Table of Contents
What is an IoT SIM card?
Why are IoT SIM cards different?
How durable are IoT SIMs?
Lifespan: IoT SIMs vs Standard SIMs
Steered vs Non-Steered Multi-Network SIMs
SIM Types: Standard, Industrial, Automotive, iSIM
Choosing the right form factor
Understanding eUICC, eSIM & iSIM
Securing your IoT SIM cards
Private APNs explained
Why choose Com4 for IoT SIM connectivity?
What is an IoT SIM card?
An IoT SIM is purpose-built for machines, not people. It ensures long-term, secure, and scalable connectivity in challenging environments. These SIMs differ from consumer SIMs in flexibility, durability, and functionality.
Why are IoT SIM cards different?
Unlike consumer SIMs activated one-by-one, IoT SIMs are designed for remote provisioning, bulk management, and integration into global IoT deployments. They are also equipped with advanced features like fixed IP, secure APN, and roaming control.
How durable are IoT SIMs?
Com4’s SIMs are engineered to survive industrial conditions, resisting corrosion, vibration, and extreme temperatures (-40°C to +105°C). We offer industrial and automotive-grade SIMs ideal for harsh environments.
Lifespan: IoT SIMs vs Standard SIMs
Consumer SIMs typically last 2–3 years, while Com4's industrial SIMs and embedded eSIMs offer up to 10+ years of lifecycle reliability.
Our iSIM option, embedded in the device chipset, goes even further with security and lifespan benefits.
Steered vs non-Steered multi-network SIMs
- Steered SIMs stick to preferred networks.
- Non-Steered SIMs dynamically connect to the strongest signal.
Com4 offers non-steered SIMs by default – essential for devices in motion or in mission-critical deployments.
SIM Types: Standard, Industrial, Highly Industrial, iSIM
| Type | Use Case | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard IoT SIM | Indoor use | Moderate |
| Industrial SIM | Outdoor / harsh environments | High |
| Highly Industrial SIM | Extreme environments, vibration | Very High |
| iSIM | Built into chipsets | Extreme |
Choosing the right form factor
|
Form Factor |
Size |
Use Cases |
|
Mini (2FF) |
25x15 mm |
POS, vending machines |
|
Micro (3FF) |
15x12 mm |
Tablets, trackers |
|
Nano (4FF) |
12.3x8.8mm |
Compact consumer IoT devices |
|
MFF2 (eSIM) |
6x5 mm |
Embedded rugged IoT |
|
iSIM |
Chipset |
Built-in, secure, scalable |
Understanding eUICC, eSIM & iSIM
- eUICC: Software that allows multiple carrier profiles.
- eSIM: Embedded form factor that supports eUICC.
- iSIM: Integrates SIM functions directly into the device’s processor.
Com4 supports both eSIM and iSIM solutions with remote provisioning and seamless profile switching.
Download our IoT Sim Card Data sheet here.
Securing your IoT SIM cards
Com4 offers:
Private APNs that establish a secure, dedicated pathway for your IoT traffic, completely isolating device communications from the public internet and allowing for fine-grained control over data flows and network access policy. This level of segregation dramatically reduces exposure to external threats and provides a highly reliable network environment for mission-critical devices.
Authentication management that leverages SIM-level security to verify each device accessing your private IoT network. With flexible authentication options and support for multi-factor policies, only approved devices and users gain access—ensuring your system remains protected against impersonation and unauthorised intrusion.
Fixed IP address control for consistent device addressing and easier integration with enterprise platforms, remote device management systems, and cloud-based services. Using static IP assignment, you can enforce standardised security rules, enable straightforward device monitoring, and establish secure, persistent tunnels to individual units for rapid troubleshooting or updates.
By combining these critical layers, Com4 delivers a robust security framework that protects your data, optimises device performance, and ensures network integrity for even the most demanding IoT deployments.
Private APNs explained:
Private APNs isolate IoT traffic from the public internet for superior security, reliable performance, and tailored network control.
- Higher security: Device data stays protected on a dedicated network, minimising exposure to hacking and unauthorised access—ideal for industries with strict privacy or compliance needs.
- Greater reliability: Devices avoid public internet congestion and vulnerabilities, ensuring consistent uptime and secure operation for critical applications like real-time monitoring and automation.
- Custom configurations: Businesses can personalise network parameters—such as IP schemes, firewall rules, and access levels—to fit project needs, supporting full control as deployments scale.
In short, Com4 private APNs deliver robust security, stability, and flexibility to power secure, large-scale IoT solutions.
Security should not slow you down. Our IPsec VPNs provide:
End-to-end encryption, protecting all data exchanged between devices and applications, whether your fleet operates locally or across borders.
Secure tunnels across all networks, ensuring sensitive information stays isolated—even on public or multi-operator cellular networks.
No additional load on IoT devices, thanks to our infrastructure-first approach, allowing devices to operate with maximum efficiency and minimal power consumption.
With Com4’s managed VPN solution, organisations gain comprehensive visibility and control without compromising on speed, uptime, or performance. Centralised monitoring empowers you to proactively manage threats, automate responses, and update security rules at scale—keeping your IoT deployments agile and resilient as you grow.
Why choose Com4 for IoT SIM connectivity?
- 750+ roaming agreements in 190+ countries.
- Full support for 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE-M, NB-IoT, eSIM, and iSIM.
- Advanced SIM security and remote management.
- Trusted by customers across energy, mobility, health, infrastructure.
Let us help you design your IoT connectivity solution. Get in touch with Com4 today or download our brochure.
