M2M, the Special SIM Card Used for GPS Trackers

Are you a GPS tracker user? Did you know that these vehicle tracking devices use a cellular network to transmit data to a cloud server? With an internet connection, data from the server can be retrieved or displayed in a mobile application or web-based software. To transmit data to this server, a GPS tracker requires a SIM card. The SIM card used is not the same as those used for mobile phones, but rather an M2M SIM card.                    

 

What is an M2M SIM Card?

M2M stands for machine-to-machine, meaning this SIM card is specifically used to facilitate communication from machine to machine (or device to device). This inter-device communication is made possible through a network connection and occurs automatically, without human intervention. For example, one device collects data and responds in a certain way, then communicates what has happened to another device using an M2M SIM card.

 

Advantages of M2M SIM Cards

Designed for device-to-device communication, M2M SIM cards—also known as IoT SIM cards (Internet of Things)—offer a longer lifespan (up to a decade or more) and higher storage capacity compared to standard SIM cards. This is because IoT devices are often deployed in remote locations and must withstand extreme conditions, for example IoT devices used in heavy industry or those installed in motor vehicles.

 

 

M2M SIM cards are usually managed through a platform, such as web-based software or a mobile application. This platform allows you to activate, remotely control, and monitor M2M SIM-enabled devices at scale. You only need to manage all your devices from a single platform.

 

M2M SIM Card Applications for GPS Trackers

The principle of a single platform for activation, remote control, and large-scale monitoring is applied in vehicle monitoring systems, such as those implemented by Cartrack. The Cartrack GPS tracker, which includes an M2M SIM card with data connectivity, is installed in vehicles. Through the M2M SIM card’s telecommunications network, data from the GPS tracker is transmitted to a server and then displayed on the Cartrack mobile application or website. Through this platform, you can monitor and manage your vehicles.

Not only that, the device can also receive instructions via the platform to trigger specific actions, such as sending notifications under certain conditions (speeding, entering or leaving a designated area, ignition on/off, etc.) and remotely disabling the ignition (via OTP code verification).

 

Currently, Cartrack uses Telkomsel IoT SIM cards for vehicle tracking devices. You may inform us if you require an IoT SIM card from another provider for specific reasons. Cartrack also provides a vehicle monitoring service with a subscription-based contract system, where the subscription fee already includes the internet data quota available on the IoT SIM card for sending and receiving data. Contact us for more information about Cartrack’s vehicle monitoring system.