# SIMs for parking and smart places

> Car parks and public spaces are full of kit that needs to report in and none of it is near a network socket. ThingSIM connects each machine, sensor or controller directly.

## What the kit needs

### Machines that take payment

Parking and ticket machines handle card payments. A Private APN keeps them off the public internet and talking only to your payment host.

### Lots of small sensors

Bay sensors, counters and bin sensors send a few bytes at a time; the smallest plan covers them, usually through a gateway.

### Spread over a wide area

A town or campus crosses several networks’ best spots. A 4-network SIM uses whichever is strongest at each site.

## How it connects

Machine or sensor → mobile data → ThingSIM core (Private APN) → IPSec VPN → Your platform (Payments and occupancy).

## Recommended setup

**50 MB, UK 4-network, with a Private APN.** Machines with screens that update adverts or tariffs may need 250 MB.

- 50 MB, UK 4-network: £0.90 a month per active SIM, ex VAT
- Optional: Private APN, priced with us

Source: https://thingsim.com/sectors/parking