As the demand for reliable GPS tracking and fleet management solutions grows, so does the need for the right connectivity. One of the most important and often overlooked components of any GPS tracking system is the SIM card inside the device.
Recently, one of our new partners in Angola asked, “Can I just use a normal phone SIM card in my GPS trackers?”
The short answer: You can, but should you use it? Probably not.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between IoT/M2M SIM cards and normal consumer SIM cards for GPS tracking, explain where each is appropriate, and introduce the growing role of eSIMs: a future-ready connectivity option for vehicle and asset tracking.
What Is an IoT/M2M SIM Card?
An IoT (Internet of Things) or M2M (Machine-to-Machine) SIM card is a special type of SIM designed to connect smart devices like GPS trackers, security cameras, smart meters, and other IoT equipment to the internet or private networks.
Unlike normal SIM cards made for mobile phones and tablets, IoT SIMs are optimized for small, frequent data transmissions and can roam across multiple networks seamlessly, which is a critical feature for vehicle tracking in regions with inconsistent coverage.
Normal SIM Cards
Normal SIM cards, also known as, are designed for high-data, voice, and SMS traffic typically used by mobile phone subscribers. They prioritize voice calls and large data sessions (like streaming or social media) rather than the small, consistent data packets sent by GPS tracking devices.
While you can use a normal SIM in a tracker, there are significant limitations that could affect the reliability and security of your tracking system, especially if your fleet operates across different regions.
Key Differences: IoT/M2M SIM vs Normal SIM for GPS Tracking
| Feature | IoT/M2M SIM Card | Normal SIM Card |
| Designed For | IoT devices: GPS trackers, smart meters, sensors | Phones, tablets, and personal devices |
| Network Roaming | Seamless multi-network roaming for better coverage | Limited or expensive, often restricted |
| Data Behavior | Optimized for small, frequent data packets | Built for heavy, burst data and voice |
| Remote Management | Full control via IoT SIM management platforms | Manual SIM management |
| SMS/USSD Command Support | Sometimes restricted; may require platform-based commands | Full SMS capability for direct diagnosis |
| Phone Number | Typically no phone number (uses device ID) | Has a phone number for calls/SMS |
| Data Bundling Across SIMs | Easily pool and share data across fleet SIMs | Data isolated per SIM card |
Common Pitfalls with IoT SIMs
While IoT SIMs offer superior functionality for fleet tracking, it’s important to be aware of a few operational considerations:
- Some IoT SIM providers disable SMS functionality or limit it to their management platform, which can make diagnosing offline devices more challenging.
- No phone numbers on IoT SIMs means you may need to rely on device IDs and management portals for command and control.
- Offline troubleshooting often requires accessing the SIM management dashboard rather than sending a simple SMS.
Common Pitfalls with Normal SIM Cards in GPS Tracking
While normal SIM cards might seem like a simple, low-cost option for GPS tracking, they come with several limitations that can negatively affect the performance and scalability of your tracking operation. Here are some of the common pitfalls to be aware of:
- Single-network coverage without automatic roaming, leading to offline devices in poor coverage areas.
- Expensive roaming charges often lead to high costs or disconnections when vehicles cross borders.
- No centralized SIM management portal for monitoring, bulk actions, or remote control.
For professional, scalable fleet tracking, IoT/M2M SIM cards are specifically designed to avoid these issues and deliver reliable, always-on connectivity across regions and networks.
What About eSIMs for GPS Tracking?
eSIMs (Embedded SIMs) are programmable, built-in SIM chips soldered directly into the GPS tracker’s hardware. Instead of physically swapping SIM cards, you can remotely load, switch, or manage network profiles on an eSIM, making it ideal for global tracking operations or devices deployed in hard-to-reach areas.
Benefits of eSIMs for GPS tracking:
- Enhanced security (can’t be removed)
- Reduced mechanical failure risk
- Simplified network management for large fleets
- Remote profile switching without physical access to the tracker
Many modern GPS devices from manufacturers like Teltonika and Queclink now support eSIM technology.
Which SIM Type Should You Use?
| If you need… | Use |
| Simple, small-scale, or test tracking | Normal SIM |
| Reliable, scalable fleet tracking | IoT/M2M SIM |
| eSIM profile management and security | eSIM-compatible devices and profiles |
In conclusion
Choosing the right SIM card type is one of the most important decisions in any GPS tracking deployment.
When that conversation in the boardroom about IoT SIM vs Normal SIM for GPS Tracking comes up, remember IoT/M2M SIM cards offer better network reliability, data efficiency, multi-network roaming, and centralized management, making them the preferred choice for serious fleet operators and GPS tracking companies.
As the tracking market evolves and demand for cross-border, always-on fleet management grows, eSIM technology is becoming an essential tool for forward-thinking providers.
Bonus Tip
Regardless of the type of SIMcard you have chosen for your client’s needs, you will occasionally encounter connectivity issues that will require troubleshooting. Here’s a guide on how to troubleshoot SIM Card connectivity issues.
