10 Questions to Vet IoT SIM Providers in Europe

1. IXT: Best overall IoT SIM provider for secure European deployments

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IXT operates as a full MVNO with its own greenfield IoT core network, giving you direct control over routing, security policies, and traffic management. This architecture means your IoT traffic stays isolated from public networks from the moment it leaves your device, without depending on third-party carriers to resolve issues.

 

What sets IXT apart is the combination of Zero Trust enforcement at the connectivity layer, SecureNet private networking for deployments where private APN meets requirements, and a Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) that shows you exactly what every SIM is doing in real time. For regulated industries like utilities, EV charging, and industrial automation, this visibility and control directly supports NIS2 compliance requirements.

 

IXT gives you access to 600+ networks across 190+ countries with multi-IMSI technology that automatically switches to the strongest available signal. Add eUICC support for remote carrier switching, and you have a connectivity solution built for long-term, cross-border deployments.

 

 

IXT features

Zero Trust connectivity: Powered by Zscaler ZTNA, policies are enforced session-by-session at the network edge. No exposed ports. No attack surface. No VPN clients required on devices.

 

Zero Trust Visualisation: Powered by Illumio, all traffic flowing through the mobile gateway is mapped visually. Anomaly alerts fire when a device communicates with unexpected destinations. Policy-based segmentation limits the blast radius of any incident.

 

SecureNet private networking: For deployments where private APN meets requirements without full Zero Trust, your IoT traffic routes through isolated networks with direct cloud integration to AWS, Azure, GCP, and Alibaba.

 

Global multi-IMSI: Automatic network switching ensures your devices connect to the strongest available signal without manual intervention.

 

Real-time CMP: Monitor usage, diagnose issues, and manage devices through one dashboard. Unlike most platforms, data is available in real time, not 24 to 48 hours later. eUICC and eSIM support: Switch carriers remotely without physical SIM swaps or field visits. NIS2-aligned infrastructure: Audit trails, access control, and segmentation built into the platform.

 

 

IXT pros and cons

Pros:

Full MVNO architecture with own greenfield IoT core for deeper security control and direct troubleshooting Zero Trust enforcement at the connectivity level, built into the SIM and not layered on top Real-time visibility into SIM status, routing paths, and anomalies

 

Cons:

Onboarding for complex enterprise deployments may require technical planning sessions.

Full feature set is designed for enterprise-scale needs rather than small hobby projects.

Some advanced CMP features require API integration for maximum automation.

 

 

1. Onomondo: Cloud-native platform with network transparency

Onomondo is a full MVNO operating a cloud-native mobile core with global network coverage. The platform focuses on giving you visibility into routing and device activity, which helps with troubleshooting connectivity issues.

 

Their SoftSIM technology allows for software-based SIM functionality, and the platform includes connectors designed to reduce data consumption. Onomondo positions itself as a developer-friendly option with strong diagnostics capabilities.

 

 

Onomondo features

Network diagnostics: Visibility into routing paths and network events for troubleshooting

SoftSIM option: Software-based SIM functionality for certain device types

No-code connectors: Data reduction features to lower consumption and costs

 

 

Onomondo pros and cons

Pros:

Network transparency tools help identify connectivity issues Developer-oriented platform with API access Good fit for teams prioritising network diagnostics

 

Cons:

Cloud-native architecture built on public infrastructure Private networking capabilities are more limited than telco-grade full MVNOs No Zero Trust capability, ZTNA, or visual traffic mapping

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3. 1NCE: Simplified connectivity for sensor fleets

1NCE is a full MVNO focusing on straightforward connectivity for high-volume, low-data IoT deployments. Their model targets devices that send small amounts of data infrequently, such as sensors and trackers.

For simple use cases where security requirements are basic, 1NCE offers a streamlined approach to getting devices connected at scale.

 

 

1NCE features

Simplified data plans: Designed for devices with basic connectivity needs Global SIM coverage: Access to networks across multiple regions Software tools: SDK and integration options for device management

 

 

1NCE pros and cons

Pros:

Simplified model works for basic sensor deployments Coverage across multiple countries Software development tools available

 

Cons:

No private APN option comparable to SecureNet No Zero Trust capability, no NIS2 answer Not suited for mission-critical, regulated, or security-sensitive deployments

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3. Emnify: Developer-friendly platform for IoT projects

Emnify is a full MVNO that built one of the first cloud-native mobile cores for IoT. Their platform targets developer-led projects where API access and integration flexibility take priority.

 

The platform covers 540+ networks across 180+ countries and offers multi-IMSI capabilities. Emnify works well for teams that prioritise developer experience and API-first workflows.

 

Emnify features

API-first design: Strong integration capabilities for development workflows Cloud-native core: Virtualised infrastructure Multi-IMSI support: Network redundancy through multiple carrier profiles

 

Emnify pros and cons

Pros:

Developer-friendly tooling and documentation API access for custom integrations Multi-IMSI for network redundancy

 

Cons:

Security relies on add-on layers such as VPN and firewall rules, not integrated Zero Trust No clientless remote access for third parties No visual traffic mapping or traffic segmentation Platform data has 24 to 48 hour delays

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3. Soracom: Modular platform for prototyping

Soracom is a full MVNO offering a distributed cellular core architecture with modular IoT tools and cloud integrations. The platform targets prototyping, experimentation, and early-stage IoT development.

