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SIM800 GSM module - compatible SIM cards

  • 01-03-2019 07:09PM
    #1
    DSLC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 118 ✭✭


    Hi. I am using a SIM800L GSM module in a software development project and am wondering if anyone can give me advice regarding compatible SIM cards. This module allows a host computer or microcontroller to send / receive data via a GPRS network - and send text messages, etc. - once a suitable SIM card is used.

    Currently I am using my main phone SIM card for testing and development - but am planning to get a new one as it is awkward to use this. The afore-mentioned SIM card which I am currently using is an old O2 SIM card. IIRC I have had this SIM card since before O2 were taken over by Three.

    With this SIM card, I can send and receive data via the GPRS network successfully. I have not yet had success sending text messages, but that may be just due to programming / configuration error on my part.

    My main concern is that the SIM800 is a 2G / 2.5G GSM module, while my understanding is that 2G networks are being phased out in Ireland. When I have inquired from phone retail stores regarding suitable SIM cards, none of them could guarantee compatibility with the device - stating that their networks all switched to 3G years ago.

    I plan to borrow a (relatively new) Vodafone or Three SIM card from a friend or family member to test if they will work with the SIM800L, but am not sure how soon I will have an opportunity to do this. In the meantime ... If anyone could shed some light on the status of 2G networks in Ireland (which mobile providers support it - if any) I would appreciate it.

    For anyone with the time and interest, the reference manual for the SIM800 (of which the SIM800L is a variant) can be found here: https://www.elecrow.com/wiki/images/2/20/SIM800_Series_AT_Command_Manual_V1.09.pdf .

    P.S. The choice of the SIM800L was chosen by the person I am working for - it was not my choice, and can not be changed in the short/medium-term.

    P.P.S. I realize in retrospect that this thread might be more suitable for the 'Midband' sub-forum. Moderators are welcome to move it if they feel the same.
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,094 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    This is the right forum probably, this or mobiles. Building a product on a network thats going away is really quite silly.


    There's no switch off date yet but if a 2G RRU goes dead I don't see the MNOs replacing it. Relying on 2G only could leave you with a very patchy platform.


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