Mobile IOT do I use 2G/3G/4G/5G

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Mobile IOT do I use 2G/3G/4G/5G

JamieB

20 posts

Geek

#306493 28-Jul-2023 14:01

I am building a product and looking for the Cellular and GPS modules for the 3 networks. (e.g. SIM808)
I am looking for GSM module recommendations and knowledge about cellular bands to help get the right module.

This is a data-only project, but we could add voice later.
We will use varying data but not heavy, so I know 2G will suffice.
Microcontroller will be be either esp32 or stm32, happy to take advice on that too.

I see the 3G networks coming to an end soon, 3G was going to be my go-to due to the marine coverage.
but I assume once it is dead 4G will step up???

5G not wanted.

So what is the situation with 2G and 4G?
What bands can I rely on from each of the 3 telcos?
and then what SIM modules should I use (e.g. SIM808)
will 2G be sticking around? Is it viable?

Is there any reliable sources of info? because the telcos seem to not publically advise for fear of confusing the customers.

I will need an Account Manager from each telco and so what is the right path to get one of those at each telco?

richms

28192 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3109206 28-Jul-2023 14:27

2G only exists on one now, gone from 2degrees and never existed on spark. They have given a deadline for it which is why the power metering companies are upgrading peoples modems in their meters to 4G ones.

I know of people with the cheap LTE GPS trackers and using a spark sim in them and it works ok. No idea on the other networks.

Richard rich.ms

JamieB

20 posts

Geek

#3109356 28-Jul-2023 16:43

Here are my findings to date, feel free to correct this, as there seems to be a ton of options out there, and this is only indicative...
SIM800 series , 2G
SIM7000 series , 4G + 2G (CAT-M1)
SIM8000 series, 5G

not sure what the difference is between CAT-1 and CAT-M1???

cokemaster

Exited
4930 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3109421 28-Jul-2023 20:23

4G/CAT-M1 will be fine. In terms of getting an account manager, you'll need to reach out to their business development wings.
Under normal circumstances, you'd need to carry a decent chunk of business before they'd assign you an account manager.

I know with Spark you do have their semi-bespoke Business hub (can't remember if its franchisee or Spark owned) offering but I'm not aware of the other players offering a similar offering.

webhosting

Loose lips may sink ships - Be smart - Don't post internal/commercially sensitive or confidential information!

Linux

11434 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3109438 28-Jul-2023 21:39

Once 3G is turned off 4G will provide better coverage over 3G

KevlarCoated

23 posts

Geek

#3109558 29-Jul-2023 13:51

You should be aware that depending on how low level you go with your design you are potentially in for a world of hurt in regards to carrier certifications and EMI. Even pre certified modules MAY still need carrier certs for final product assemblies.

When I looked into this in the US the costs of carrier certs were in the hundreds of thousands and only vague rules about when you needed them (ie you didnt need them at 100 units but you definitely did at 1,000,000 units but I never came across numbers to know for sure other than guidance that it should be done if selling in that market.

EMI with cellular radios is also often an issue depending on how good your part selection and design is. EMI emissions issues are a pain to deal with and certifications are a pain. Also keep in mind if you might want to sell your product over seas that most countries require their certifications, some times the same test results can be used for multiple countries certs if the laboratories are certified by them.

Depending on what you're product is looking at the nordic nrf9160 might be an idea, they ship their eval kits with sims with worldwide coverage up to 10MB of data but if your data needs are really low you might be able find out what plans they use for them.

JamieB

20 posts

Geek

#3110404 1-Aug-2023 12:48

Thanks for that,
Do you have any good links to development boards for purchase or semi-production boards that are already cert'd?