Short answer
IoT SIM and M2M SIM are, in practice, the same thing: data-only cards that bring a device online independently, without call minutes. Choose a volume per card when all devices use roughly the same amount, and a data pool once usage varies a lot, since then all cards draw from one shared volume. For alarms, payment terminals and devices in difficult locations, choose a multi-operator card that can switch to a different network. Always set a usage cap per card, so a faulty device gets blocked instead of driving up your bill.
IoT or M2M: the same thing with a different name
Machine-to-machine is the older term for devices that exchange data with each other without human involvement. Internet of things is the broader name for the same principle, including the applications and reporting built on top of it.
Technically, both run on the same data-only cards. The real choice you need to make is between data per card and data in a pool.
Per card or in a pool
With a volume per card, you know exactly what each device costs, which works well when all devices use roughly the same amount. Once usage varies significantly, a pool is more cost-effective: all cards draw from one shared volume, so a tracker sitting idle leaves room for a camera running at full capacity.
- Few cards with predictable usage: choose a volume per SIM card.
- Many cards with variable usage: choose a data pool.
- Critical devices such as alarms and payment terminals: choose a multi-operator pool.
- Devices abroad: check the roaming zones of your card first.
Avoiding a bill shock
A faulty device or a loop in the firmware can burn through gigabytes within days. That's why every card with us gets a usage cap: on reaching the limit, the card blocks instead of continuing to run up usage, and you receive a notification.
What you need to get started
For each device type, give us the expected monthly usage, the number of cards, the location and whether downtime is acceptable. Based on that, we propose a pool and a network. Rates per SIM card and per pool are on the IoT page, always excluding VAT with a toggle for amounts including 21 percent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an IoT card in a phone?
No, these are data-only cards without call minutes or texts. For staff, choose a business mobile plan instead.
Does an IoT card work abroad?
Yes, our IoT cards roam in more than 180 countries. For devices permanently based outside Europe, we review the profile separately.
What's the minimum number of cards I need?
There's no minimum. You can start with a single card and later expand into a pool without replacing your existing cards.
Is eSIM available for devices?
Yes, for devices with an eSIM slot we load a profile without shipping a physical card.