Activating Your 4G LTE SIM Card (2024)

Before you can connect any device to the 4G LTE network, you need to activate the LTE SIM card. SIM cards (Subscriber Identity Modules) have become a ubiquitous piece of technology in a world increasingly filled with mobile devices. They serve as the middleman between mobile devices and cellular towers, allowing them to communicate. Carriers use SIM cards to identify which devices are active on their network and tie those devices to their subscribed data plans.

However, as the use of SIM cards has expanded to include connected devices beyond cell phones, the way these tiny plastic chips are activated has been slow to catch up. We offer an Extrovert line of 4G LTE connected systems in part as a way for our clients to avoid some of the more fringe activation methods that have grown out of the increased need for mobile network connectivity.

Activating Your 4G LTE SIM Card (1)The Real SIM Shady

Over the last few years we’ve heard stories of users being banned from carrier networks due to active SIM use in non-certified equipment. Some third party vendors, and even major hardware providers, have at times gone as far as to recommend that users activate their SIM cards in their cell phones and then transfer the active card into their end device, like an IPC in an automotive application. Unfortunately, all it takes is for the carrier to audit the devices connected to their network to discover that an unapproved PC or other system is in use. Network access can then be revoked and the user can be subject to fines from both the carrier and PTCRB governing body.

Activate Your 4G LTE SIM Card

Activating Your 4G LTE SIM Card (2)Before you can connect any device to the 4G LTE network, it needs to be activated. In the case of our Extrovert line of products, once you’ve received your computers, activating your 4G LTE SIM card requires contacting your carrier to let them know that you’d like to enable service. Each 4G system we ship has a unique, 15-digit IMEI number which lets the carrier know what system will be attached to its network. Each SIM card also has its own identifying number, it’s ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier). If you’ve ordered an Extrovert system that includes a pre-installed SIM card, both numbers are shown on the sticker affixed to the bottom of your new PC. If you are using your own SIM card you’ll need to locate the ICCID or CSN (Chip Serial Number) of your SIM card before contacting your carrier to activate.

In order to activate your device you’ll first need a carrier account. Activation is as simple as adding your new PC and SIM card to your account. Because your PC does not have a cellular phone number attached to it, the easiest way to activate your SIM is to contact your carrier. You’ll need to provide them with your carrier account information, the device IMEI number and SIM ICCID. In many instances you can also activate your device online.

A Note About IoT Data Plans

It’s important to keep in mind that the data needs of embedded IoT systems can be very different from the average cellular device. You’ll want to have a clear idea of how much data your systems use to make sure your service plan offers adequate access. Most carriers off a number of data plans specifically tailored to the needs of IoT users that package data tiers with SIM cards. Depending on your situation these type of IoT plans may be a great option. However, you should be sure to have a full understanding of just how much data you’ll need to avoid any overage fees.

Learn More About Extrovert 4G LTE

The Easiest 4G Solution for IoT PCs

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Activating Your 4G LTE SIM Card (3)

Activating Your 4G LTE SIM Card (2024)

FAQs

Activating Your 4G LTE SIM Card? ›

Activate 4G LTE on stock Android devices by going to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. Select your SIM, then go into Preferred network type, and select LTE (or 5G, which also activates 4G).

How do I activate my 4G network? ›

Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network mode > select 5G, 4G, LTE or an automatic network selection.

What is a 4G LTE SIM card? ›

LTE is a standard for high-speed wireless communication commonly referred to as 4G. The SIM card contains essential information, such as a unique identifier for the subscriber and security keys, which allow the device to access the mobile network, make calls, send texts, and use mobile data services.

How do I activate my new SIM card? ›

How to activate SIM card on Android
  1. Remove the SIM card from your old phone. Open the SIM card tray by pushing a SIM-eject tool or paperclip into the hole. ...
  2. Insert the SIM card into your new phone. Open the SIM tray using the same method as above. ...
  3. Almost there. ...
  4. Follow on-screen prompts.

Why is my SIM not connecting to 4G? ›

One possible reason could be that your mobile device is not compatible with the 4g network in your area. Another reason could be that your mobile network settings are not configured properly. It is also possible that there is an issue with your SIM card or network provider.

Do I need a new SIM card for 4G LTE? ›

If you want to use a 4G network that operates on the 1800 MHz band, you need a 4G SIM card that supports that frequency. You can check the compatibility of your device and network online or by contacting your provider.

Is LTE SIM the same as 4G? ›

4G is able to support video streaming and video conferencing of better quality. LTE, or Long Term Evolution, is a type of 4G. When we talk about Globe's network upgrade, we refer to 4G and LTE as one and the same. Great!

Does 4G LTE require a SIM card? ›

Before you can connect any device to the 4G LTE network, you need to activate the LTE SIM card. SIM cards (Subscriber Identity Modules) have become a ubiquitous piece of technology in a world increasingly filled with mobile devices.

Why does my phone say LTE instead of 4G? ›

LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. It's a term used for the particular type of 4G that delivers a fast mobile Internet experience. You'll usually see it called 4G LTE (often found in the corner of your phone screen, where you see the classic service “bars”).

Is LTE the same as 4G? ›

Is 4G the same as LTE? Despite frequent confusion, 4G and LTE networks are not the same. LTE came out before 4G to offer a slightly better speed and performance than its predecessor, 3G. Later, LTE-A emerged and delivered an even higher performance, which is almost as good as the real 4G.

Why is my 4G not working on my Samsung? ›

Why Is Mobile Data Not Working on Samsung? Mobile data not working properly on a Samsung smartphone is often the result of a specific setting or mode, such as Airplane Mode, being enabled or the incorrect preferences being selected after switching to a new mobile carrier.

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