Close Menu
TechCentralTechCentral

    Subscribe to the newsletter

    Get the best South African technology news and analysis delivered to your e-mail inbox every morning.

    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube LinkedIn
    WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn YouTube
    TechCentralTechCentral
    • News

      Vodacom, Maziv deal now looks likely after CompCom U-turn

      8 July 2025

      Icasa publishes new draft regulations for digital TV

      8 July 2025

      Fast-growing Beira port to get private mobile network

      8 July 2025

      MultiChoice hit with multimillion-rand fine for privacy ‘breaches’

      8 July 2025

      Still in play: Ramaphosa banks on talks to ease US tariff blow

      8 July 2025
    • World

      Cupertino vs Brussels: Apple challenges Big Tech crackdown

      7 July 2025

      Grammarly acquires e-mail start-up Superhuman

      1 July 2025

      Apple considers ditching its own AI in Siri overhaul

      1 July 2025

      Jony Ive’s first AI gadget could be … a pen

      30 June 2025

      Bumper orders for Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV heighten threat to Tesla

      27 June 2025
    • In-depth

      Siemens is battling Big Tech for AI supremacy in factories

      24 June 2025

      The algorithm will sing now: why musicians should be worried about AI

      20 June 2025

      Meta bets $72-billion on AI – and investors love it

      17 June 2025

      MultiChoice may unbundle SuperSport from DStv

      12 June 2025

      Grok promised bias-free chat. Then came the edits

      2 June 2025
    • TCS

      TCS | Connecting Saffas – Renier Lombard on The Lekker Network

      7 July 2025

      TechCentral Nexus S0E4: Takealot’s big Post Office jobs plan

      4 July 2025

      TCS | Tech, townships and tenacity: Spar’s plan to win with Spar2U

      3 July 2025

      TCS+ | First Distribution on the latest and greatest cloud technologies

      27 June 2025

      TCS+ | First Distribution on data governance in hybrid cloud environments

      27 June 2025
    • Opinion

      In defence of equity alternatives for BEE

      30 June 2025

      E-commerce in ICT distribution: enabler or disruptor?

      30 June 2025

      South Africa pioneered drone laws a decade ago – now it must catch up

      17 June 2025

      AI and the future of ICT distribution

      16 June 2025

      Singapore soared – why can’t we? Lessons South Africa refuses to learn

      13 June 2025
    • Company Hubs
      • Africa Data Centres
      • AfriGIS
      • Altron Digital Business
      • Altron Document Solutions
      • Altron Group
      • Arctic Wolf
      • AvertITD
      • Braintree
      • CallMiner
      • CambriLearn
      • CYBER1 Solutions
      • Digicloud Africa
      • Digimune
      • Domains.co.za
      • ESET
      • Euphoria Telecom
      • Incredible Business
      • iONLINE
      • Iris Network Systems
      • LSD Open
      • NEC XON
      • Network Platforms
      • Next DLP
      • Ovations
      • Paracon
      • Paratus
      • Q-KON
      • SevenC
      • SkyWire
      • Solid8 Technologies
      • Telit Cinterion
      • Tenable
      • Vertiv
      • Videri Digital
      • Wipro
      • Workday
    • Sections
      • AI and machine learning
      • Banking
      • Broadcasting and Media
      • Cloud services
      • Contact centres and CX
      • Cryptocurrencies
      • Education and skills
      • Electronics and hardware
      • Energy and sustainability
      • Enterprise software
      • Fintech
      • Information security
      • Internet and connectivity
      • Internet of Things
      • Investment
      • IT services
      • Lifestyle
      • Motoring
      • Public sector
      • Retail and e-commerce
      • Science
      • SMEs and start-ups
      • Social media
      • Talent and leadership
      • Telecoms
    • Events
    • Advertise
    TechCentralTechCentral
    Home » Company News » IoT data connectivity: APN vs prepaid vs roaming – which is best?

    IoT data connectivity: APN vs prepaid vs roaming – which is best?

    By SIMcontrol1 July 2021
    Twitter LinkedIn Facebook WhatsApp Email Telegram Copy Link
    News Alerts
    WhatsApp

    Internet of things (IoT) connectivity is everywhere, from routers to sensors and applications. Companies use different mobile network connectivity types depending on their needs. Choosing which is the right one for your project can be tricky. Should you choose a managed APN, a business-grade prepaid service or rely on roaming? In this article, we’ll walk you through these three options and tell you our pick.

    What is IoT connectivity?

    IoT connectivity refers to the connection between all the points in an IoT network. This includes sensors, gateways, routers, applications and platforms. Available network solutions may vary according to bandwidth consumption, range and power. Thus, IoT projects have different requirements and require different connectivity options.

    Image: Statistica

    There are currently over 30 billion connected IoT devices and, according to research, the number is expected to more than double, reaching 75 billion devices by 2025. Many of these devices will use data connectivity provided by GSM mobile networks. This exponential growth makes securing the connection between those devices and the Internet a priority. One of the ways of achieving this is by managing the Access Point Name, or APN.

    An APN is created to provide a connection between a mobile network and the Internet, separating traffic from other Internet traffic. Companies looking to manage Internet connectivity must choose between a managed private APN, or a prepaid or global roaming option.

