Device Network Settings for the United Kingdom
June 2024
Written by Leigh Mac Lachlan
Updated at August 28th, 2024
Table of Contents
Changing information
Please refer to the publish date of this article above. Network rollout and MVNO agreements are likely to change in future - which means other SIM options may become suitable in the future.
The United Kingdom does not have complete coverage from a single network on a single RAT (Radio Access Technology)
Some parts of the country are covered by Vodafone's NB-IoT network, and others by O2's Cat-M1 network.
Digital Matter's range of Cat-M1/NB-IoT devices are able to connect on either technology.
However, a SIM that will connect on both is required. If complete, country wide coverage is required (or at least as close as possible) - a roaming SIM card is recommended.
Networks
Vodafone
| Technology | Band | Reliability |
| NB-IoT | B20 | Reasonable coverage, with gaps |
| Cat-M1 | B20 | Limited coverage |
Check network coverage here.
O2
| Technology | Band | Reliability |
| NB-IoT | n/a | None |
| Cat-M1 | B20 | Reasonable coverage |
Check network coverage here.
EE/BT
| Technology | Band | Reliability |
| NB-IoT | B3 | Reasonable coverage, with gaps |
| Cat-M1 | n/a | None |
Recommendation
If you are using one of our Cat-M1/NB-IoT devices, we suggest using a 1NCE SIM and setting the 4G network settings to custom – mn20,Aiot.1nce.net
What this does is set the device to use either Cat-M1 band 20 or NB-IoT band 20 - as available - and no other bands.
This ensures minimal battery drain in scanning other bands not in use in the UK. If the device is likely to leave the UK other bands should be enabled in addition.
Additionally Aiot.1nce.net sets the correct APN.
1NCE is currently the best option. Emnify is not yet suitable as only Vodafone Cat-M1 is available with Emnify SIM cards.
