IoT Connect vs. Multi-IMSI

Integrating a new IMSI on a multi-IMSI offer is an 8 months’ project requiring strong and custom integration with an MNO. With IoT Connect, adding a country is a standard procedure compliant with the GSMA framework.  

At SIM level, adding a new IMSI would require an unreliable and costly operation of re-programming the SIM card Over-The-Air. It would also require the SIM card to be covered by the network. With IoT Connect, nothing needs be done at SIM level. The SIM card is automatically recognized in the country added. Everything is managed via Transatel’s core network, and the SIM doesn’t need to be online for every new country to be added. 

At device level, a multi-IMSI SIM card requires the device to support OTA (Over-The-Air) campaigns, and SIM Toolkit specifications. Device manufacturers also regularly point out that APN settings are often erased. To the contrary, our SIM is totally standard and agnostic of device capabilities: there is no impact on the device if a new country is added to the footprint. 

The last and maybe most important difference is your independence. Obtaining and operating a carrier’s IMSIs is usually part and parcel of a long-term partnership, considering setup costs. With IoT Connect, connectivity in any given country relies on a standard roaming agreement and swapping connectivity partners is easily manageable. It can be done overnight, at the network level, without swapping or altering the SIM cards.