Where to buy an NB-IoT SIM card in the UK

[Smythey]

I am trying to buy an NB-IoT SIM card in the UK as the LTE-M SIM included with my Thingy:91 does not work here. I know that Vodafone supposedly run the NB-IoT network here but I am not sure what to buy and where to buy it.I spoke to Vodafone helpdesk today but they didn't know what I was talking about.

Has anybody in the London area of the UK managed to connect a Thingy:91? If so, I'd appreciate the details.

[Cazpian]

I've also contacted the guy who wrote the following article, as he seems to be one of the few who have managed to connect the Thingy:91 to NB-Iot network here in the UK. As soon as I get a reply, I'll let you know. 

https://www.mouser.co.uk/applications/connecting-thingy91-nb-iot-rf-connect-cloud/

[Cazpian]

Rafik has replied to my question regarding which service provider he is using for getting the Thingy:91 operational on NB-IoT within the UK and replied with the following information ... 

"I'm currently using the 1nce sim cards. You can check their website out if they cover your area: https://1nce.com/en/coverage/ It's a one time fee for the sim card + 500MB and depending on your usage can buy extra packages."

So big thank you to him for that information. 

[Smythey]

I'm confused. The information he links to suggests that there is no NB-IoT coverage in the UK>

[Cazpian]

I'm believe that iBasis and 1nce are effectively service brokers who offer international coverage by piggybacking on existing national networks or by purchasing network bandwidth in different countries and selling it on to customers requiring international coverage.

The iBasis network suggests that it has agreements with only four international providers for NB-IoT none of which cover the UK (https://ibasis.com/solutions/iot-connectivity/network-coverage/) and we know that Vodafone do have a NB-IoT network in place in the UK, so clearly iBasis haven't reached an agreement with Vodafone to provide this service yet. 1nce on the other hand, may have got into bed early with Vodafone and secured an exclusive agreement to cover the UK .. this maybe why iBasis can't currently cover it. 

This is only my personal hypothesis based on very weak information but I'll keep digging to see if we can't shed some light on this.

[Smythey]

I was told by the UK Nordic representative that O2 are rolling out NB-IoT in the East of England in the current quarter of 2020 and that the whole of Cambridge is already covered. I occasionally turn on the Thingy:91 just in case coverage has reached South-East London.

[Cazpian]

ok .. scratch that ... Rafik was connecting from German using the 1nce SIM card and their coverage information ( https://1nce.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-02_1NCE_Coverage.pdf ) states that GB is not covered for NB-IoT. Back to the drawing board.