Cellular networks can be used by M2M SIM-enabled devices to transmit and receive data. The M2M SIM in IoT devices may immediately communicate data with other devices and platform management software. The terms “M2M SIM” and “IoT SIM” are commonly used interchangeably.
The SIM card in their phone is what most people identify with SIM cards. M2M SIM cards operate on the same wireless cellular networks as standard mobile SIM cards. However, they have benefits that regular mobile SIM cards do not.
Unlike a regular SIM card, an IoT SIM card is intended to send and receive data rather than permit voice conversations. IoT SIM cards have higher memory and endurance than consumer SIM cards and can survive for up to ten years or more. They can endure environmental stresses such as vibration, corrosion, and high temperatures.
IoT SIM cards are more self-contained than consumer SIM cards. They do not require human contact on the device side to be activated, unlike traditional SIMs. Some IoT SIM cards may be remotely provisioned using eUICC (embedded universal integrated circuit card) technology, also known as eSIM.