Why a good start is crucial for IoT connectivity

When setting up an IoT solution, many organizations assume that connectivity is as simple as inserting a regular SIM card. Just plug it in and go. But in reality, it’s far more complex. IoT business cases place different demands on availability, coverage, management, and long-term reliability. Without a solid foundation, failing to meet these requirements later can result in higher costs, complex operations, or degraded performance.

That’s why a sustainable IoT solution starts with making the right choices in the early planning phase.

What Are Common Mistakes in IoT Connectivity?

Organizations looking to scale their IoT project quickly or reduce costs often fall into the same traps. Some common pitfalls include:

• Choosing IoT cellular modules that are not compatible with the network technologies in the target countries—something that often happens with LTE-M or NB-IoT.
• Failing to account for the sunset of older networks like 2G and 3G, which are no longer available in many regions.
• Not analyzing the operator’s coverage and supported Radio Access Technologies (RAT types) per country, region, or continent.
• Deploying devices with limited or no remote management capabilities, making remote troubleshooting impossible in case of disruptions.

These mistakes often surface only after the devices are already in operation—sometimes years later—making remediation costly.

Why Is a Future-Proof Configuration Essential?

IoT devices are often installed in hard-to-reach locations and built for long-term use. Throughout their lifespan, connectivity must remain stable without requiring physical maintenance. This puts high demands on the connectivity setup.

Organizations should carefully consider the following questions in advance:

• Is the selected cellular module compatible with the network technologies in all the markets where the device will be used?
• How does the device respond to network outages or roaming partner changes (device testing)?
• Can settings be adjusted remotely, and can connections be re-established after disruptions?
• How is device management organized as the number of deployed units increases?

Without clear answers to these questions, there is a risk of fragmentation, connectivity issues, and increased management complexity.

What Are the Building Blocks of Reliable IoT Connectivity?

A robust IoT solution rests on three technical pillars: the right cellular module, a flexible connectivity model, and a centralized management platform.

• The cellular module must support network technologies that will remain available long-term, ideally with fallback options.
• The connectivity provider should offer multi-IMSI or multi-network support, with clear regional coverage information and visibility into supported RAT types.
• A management platform is essential for real-time monitoring, remote provisioning, and the ability to activate, pause, or migrate SIM cards—preferably via an API integrated into internal systems.

Aligning these three elements properly creates a foundation for scalability and operational reliability.

The Role of Thingsdata in Sustainable IoT Deployment

Thingsdata supports organizations from the very first step in making the right choices. With in-depth knowledge of connectivity standards and an independent SIM management platform, we guide prospects and customers through the design, configuration, and monitoring of their IoT infrastructure.

More Information

A solid IoT solution starts with a well-thought-out approach. Thingsdata supports organizations from the ground up—with technical advice, network-independent SIM cards, and a powerful management platform.

Would you like advice on the right configuration for your application or support with international rollout? Feel free to contact us at +31-85-0443500 or email info@thingsdata.com. We’re happy to help you move forward.