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What are the service providers options in USA for IoT 2G data?

Project scenario:

  • raspberry pi 3 devices that will be collecting data in remote areas
  • I would buy modem modules compatible with the wireless network requirements
  • Each device would need to send approximately 6KB of data per minute via HTTPS
  • I would like to be able to buy sim cards in bulk and pool all of their billing and usage, as well as centrally manage them

I found Twilio:

https://www.twilio.com/wireless/pricing

It sounds promising, essentially what I am looking for. Curious to know if there are other options or considerations in the USA?

RandomUser
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2 Answers2

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Have you looked at Particle.io or T-Mobile?

T-Mobile offer unlimited connectivity for $25/year per SIM. They also have a web management platform, API and can optionally integrate with Twilio's platform. T-Mobile also commits to running 2G services until at least 2020:

T‑Mobile supports IoT customers using 2G networks, giving them a clear roadmap from 2G to 4G LTE. And our 2G-M2M network will continue supporting 2G solutions through 2020.

Particle's offering seems more reliable across multiple countries:

Particle’s IoT SIM makes building and delivering your cellular connected product or solution fast, easy, and affordable. Particle’s SIM has affordable data plans for low-bandwidth devices, provides reliable worldwide service in over 100 countries, and works with Particle’s byte-optimized messaging protocol to save money for both you and your customers.

Prices appear to only be available after contacting their sales team, but the rates are claimed to be pay-as-you-go for the SIMs.

Aurora0001
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pan
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We use Sierra Wireless - one reason we picked them is for their detailed Web Service API documentation. Their model is that individual devices connect to them; sensor readings etc are retained in their "data lake"; and we use the web service API to poll (or be triggered) to discover uploaded data. It's working for us for the moment.

rich p
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