Real-World Connectivity Challenge: Agricultural Deployment

HFM SmartFarm

HFM SmartFarm deploys connected equipment in rural environments where mobile coverage can vary significantly between networks. As a specialist in precision farming technologies, they are known for delivering high-quality equipment and support to their customers across the UK.

Reliable connectivity is essential to maintain the performance standards their customers expect.

The challenge

A pitch marking machine used in the field required a stable mobile data connection to operate correctly. Despite being supplied with what was described as a "multi-network SIM," the device failed to connect reliably.

Over a period of six weeks, Managing Director Tim Crombie worked to resolve the issue. The device repeatedly failed to establish a usable data session, even in areas where mobile coverage was known to be available.

This created a situation where a high-quality piece of equipment, backed by strong customer support, was unable to perform as intended due to unreliable connectivity.

The root cause was identified as network steering. Although the SIM provided access to multiple networks, it was restricted by a preferred network list (PLMN), preventing the device from selecting the strongest available signal.

The solution

HFM SmartFarm was referred to KeySIM by an existing customer who suspected the issue could be caused by a steered multi-network SIM.

A KeySIM test SIM was supplied for validation.

KeySIM does not apply default PLMN lists. Devices are not restricted by predefined network priorities and are free to attach to the strongest available signal in real time.

In addition, KeySIM enables remote network control. Customers can override the modem's network selection at any time by choosing a specific mobile network via the management portal. This allows devices to be moved between networks without requiring physical access, providing an additional layer of control in variable coverage environments.

The outcome

As soon as the KeySIM SIM card was inserted into the device, the connection was established immediately without any further configuration or intervention.

The device automatically connected to an alternative mobile network with sufficient signal strength, resolving the issue that had persisted for six weeks.

This allowed HFM SmartFarm to deliver the level of performance and reliability expected from their equipment without further disruption.

Customer feedback

"We spent weeks trying to get the machine connected and couldn't understand why it wasn't working, especially as we'd been told the SIM was multi-network. It just wouldn't establish a reliable connection.

After speaking to KeySIM, we tried one of their SIMs and it connected straight away. There was nothing else to change — it just worked. It resolved the issue immediately."

Why this matters

This deployment highlights a common limitation of traditional "multi-network" SIM solutions. Access to multiple networks does not guarantee reliable connectivity if devices are restricted by PLMN-based network steering.

By removing default PLMN restrictions and enabling both automatic network selection and manual override via the portal, KeySIM provides a higher level of control and reliability — particularly in rural and variable coverage environments where network performance can vary significantly.