and controllers on a static public IP, which anything on the internet can reach.
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Port forwarding on a 4G router
Why port forwarding on a 4G router does nothing on a normal mobile connection, what it needs to work, and how to set it up once it can.
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Static public IP, private APN or VPN?
Four ways to reach or protect devices on mobile data compared, with which one fits a single camera, a payment fleet or a cloud platform.
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Why can't I reach my 4G camera remotely?
Why a camera or router on mobile data cannot be reached from outside by default, and the ways to fix it, from a static public IP to a private network.
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Use-case guides
Connecting kit for a one-off event
Order event SIMs ahead, test card machines and cameras, activate when needed and cease what you will not reuse.
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Data loggers and meters on a small plan
Calculate report frequency and message size for a logger or meter, then check whether a 50 MB plan fits the complete workload.
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Telemetry for vending and drinks dispense
Estimate small periodic reports from vending or drinks equipment and include cashless payments and updates in the allowance.
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Running digital signage on 4G
Estimate content downloads for a signage player, separate them from streaming and schedule updates within the data allowance.
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Connecting an EV charger over 4G
Check charger platform compatibility, estimate routine data and firmware updates, and test the mobile connection at installation.
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A data SIM for an alarm panel or communicator
Check the alarm installer and receiving centre requirements, then choose a small multi-network plan for a compatible communicator.
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Connecting a construction site
Plan mobile data for site cameras, welfare units and temporary equipment, and decide what to do with SIMs between phases.
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4G for a farm, trail or wildlife camera
Choose a camera upload mode, estimate photo data and test the connection at the final farm or wildlife camera position.
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Choosing a SIM for a GPS tracker
Estimate tracker data from report size and frequency, check SMS commands and choose coverage for the places it travels.
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4G backup for a broadband line
Plan a router failover connection, choose which traffic it carries and test the applications you need during an outage.
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A 4G data SIM for a card machine
Choose a small data plan for a compatible payment terminal and test it at your stall, event, van or delivery stop.
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Fleets & developers
Ordering SIMs online or setting up a fleet
When ordering up to 25 SIMs online by card is the right route, and when a larger or more specialised fleet is better set up with us.
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Catching a runaway device with usage webhooks
Using ThingSIM's usage webhooks to hear when a SIM passes 80% of its allowance, so a misbehaving device is caught before it pauses.
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Activating SIMs with the ThingSIM API
A short tutorial for switching SIMs on as devices are installed, labelling them and fetching eSIM codes, using the same API the portal uses.
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Running a small fleet of SIMs
Simple habits for keeping track of ten or twenty SIMs, from labels and tags to usage alerts and ceasing what is no longer used.
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