SIMs for metering and utilities.
Every site visit to read a meter or check a sensor costs more than a year of data. Loggers with a ThingSIM send their readings in on their own, from boreholes, plant rooms and sub-meters alike.
What the kit needs
Fixed place, known signal
A meter doesn’t move, so you can check which networks reach it once. Where O2, Vodafone or Three is strong, the 3-network plan costs less.
A reading a day, or an hour
Meter reads are tiny. The smallest plan covers almost any logger; move up only for devices that send waveforms or images.
Years in the field
Loggers are installed and left. Billing starts when each SIM is switched on, or 30 days after despatch with an email 5 days before, so order stock close to the install.
How it connects
50 MB, UK 3-network, one SIM per logger.
Check coverage at the site first. Where EE is the only strong signal, use the 4-network plan instead.
Questions people ask
What SIM card does a data logger need?
A data-only IoT SIM (also called an M2M SIM) in the size the logger's modem takes. Every ThingSIM is a multi-size card with mini, micro and nano sizes in one.
How much data does a meter or logger use?
Very little. Meter reads are tiny, so the 50 MB plan covers almost any logger, from £0.65 a month on the 3-network plan. Move up only for devices that send waveforms or images.
Should I choose the 3-network or 4-network plan?
A meter doesn't move, so check which networks reach the site once. Where O2, Vodafone or Three is strong, the 3-network plan costs less; where EE is the only strong signal, use the 4-network plan.
Can readings go to our SCADA or data platform privately?
Yes. Add a Private APN and an IPSec VPN and readings travel to your own network without touching the public internet.
Do SIMs held for later installs cost anything?
Not for the first 30 days. Billing for each SIM starts the day you switch it on in the portal, or automatically 30 days after we despatch it, and we email you at least 5 days before. Order stock a few weeks ahead of installs rather than months.
