In today’s connected world, IoT devices are becoming more ubiquitous. Predictions estimate that there will be more than 27 billion connected devices by 2025, according to IoT Analytics. With the increasing demand for IoT devices comes the challenge of maintaining connectivity while roaming across borders. This is where permanent roaming restrictions can become an issue, especially for those devices that require constant connectivity.
What is permanent roaming?
Permanent roaming refers to the situation where a device is continuously connected to a network outside of its home network for an extended period. This period can range anywhere between 3 to 6 months. There are several regulations related to permanent roaming, which vary by country and region. In China, Brazil, and Turkey, there are laws limiting the amount of time a device can roam. While in other countries such as Australia, the USA, and UAE, the operators have created permanent roaming restrictions. IoT devices subject to roaming restrictions may experience:
- Network blockages that lead to disconnected devices.
- Diminished service availability and reliability.
- NB-IoT devices have limited access to roaming services.
- Higher fees due to increased access charges, overages, or reconnection charges.
How to protect your IoT deployments from roaming restrictions?
Traditional connectivity was not designed with IoT in mind which can often impact the success of IoT projects. SIM switches every time a device changes location is not sustainable, it can be costly and sometimes impossible. Finding the right connectivity provider that offers global connectivity with local coverage in as many countries and regions as possible can help protect your devices from roaming bans. This will ensure that devices maintain connectivity and are not blocked from any network in their lifespan.
Both eUICC and multi-IMSI technology can help overcome these issues. The international Mobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI, is the standardized unique number on SIM cards that enables devices to connect to a network. A multi-IMSI SIM means you can hold multiple MNO relationships on a single SIM, easily switch from one to the other and dynamically download new IMSIs depending on the SIM location. eUICC, or Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card, is a GSMA standard that allows customers to download new profiles to the same SIM in a standardized way. Like multi-IMSI solutions, eUICC can be provisioned over the air, and new MNO profiles can be added when necessary and switched without physically changing the SIM. eUICC solutions are more complex to manage and can quickly get expensive. Velocity IoT leverages the best of both worlds with its eUICC compliant multi -IMSI solution.
Why choose Velocity IoT
Velocity IoT SIM cards combine eUICC and Multi-IMSI technology to offer a solution that removes the complexities of eUICC while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of multi-IMSI solutions. Highly secure local core networks deployed in different countries enable devices to download and use localized IMSIs, helping overcome roaming restrictions. Benefits of using Velocity IoT’s solution include:
- Regulatory compliant: adheres to privacy regulations and complies with tax regulations, roaming restrictions, and data laws.
- Autonomous switching to the strongest available carrier
- Improved performance, with local breakouts, latency is minimal
- Highly competitive data rates and no charges for downloading profiles
- Designed for IoT scale
- Experienced Staff to support your deployment strategies
Velocity IoT’s solution uses remote SIM provisioning, all updates can be done over-the-air ensuring that you never have to replace SIM cards. With access to over 600 carriers around the world, Velocity IoT offers seamless global connectivity that is simple and secure. By using Velocity IoT’s solution you can overcome roaming restrictions, minimize costs, future-proof your IoT project, and improve overall network coverage.
