Which connectivity solution should I choose?
Our experiences with various SIM card suppliers at a glance.
A frequently asked question we often receive is: 'Which connectivity solution is best suited to my situation?' At Miggy, we believe it’s important to clearly lay out the options and discuss the pros and cons based on our own experiences. Since we collaborate with multiple providers, we can offer an objective overview of the possibilities.
In our standard package, we offer the following brands:
1NCE, Tele2 IoT, KPN IoT.
1NCE
This provider has made a striking impression in the market with an exceptionally sharp offer: €10 for 500MB, valid for 10 years. Initially, we were skeptical—can that really work? But time and again, we have been pleasantly surprised. While there are certainly some limitations, the solution generally works well. The portal is simple enough to manage daily tasks, and you can easily keep track of the prepaid balance. When the card is nearly empty, you receive a warning so you can top up in time. The biggest advantage? You’re not tied to monthly subscription costs.
Our advice is to use 1NCE for non-critical equipment, such as NB-IoT/Cat-M sensors that transmit data like temperature, humidity, or CO2 levels. For these applications, which consume little data, 1NCE is an excellent solution.
For customers who, for example, install and manage charging stations where payment transactions also take place over the network, we recommend a different solution. In such cases, the application and management typically require more, making 1NCE less suitable.
TELE2 IOT
I have been collaborating with Tele2 IoT for years and have always been very satisfied with their reliable services. We have relied on their solution for a long time, and the biggest advantage for us is that it offers a multi-operator SIM card. This means that the SIM card can connect to different networks in any country, while other providers often offer only one option. Customers can choose which network works best for them. Additionally, we can easily manage and adjust everything through the Cisco Jasper platform, which greatly enhances flexibility.
The Cisco Jasper platform is a cloud-based solution for managing IoT devices and connections. It enables companies to monitor, manage, and automate their connected devices globally. With Jasper, organizations can efficiently manage their IoT devices, such as activating SIM cards, tracking data usage, and identifying network issues. Additionally, the platform provides automation tools, such as alerts for anomalies and real-time insights, which help optimize the costs and performance of IoT implementations.
This solution is ideal for customers who want complete control and insight into their IoT solutions. It is perfect for applications such as 4G/5G routers, payment terminals, and fire alarm systems, where reliability and management are crucial. With the multi-operator SIM cards and management through the Cisco Jasper platform, customers can always rely on stable connectivity and easy management of their devices.
KPN IoT
KPN has been known for years as one of the best networks in the world and is a reliable and trusted partner for us. Like Tele2 IoT, KPN IoT also utilizes the Cisco Jasper platform, so there are no significant differences between the two in that regard.
One difference we notice is in the process of requesting static IP addresses and larger data subscriptions. With KPN, you can easily request a static IP address, which is often active the same day. However, with Tele2 IoT, you first need to request IPsec tunneling, which leads to higher monthly costs (sometimes hundreds of euros), but it does contribute to additional security. With KPN, such tunneling is not immediately necessary, but the customer is then responsible for the security of their devices on the open internet. This makes the onboarding process with KPN easier and faster.
When it comes to larger data bundles (measured in GBs instead of MBs), we often see that customers benefit financially a bit more with KPN.
Another significant advantage we experience is the local support and expertise. KPN has a strong local presence and provides direct assistance from Dutch experts. This means that companies can quickly receive help with technical issues in their own language, making problem-solving more efficient. This personal approach ensures a quick response time and better customization, which is especially valuable for complex IoT projects.
Unmanaged Sim
Of course, there are plenty of other SIM card providers on the market and even with the aforementioned providers. But there is a big difference between a managed and unmanaged SIM card. Let me briefly explain what exactly an unmanaged SIM card is.
An unmanaged SIM card is a SIM card that is deployed in devices or machines without control or monitoring, for example within IoT applications. Unlike managed SIM cards, where users have access to a platform for management, data insight, and setup, an unmanaged SIM does not provide capabilities to monitor data usage, network performance, or costs. This can lead to higher costs or network connectivity issues. For businesses using IoT solutions, a managed SIM often offers more control, security, and scalability.
Conclusion
There is plenty of choice in the market, which is great for many customers, but it can also create some confusion about the real differences between providers. We hope that our experiences have provided some clarity, allowing companies to better decide which solution best meets their needs. It’s important to understand the nuances so you can make the right choice for your specific situation.
