How the IoT World Can Tap Into the True Power of the SIM Card

Lindsey Chastain July 11, 2024

Collected at: https://datafloq.com/read/how-the-iot-world-can-tap-into-the-true-power-of-the-sim-card/

The ubiquity of the Internet of Things (IoT) is now undeniable. 39.6 billion connected devices are expected to be in use globally by 2033, according to Statista. This staggering explosion of interconnected devices across industries, from manufacturing to smart cities and more, drives a strong demand for a new era of SIM cards.

Traditional SIM cards, designed for voice and data plans on mobile phones, are no longer sufficient for the unique needs of IoT devices. These devices often require lower power consumption, smaller form factors, as well as more secure and flexible connectivity solutions.

Since IoT devices require fast data rates, it’s critical for businesses to effectively build large networks of connected devices. This is where Able Device’s SIMbae solution steps in.

SIMbae: Unleashing the True Power of SIM Cards

While the rise of IoT comes with many benefits for businesses, managing the ever-growing network of connected devices can be a nightmare for enterprises. SIMbae aims to change that by offering a universal solution for deploying and managing IoT devices, smartphones, and tablets on any network, anywhere in the world. 

For Roger Dewey, founder and CEO at Able Device, the standard SIM card holds untapped potential for managing and securing the vast array of connected devices in the IoT landscape. Dewey, who’s also a global leader in IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, says Able Device recognizes two key aspects of the IoT challenge: the need for a standardized and scalable application environment, and the under-appreciated power of the SIM card.

That recognition is a major foundation for the company’s work today, as it leverages its expertise in embedded systems and mobile communication to exploit the capabilities of the SIM. The result? SIMbae, a secure and versatile engine for running IoT applications directly on the SIM card. 

SIMbae offers several advantages that make it ideal for IoT applications.  First, its built-in encryption and authentication features provide superior protection against cyber threats, keeping your devices safe.  Additionally, the SIM is designed to be power efficient, allowing your devices to operate for longer periods without needing battery replacements.  Also, SIMbae’s network flexibility ensures your devices stay online and functional by allowing them to switch between different networks to maintain optimal connectivity based on rules configured by the end user,  such as signal strength thresholds.

Real-world Use cases

SIMbae is already making a significant impact in the telecommunications industry.

A leading Belgian communications provider recently adopted SIMbae to empower its customers with unparalleled mobile private network (MPN) connectivity. This translates to high-quality, secure connections for devices, regardless of location.

Imagine a fleet of delivery trucks seamlessly switching between networks as they traverse different countries based on the needs of the end user and application instead of the Mobile Network Operator’s one-size-fits-all approach – this is the power of SIMbae in action. 

ZARIOT, a prominent IoT Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is another key player embracing SIMbae. By integrating this technology, ZARIOT unlocks the full potential of cellular networks for enterprise IoT solutions. This not only empowers businesses to differentiate themselves in the market but also contributes to the overall advancement of IoT technology and connectivity. 

For ZARIOT’s customers, this means deploying secure and reliable IoT solutions with confidence, knowing their devices will stay connected and operational. Jimmy Jones, head of security at ZARIOT, gives SIMbae its flowers, crediting the integration with the increased capabilities for enterprise IoT offerings.

“By integrating SIMbae as part of our offerings, ZARIOT makes available the full flexibility and feature capabilities of a telecom operator for enterprise IoT solution needs,” Jones said.

Dewey compares SIMbae to MS Excel, emphasizing its simplicity and versatility. “SIMbae enables users to configure SIM applets without any knowledge of Java Card or SIM technology; similar to how people use Excel spreadsheets without having to write the underlying code or create the functionality formulas from scratch,” Dewey said in a recent article.
 

More Ahead

The emergence of SIMbae represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of IoT connectivity. As the number of connected devices continues to soar, the ability to manage them securely, efficiently, and flexibly will become more and more vital. SIMbae and similar technologies will pave the way for a future where IoT devices can seamlessly connect and share data, unlocking a new era of innovation and progress.