Delivering reliable, scalable IoT performance with multi-network support and private fixed IP technology.
Mobile network generations (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) represent evolutionary steps in GSM cellular technology. Each generation typically brings faster connection speeds and lower latency. However, choosing the right generation for your IoT application isn't simply about picking the newest technology. Understanding the pros and cons of each generation helps you make informed decisions that balance performance, cost, coverage, and reliability for your specific use case.
GSM network generations have increased gradually over the decades. 5G is the most recent and powerful generation, commonly achieving speeds over 100Mbps—something unheard of just years ago.
First Generation
Digital Voice & SMS
Mobile Internet
Video Calls
High-Speed Data
HD Streaming
Ultra-Fast
Ultra-Low Latency
The dates shown represent when technologies were introduced, but hardware availability lags behind. Modem costs are typically much higher immediately following a generation's launch and gradually decrease as the technology matures. This creates a continuous cycle where we're always catching up with the latest advancements. Multi-network SIM cards also experience delays in supporting new generations, as mobile networks need time to enable these technologies on their infrastructure.
In the UK, our multi-network SIM cards connect to all four mobile networks (Vodafone, O2, EE, and Three) with support up to 4G across all networks, and 5G connectivity is available on all four networks. This comprehensive coverage ensures your devices maintain connectivity even when individual networks experience issues. Hardware supporting 5G is now available for IoT applications, mobile broadband, and even fixed broadband installations, making it feasible to run premises entirely on cellular connections.
While it's technically feasible to use multi-network SIM cards for extremely high data consumption or primary broadband, it's not currently cost-effective for such applications. This is where dual SIM devices excel—they allow you to maintain a primary SIM for regular usage while keeping a multi-network backup SIM ready to take over if your main connection fails. This approach provides reliability without the high costs of using cellular as your primary high-bandwidth connection.
At first glance, you might assume higher generations always provide better, more resilient solutions. This is broadly correct, especially when higher-generation devices offer backward compatibility with previous generations. However, there are important exceptions to this rule.
Imagine running a stall at a busy festival with tens of thousands of attendees. Most people carry smartphones and actively share videos and photographs on social media. The majority connect via 4G and 5G on local cell towers, putting enormous strain on available bandwidth. This congestion can leave no capacity for your business-critical connections. However, 2G is effectively a legacy generation—modern phones don't connect to this band. This means your multi-network 2G connection may actually prove more reliable than newer generations in high-density scenarios.
As with all IoT deployments, there are numerous complexities and variables to consider. No single answer applies to every use case, so understanding the facts and aligning your needs with the most appropriate technology is essential.
The IoT connectivity landscape is undergoing significant transformation. With 3G sunsetting and new technologies like CAT-M and NB-IoT rolling out across mobile networks, multi-network SIM cards and IoT connectivity solutions are evolving rapidly. These changes bring new opportunities for power-efficient, wide-area IoT deployments while maintaining the reliability businesses depend on.
Networks are decommissioning 3G to reallocate spectrum for 4G and 5G services.
CAT-M and NB-IoT offer power-efficient alternatives for low-bandwidth IoT applications.