Mobile network recommendations for IOT devices

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MarMightyGood

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#214349 8-May-2017 08:52

Hi there, I'm new here so hopefully this is the right place.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for Mobile plans/providers that would suit an IOT device? This is specifically for a GPS tracker but I'm interested more generally too. Likely requirements are:

- data usage < 100MB per month
- automatic topup (assuming prepay)
- ideally can be configured online (ie doesn't require that the sim is put in a phone to be activated etc)

Current options seem that be skinny $9 combo and the warehouse $10. Dos anyone have expected erience using either of these for an IOT device or know any other options?

Linux

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#1777518 8-May-2017 09:01

Warehouse mobile credit expires after 31 days so no to them

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knoydart

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#1777528 8-May-2017 09:25

Could you get one of the shared plans and add an additional sim onto a pay monthly account from one of the providers?

MarMightyGood

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1777561 8-May-2017 10:21

knoydart:
Could you get one of the shared plans and add an additional sim onto a pay monthly account from one of the providers?

Good idea, I didn't realise that was possible. Looks like from Vodafone that will cost $10 for 500MB per month

deadlyllama

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#1777592 8-May-2017 11:16

Note that your IoT device will have to work on the network you choose. If it's 2G GSM you're stuck with Vodafone/2degrees/Warehouse Mobile. Skinny are 3G UMTS (850/2100Mhz) and 4G LTE only, so some 3G devices won't work on them.

MarMightyGood

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1777608 8-May-2017 11:40

deadlyllama:
Note that your IoT device will have to work on the network you choose. If it's 2G GSM you're stuck with Vodafone/2degrees/Warehouse Mobile. Skinny are 3G UMTS (850/2100Mhz) and 4G LTE only, so some 3G devices won't work on them.

Yes good point. These particular ones are GPRS.

Linux

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#1777612 8-May-2017 11:43

Pay&Go on VodafoneNZ might work for you

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MarMightyGood

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#1777676 8-May-2017 12:45

Thanks for all your suggestions. I ended up shifting my phone from Vodafone (mainly because they require that you ring them to add devices, then don't answer the phone in the time they say they will) to 2degrees. 2degrees allow you to add additional SIM cards for the cost of the SIM and share your data plan with those.

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Shoes2468

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Ultimate Geek

#1777693 8-May-2017 12:47

MarMightyGood: Hi there, I'm new here so hopefully this is the right place.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for Mobile plans/providers that would suit an IOT device? This is specifically for a GPS tracker but I'm interested more generally too. Likely requirements are:

- data usage < 100MB per month
- automatic topup (assuming prepay)
- ideally can be configured online (ie doesn't require that the sim is put in a phone to be activated etc)

Current options seem that be skinny $9 combo and the warehouse $10. Dos anyone have expected erience using either of these for an IOT device or know any other options?

I would suggest that 2degrees has the best offering in terms of shared data. You can share your plan data with up to 5 sims, cost $0, only your normal plan charges. obviously the devices use your normal plan data. I have not tried this personally, just aware of its existence, so cannot comment on the gotchas if there are any. I would guess the IoT sim would need to be prepaid and kept active by at least 1 topup every 12 months perhaps?

https://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/help-and-support/mobile/products-and-services/shared-data/

olivernz

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#1777724 8-May-2017 13:00

Does anyone know if that shared data also applies to SMS? I have a GPS tracker but want to use SMS interface not GRPS. At the moment it's on 2deg pay as you go but costs me about $40/year in top-ups

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#1777725 8-May-2017 13:03

olivernz:

Does anyone know if that shared data also applies to SMS? I have a GPS tracker but want to use SMS interface not GRPS. At the moment it's on 2deg pay as you go but costs me about $40/year in top-ups

No SMS and Data are different bearer services, If you want to use SMS then VodafoneNZ Pay&Go at 1 cent an SMS should work out far cheaper

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richms

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#1777727 8-May-2017 13:04

In the past I have had issues with 2degrees sims in cheap GPS trackers losing data when moving between their own half network, and where it roamed onto vodafone. Only way to get it working again was power cycle, wait ages, or else SMS it the APN details again to make it try again.

Perhaps newer ones are better in that respect? In anycase I just have them with a sim in them which I rotate around periodically as I need to top up to keep alive, and give it a missed call to provoke a SMS with the location when needed. Usually when I have parked at that aweful sylvia park mall and have no idea which way the car is.

Richard rich.ms

Aredwood

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#1778855 10-May-2017 00:06

If using 2degrees check that the devices support roaming. As that is required for the devices to be able to access the Vodafone network in rural areas. Also 2degrees is the only network to support EDGE data if that make any difference to you.