    What is a managed private APN?

    An APN is a gateway between two networks, one of them being a mobile network. Companies use APNs to manage Sim connections to networks.

    An APN can be public or private. All mobile networks have public APN offers, with a basic set of configurations that allow users to connect to the Internet.

    A private APN is a superior solution in terms of customisation options. Private APN Sims need to be managed from both an Internet protocol and a firewall and data routing perspective. Organisations use managed APNs to customise the way devices safely connect to their network. With a private APN, you can basically build your virtual mobile network without needing to invest in physical infrastructure.

    The benefits are:

    • An alternative to public Internet APN: With a managed APN, the corporate infrastructure is not exposed to the entire Internet but only to the devices provisioned by network management. This makes it harder for threats like malware rootkits to bypass the APN, which adds an extra layer of security, especially for devices that don’t have other forms of security.
    • Allows you to configure your own firewalls: A managed network lets you customise the system, configuring your own firewall rules. There’s no need to use the system’s defaults, which allows you to manage data flow when necessary.
    • Customise your IP address space: You can restrict access to devices, and if you add a VPN link, it serves as a tunnel connecting the APN with the public Internet. It forms a tunnel that permits your private network to connect with your server through the public Internet.
    • Outbound data routing: If you need to restrict where your devices can connect to, you can use the managed APN as an outbound routing. Managed APNs also allow you to restrict the amount of data each Sim can use, which means no billing surprises.
    Managed APN diagram. Source: SIMcontrol

    What is business prepaid?

    Business prepaid provides the flexibility to quickly and easily load or suspend Sims across multiple mobile networks, which in turn saves money. Companies can easily recharge or top-up device Sims, keeping the costs under control.

    The benefits are:

    • You can easily control Sim costs because there are no contracts. Prepaid often comes without a contract. It doesn’t require setup or monthly payments.
    • Sims are monitored and automatically recharged when needed. Managed prepaid gives users the ability to automate and customise recharge packages.
    • It is cost effective. Prepaid allows you to control the costs since they are fixed, unlike monthly bills.
    • It is flexible and scalable. You can scale the number of Sims up or down according to requirements. Add more if necessary and recharge or top up existing ones.

    What is global roaming?

    IoT roaming is different from consumer roaming in that data traffic management is critical. Therefore, connectivity is essential to be able to monitor, measure and monetise the traffic.

    Roaming also has the additional risk of having to manage data Sims across the world. Therefore, it is typically the most expensive of options. Companies opting for global roaming are those for whom controlling the data packages is critical.

    The benefits are:

    • Scalable and easy deployment to different locations. With managed data roaming, companies can add and manage Sims abroad with the same flexibility as a local Sim.
    • Gives you control, ensuring reliable connectivity. An online platform allows for the monitoring of Sim spending and the control of costs.
    • Roaming can be extremely expensive. With managed global roaming, you can manage your costs without data commitments, contracts or bill shock.

    Simplify your IoT data connectivity with SIMcontrol

    SIMcontrol is a solution for companies that need reliable mobile network connectivity. For businesses that need to manage connected devices at scale, controlling the costs and risks can be a challenge.

    SIMcontrol has the advantage of being network and Sim type agnostic, which allows customers to manage multiple networks without issue. The platform is designed for enhancing IoT, machine-to-machine or mobile workforce connectivity. The system simplifies managing the Sim base for multiple networks from a single online platform.

    It is flexible, allowing management of multiple mobile networks on one platform. Its easy setup means you can start your trial today. The platform offers a high level of customer support with a team experienced in IoT.

    The system is cost effective with a see-what-you-spend approach, reducing the dreaded data connectivity bill surprises. Since you can add and manage Sims according to your needs, SIMcontrol provides scalability, benefiting companies of all sizes and across industries. Moreover, the automated management activities and API integration options make SIM administration much easier.

    Speak to a consultant to learn more about how SIMcontrol gives you affordable and efficient enterprise connectivity. Sign up today for a trial account.

    If you found this article helpful, please share it on social media.

    • This promoted content was paid for by the party concerned


    Flickswitch Flickswitch SIMcontrol SIMcontrol
    Subscribe to TechCentral Subscribe to TechCentral
    Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram Email Copy Link
    Previous ArticleHow to reach real IT decision makers in South Africa
    Next Article Booming crypto money market means high-interest-earning deposit accounts

    Related Posts

    The role of managed private APN in Industry 4.0

    28 October 2024

    Critical considerations when selecting a cellular IoT connectivity partner

    26 September 2024

    Reliable cellular data critical for IoT, fintech POS deployments

    9 July 2024
    Company News

    Huawei South Africa Partners Forum 2025: joining hands for a digital, intelligent future

    8 July 2025

    Powering South Africa’s industrial intelligence with Huawei Cloud’s AI-native innovations

    8 July 2025

    Rain launches a new way to connect. It’s a loop

    8 July 2025
    Opinion

    In defence of equity alternatives for BEE

    30 June 2025

    E-commerce in ICT distribution: enabler or disruptor?

    30 June 2025

    South Africa pioneered drone laws a decade ago – now it must catch up

    17 June 2025

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the best South African technology news and analysis delivered to your e-mail inbox every morning.

    © 2009 - 2025 NewsCentral Media

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.