OBD GPS Tracker SIMs
Managing SIM connectivity for IoT devices can be complex, but it’s crucial to get it right. The SIM card, though small, is essential to the functionality of any OBD tracker system. To achieve optimal vehicle tracking performance, it’s important to find the perfect balance. While many providers emphasize low-cost solutions, they often fail to highlight the limitations or restrictions of their services. Given that the SIM is the lifeblood of any IoT-connected device, it’s vital to consider all factors to ensure the best possible OBD tracker vehicle connectivity.
OBD Tracking SIM Types
Some OBD trackers are sold SIM-free, allowing customers to supply their own pay-as-you-go or other types of SIM cards. While this may seem like an affordable option, using DIY SIMs can lead to significant connectivity disruptions if the SIM is incompatible with the application. Consumer-grade SIM cards are typically not designed for M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communications, meaning they may lock out unexpectedly and are far more difficult to reboot compared to mobile handsets. Additionally, DIY SIMs are often automatically disconnected if payments or top-ups aren’t managed effectively, making it challenging, if not impossible, to get them back online. IoT devices, on the other hand, connect much more reliably when using a commercial SIM designed specifically for IoT applications. Should a lockout occur, commercial SIM providers offer dedicated online portals to diagnose and resolve connectivity issues.
OBD Tracker SIM Match
SIM cards communicate through cellular modems, and there is a wide range of modems available for OBD tracker suppliers. To achieve optimal performance, it’s important that the modem’s technical specifications align with the SIM’s contracted tariff. Start by selecting an OBD tracker with the latest 4G and 2G connectivity to ensure the best possible connection. In the UK, 2G networks will remain active until December 2032, while many European countries will phase out 2G by January 2028 (depending on the country). Basic SIM contracts typically support 2G GPRS (Quad Band), while hybrid modems may include 4G LTE bands. The best performance is achieved when matching the system with LTE CAT 1 or M1 (Low-Frequency Bands). For the ultimate OBD tracker SIM experience, Automatrics also enables SMS functionality. Although SMS can increase SIM costs, it’s used to perform health checks, ensuring the OBD tracker remains accessible for testing or emergency purposes, especially in areas with weak signal reception.
OBD Tracker SIM Management
Multi-roaming mobile partners help enhance network coverage, but they can also impact operational efficiency. The more networks involved, the greater the likelihood of SIM problems due to errors in connectivity management. In IoT, messages are often placed at the back of the queue, meaning that when networks become congested, OBD trackers are given lower priority, and the device SIM may fail to connect because of how the provider handles traffic. This can result in incomplete data sessions or lost data, and in the worst case, a total SIM freeze. Identifying SIM connectivity problems is extremely difficult without the proper tools and expertise.
At Automatrics, our experienced SIM operators have a deep understanding of SIM connectivity challenges. Using advanced online SIM access tools, they can quickly diagnose and resolve any OBD tracker communication outages.