Introduction

Until now, the only option for SIM was the "SIM card," but now a new option called "chip SIM" is about to be added.

That said, it's difficult to choose without understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each, so that's what I'll be focusing on today.

A classic comparison of SIM cards and chip SIMs

When we talk to users who are considering adopting chip SIMs, their main expectations for chip SIMs are related to "reliability," which is difficult to achieve with SIM cards.

SIM cards are used by physically inserting them into a SIM slot or SIM connector on a device. This means that there are issues with mechanical reliability, such as poor contact, wear due to insertion and removal, and terminal misalignment due to vibration and impact. Installing a SIM card in a device that is subject to a lot of vibration can cause communication failure.

In contrast, chip SIMs are surface-mounted semiconductor components, making them more resistant to external factors such as vibration and humidity.

As for operating temperatures, as long as it can handle up to +85 °C, it will be no problem for most devices.

In applications that require strict specifications, such as industrial or automotive use, the compromise of using SIM cards up until now has been to replace them with chip SIMs, and improvements in product quality are expected.

Comparisons that are hard to reveal ①

First, let's talk about the contract. Since the SIM card can be physically removed and inserted, it is (basically) possible to switch carriers.

It is also possible to use SIM cards from different telecommunications carriers, such as this device using a SIM card from company D and this device using a SIM card from company K.​

In contrast, with a chip SIM, you decide on a carrier, purchase a chip SIM with that carrier's profile written on it, and then install and use it, so (basically at the moment) it is not possible to switch carriers.

Standards are being developed in a way that will make this feasible, so it is expected that these restrictions will be relaxed in the future.

Comparisons that are hard to reveal ②

The SIM card is inserted into a SIM slot or SIM connector.

From the perspective of designing the device's housing, there are constraints such as where to make the openings and how to waterproof it.

By using chip SIMs, there are fewer restrictions on the design of the housing, and costs can also be optimized.

About Connect SIM by macnica

Connect SIM by macnica is a communication service for IIoT (Industrial IoT) provided by Macnica.

We also offer the chip SIM introduced in this article, and have a solid support system in place for semiconductors.

We offer customized communication plans using NTT Docomo lines and multi-carrier SIM cards to suit your needs.

We contribute to optimizing communication costs by proposing flexible communication plans that suit our customers' usage.

We also provide samples for verification free of charge, so please feel free to contact us.