Their approach allows teams to test concepts before scaling, with various service modules that combine based on project needs.

 

 

Soracom features

Modular services: Various tools that combine for different use cases Cloud integrations: Connections to major cloud platforms Global coverage: SIM connectivity across multiple regions

 

 

Soracom pros and cons

Pros:

Flexible modular approach for testing different configurations Cloud integration options Documentation for developers

 

Cons:

No Zero Trust capability, ZTNA, or visual traffic mapping Private networking capabilities are more limited Positioned for prototyping rather than production-scale regulated deployments

 

 

Comparison table: IoT SIM providers for Europe

 

 

 

What does NIS2 require for IoT connectivity?

NIS2 requires organisations operating in critical sectors to implement cybersecurity risk-management measures across all network and information systems supporting their services. Your IoT devices and their SIM-based connections fall squarely under this scope.

  

For IoT deployments, this translates to four core requirements: preventing incidents, detecting anomalies, limiting the impact of compromises, and demonstrating control. Connectivity approaches that rely on public networks or basic APNs without traffic visibility or segmentation will struggle to meet these requirements.

 

 

IXT addresses NIS2 requirements through:

Zero Trust enforcement that verifies every session before granting access SecureNet private networking that keeps traffic off public paths Real-time CMP visibility for rapid incident response Zero Trust Visualisation powered by Illumio for anomaly detection and traffic mapping Audit trails and access controls for compliance documentation

 

 

How does eSIM and eUICC support benefit cross-border IoT?

eSIM technology with eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) allows you to switch carrier profiles remotely without physical SIM swaps, truck rolls, or field visits to update connectivity.

 

For deployments spanning multiple European countries, this capability matters significantly. Permanent roaming regulations vary by market, and some regions require local network presence for compliance. eUICC lets you activate local IMSIs when needed without touching your devices.

 

IXT supports eUICC alongside multi-IMSI technology, giving you both immediate resilience through automatic network switching and long-term adaptability for evolving regulatory requirements. Your fleet stays connected regardless of carrier outages or regional policy changes.

 

 

Why IXT is the best IoT SIM provider for European deployments

IXT stands apart because security and compliance are built into the infrastructure from the start. While other providers rely on cloud-native virtualised cores, IXT operates its own greenfield IoT core network with full control over routing, policies, and performance. There is no third-party carrier dependency when issues arise.

 

This architectural difference enables capabilities that matter for enterprise IoT: Zero Trust enforcement at the connectivity layer, SecureNet private networking that isolates your traffic completely, and real-time visibility that supports both operations and compliance. IXT is the only provider that delivers Zscaler ZTNA and Illumio segmentation natively through the SIM, without client software on devices.

 

For IoT decision-makers in utilities, EV charging, logistics, and industrial automation, IXT delivers the security depth, multi-network resilience, and compliance readiness your deployments require. Contact IXT to discuss how these capabilities apply to your specific use case.

 

 

FAQs about vetting IoT SIM providers in Europe

 

What makes a full MVNO different from a reseller?

A full MVNO operates its own mobile core network infrastructure, giving it direct control over routing, security policies, and traffic management. IXT uses this architecture to enforce Zero Trust at the connectivity layer and route traffic through private networks rather than relying on public internet paths. The difference between full MVNOs lies in architecture: IXT operates a greenfield IoT core rather than a cloud-native virtualised platform, which means deeper control and no dependency on third-party carriers for troubleshooting.

 

 

Why does Zero Trust matter for IoT security?

Zero Trust removes the assumption that devices inside your network are trusted. IXT enforces policies session-by-session, meaning every connection request is verified before access is granted. This eliminates exposed ports and reduces the attack surface that traditional VPN-based connectivity creates. For headless IoT devices that cannot run client software, Zero Trust delivered through the SIM is the only architecture that achieves this without modifying the device itself.

 

 

How does multi-IMSI technology improve IoT reliability?

Multi-IMSI means your SIM holds multiple carrier profiles and automatically switches to the strongest available network. IXT's multi-IMSI support ensures your devices stay connected even when a primary carrier experiences an outage, giving you redundancy without manual intervention or configuration changes.

 

 

What should I look for in NIS2-compliant IoT connectivity?

Focus on providers that offer private networking, real-time visibility, audit capabilities, and access controls. IXT supports NIS2 requirements through SecureNet isolation, Zero Trust Visualisation powered by Illumio for anomaly detection and traffic mapping, detailed logging, and role-based access management. The key question to ask any provider is whether they give you full traffic visibility and the ability to demonstrate control to auditors.

 

 

Do I need to manage client software on IoT devices to enable Zero Trust?

No. IXT Zero Trust is delivered through the SIM and the network, not through software installed on devices. This matters because most IoT devices are headless and cannot run agent software. IXT is the only provider that delivers Zscaler ZTNA natively through the SIM, giving your devices the same Zero Trust architecture used by enterprise IT, adapted for IoT environments.

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