IoT SIMs come in various sizes to fit specific devices. The basic plastic formats include:
1FF: Rarely used today.
2FF (Mini-SIM): Common in large IoT devices.
3FF (Micro-SIM): Fits medium-small IoT devices.
4FF (Nano-SIM): Ideal for tiny devices.
IoT SIM Chips (MFF2) are suited for harsh conditions, while iSIM, is embedded into the module in a System on Chip (SoC). All of these form-factors can also be pre-configured with eUICC capabilities to switch between the network operators and reduce the number of physical SIM cards necessary. Learn more about each format in our article A Short Overview of eUICC (eSIM) and SIM in IoT - IoT SIM Card - 1NCE IoT Connectivity
Landis+Gyr (Switzerland) is a global leader in smart metering solutions, offering a wide range of electricity, gas, and water meters. They provide advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems, communication modules, and data management platforms for utilities.
Itron (United States) specializes in electricity, gas, and water meters along with communication modules and software platforms for data collection and analysis.
Siemens (Germany) offers integrated solutions for utilities, including meter data management and communication infrastructure.
Kamstrup (Denmark) is known for its innovative smart metering solutions, offering electricity, heat, cooling, and water meters as well as related reading systems and data analytics tools.
Elster (now Honeywell) (United States) manufactures a range of smart meters for electricity, gas, and water as well as communication modules and data management software.
In the global cellular IoT module market, notable trends and dynamics are shaping the competitive landscape. Low-power and cost-effective technologies such as LTE-M, NB-IoT, and LTE CAT-1 (and 1 bis) are gaining rapid adoption, resulting in growth of chipset and module providers. This trend is fueled by strong support for widespread cellular IoT adoption. In Q1, Quectel led the global cellular IoT module market, followed by Telit Cinterion, formed after the merger of Telit and Thales' cellular IoT module business. Fibocom also experienced significant growth, securing a position among the top three global players. Some of the models available are listed below: Quectel: BG96 EC21 EG25-G Telit Cinterion: LE910 ME910 HE910 Fibocom: L860-GL L710 L610
IoT SIM cards are designed to withstand the demands of long-term use in smart metering environments, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity. For instance, with 1NCE IoT Lifetime Flat Subscription, you can pay $10 for 10 years of coverage.
Today, the majority of IoT devices, including smart meters, sensors and modules have more than one type of IoT connection (e.g., Wi-Fi and cellular). And the number of those adopting cellular and LPWA IoT is constantly growing. In general, IoT SIM cards are compatible with smart meters when certain criteria are met.
First, check if the smart meter's communication technology matches the IoT SIM card's capabilities, which can include 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, NB-IoT, or LTE-M.
Ensure the SIM card's size fits the smart meter's slot.
Verify network compatibility with the mobile network operator (MNO) providing the IoT SIM card.
Moreover, the network operators provide lists of compatible modems and IoT modules to check up. Learn more about compatibility in these article Facts and Figures for eUICC compatible IoT Hardware: Players, Modules, Specifications - IoT SIM Card – 1NCE IoT Connectivity
IoT SIM cards are remarkably different and compatible with an extensive array of meters and sensors used in smart metering applications. The list of the smart metering equipment compatible with IoT SIM cards is quite broad, and here’re just a few examples below (the list of IoT SIM compatible modules can be found in the section 2b):
Type of Sensor/Meter | Examples |
Smart Energy Meters | Landis+Gyr E350, Itron Centron C1SR |
Smart Water Meters | Badger Meter E-Series Ultrasonic, Neptune T-10 |
Smart Gas Meters | Itron Gas Volume Corrector (GVC), Sensus iPERL |
Environmental Sensors | Bosch BME280 (Temperature, Humidity, Pressure), Plantower PMS5003 (Air Quality) |
Industrial Sensors | Siemens SITRANS P320 (Pressure Transmitter), Endress+Hauser Proline Promass Q 300 (Flowmeter) |
Security Sensors | Ring Video Doorbell, Arlo Pro 3 (Security Camera) |
By adding IoT communication modules or sensors together with a chosen connectivity provider to existing meters, it is possible to turn it into ‘smart’ and collect and transmit data remotely. However, the feasibility of retrofitting may vary based on factors such as meter compatibility, the availability of communication infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cost considerations, meter access, functionality, ownership, and local regulations.
