Choosing a Global SIM Provider
Help making a decision on what SIM cards to use in Cat-1bis + 2G Fallback devices
Written by Jake Tannenbaum
Updated at August 6th, 2025
Table of Contents
Choosing a Global (Cat-1bis + 2G Fallback) Provider
To get online with our Cat-1bis + 2G devices, you’ll need a SIM card that supports standard LTE (4G) data services, ideally with 2G fallback.
Cat-1bis uses standard 4G coverage – it’s the same network your phone uses. No special network needed as is the case with LTE-M or NB-IoT.
What is Cat-1bis?
Cat-1bis is a simplified LTE technology for IoT. It requires only one antenna (unlike full Cat-1), helping reduce costs and power consumption. It still works on regular LTE infrastructure.
Fallback to 2G helps maintain coverage in rural or remote areas where LTE coverage is weaker, as long as 2G networks are still available.
Make Sure to Test Before You Deploy!
Cat-1bis runs on standard LTE networks, which are very reliable. However, 2G fallback behaviour can vary depending on the SIM provider, country, and even specific locations.
Make sure to test SIMs in all expected coverage environments - urban, rural, and fringe areas. Validate that fallback to 2G works as intended, especially for mobile deployments crossing coverage boundaries.
Pricing – You Get What You Pay For
Low-cost roaming SIMs may seem attractive but can result in:
- Poor fallback logic
- Slow network registration
- Increased power consumption
Higher-quality SIMs tend to connect more reliably and reduce device retries – which helps with battery life and performance.
Example Providers
- Australia: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone – 4G only. 2G mostly shut down, fallback limited.
- USA: AT&T and T-Mobile – LTE only, 2G and 3G largely sunset.
- Europe: Vodafone, Orange, O2, TIM – excellent LTE + 2G fallback in many countries.
- Roaming SIMs: KPN, 1NCE, EMnify, Soracom, Onomondo – commonly used for Cat-1bis with 2G fallback.
Key Points
- Cat-1bis is LTE – standard LTE SIMs will work.
- Fallback to 2G is optional, but helpful where supported.
- No special IoT SIM required – but quality of service varies.
- Always test thoroughly before commercial rollout.
Need help configuring your device for Cat-1bis? See our Suggested LTE Settings.
