Getting a telemetry device online should be simple—but it sometimes isn’t. Here are the top 10 things to look for.
✅ Wrong Protocol – The local network doesn’t support the device protocol. For example, most of Asia does not support CAT-M1.
✅ Roaming Protocol Limitations – Some roaming SIMs can see CAT-M1 networks but aren’t allowed to connect to them.
✅ SIM Not Yet Activated – Some providers still take 24 hours to enable a SIM after provisioning.
✅ No Airtime/Data – Transmitting hundreds of variables every few seconds can use more data than you think.
✅ Username or Password Required – Some networks require authentication credentials for data access.
✅ SIM PIN Enabled – Devices can’t unlock SIMs. Test in a phone and disable the PIN.
✅ Wrong APN – APNs can differ between carriers, and even between CAT-1 and CAT-M1.
✅ Fallback/Legacy Networks Disabled – Some countries still rely on 3G. If 3G fallback isn’t enabled, you’re offline.
✅ Blocked Services – Some networks block common services like SNTP or MQTT to reduce abuse.
✅ No Coverage or No Antenna – Unfortunately coverage can be poor, even in developed countries.
The issues are rarely hardware related—and are almost always solved with a settings update. We look forward to the last one, no coverage, being solved with the rollout of direct to mobile satellite services.
Have another one to add? Drop it in the comments.
