iBasis Global Access for Things Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Please see our Getting Started documentation on https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/latest/nrf/index.html

Inside every nRF9160 DK there is a eSIM from iBasis. Below is a FAQ related to iBasis global access for things.

(Updated on November, 2020)

eSIM Provisioning and Network Selection Logic

Q. What is an eSIM?

A. eSIM stands for embedded SIM, which is a remotely programmable SIM. They are most often integrated as a chip soldered into the device circuit board, but can also come in standard “removable” 2FF, 3FF and 4FF formats like those used in your personal mobile devices. You can learn more about iBASIS Global Access for Things cellular IoT and embedded SIM technology here.

Q. How does the card select which network to connect to in a country?

A. iBASIS can provide multiple selection mechanisms. The one provided to Nordic developers is best network with the strongest signal in country based on the Nordic development board configuration. When Nordic developers move to production service with iBASIS, additional network selection and dynamic profile switching methods are available.

Q. How does the eSIM Provisioning process work and can I swap profiles with my card?

A. For Nordic developers, the global bootstrap profile is used and profile swapping is available when customers become production customers of iBASIS and their production configurations are implemented. Nordic developers are able to select various operators using the global roaming profile with the development kit or by moving to different country locations.

ICCID and PUK

Q. What is the ICCID?

A. The ICCID or Integrated Circuit Card Identifier is the 18-digits number that can be found on your eSIM card.

Q. What is the PUK?

A. The PUK is an eSIM personal unlocking key. Scratch off the area in the upper right corner of your Triple Punch eSIM Card to reveal the PUK. If you misplaced your PUK code, you can message iBASIS Tech Support and we will retrieve it for you.

Data Balance and Top-up

Every iBASIS SIM included in the nRF9160 development kit comes with 10 MB inclusive of data

Q. How can I determine how much data is left on my card?

A. Your nRF Cloud LTE device dashboard will show the status of your nRF9160 Development Board along with the percent of data remaining in your current plan.

Q. How can I purchase additional data for my card?

A. The “Buy More Data” button will appear at the top of your nRF Cloud LTE device dashboard when your current data plan is almost depleted. When you select the “Buy More Data” button, a data “Top-Up” page will be launched allowing you to select and pre-pay for a Top-Up data plan with your credit card.

Q. How can I retrieve a receipt after a purchase?

A. A copy of the receipt will be automatically emailed to the registered mail address. In case you are having difficulties retrieving a receipt, please message iBASIS Tech Support stating your email address.

Coverage and Connectivity

Q. How can I find out if my location is supported with the iBASIS SIM?

A. The iBASIS country list is available at the following link:

http://iot.iBASIS.com/network-coverage.

We’ve also released a detailed country list version including MNO’s, supported features, modes and timers for devzone users:

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/cellular-iot-guides/b/hardware-design/posts/iBASIS-eSIM-national-coverage-update

Q. How does iBASIS test access for LTE-M/NB-IoT?

A. iBASIS uses an internal remote testing tool, with probes located globally to test networks.

We follow relevant websites and announcements to detect which Mobile Network Operators are launching LTE-M/NB-IoT and partner with the MNOs in the relevant countries.

Q. Why is there LTE-M/NB-IoT access, but no support for low power modes in certain locations?

A. Typically, Mobile Network Operators first launch NB-IoT/LTE-M access and add features like PSM or eDRX at a later stage. It is also the case that, sometimes, they block these features for roaming users.

Q. If my hardware is unable to automatically obtain the cellular network access point name (APN), which APN should I use?

A. iBASIS.iot

iBASIS Support

Q. How to reach iBASIS support regarding connectivity issues?

A. If you are still having issues connecting to the mobile data network after searching for help on the Devzone, you can submit a ticket to iBASIS Support. You will receive a reply within a maximum of 3 working days. Please include the following information in your message:

• Your Name (Mandatory)
• Your Service : IoT Nordic Developer Data (Mandatory)
• ICCID (found on the eSIM card) (Mandatory)
• Timestamp with timezone (Mandatory)
• Description of issue (Mandatory)
• Country you are trying to connect in (Mandatory)
• APN (Mandatory)
• Impact (Number of devices impacted) (Mandatory)
• Device Type (Optional)
• Device Functionality (Optional)

Q. Can I receive another SIM card if my card is damaged?

A. If your eSIM card is damaged and no longer usable, please contact Nordic Sales for a replacement.

Moving from Development to Prototyping and Production

When you are ready to move from development to prototyping and production, we hope you will select iBASIS as your connectivity provider. To learn more about iBASIS Global Access for Things please visit https://iBASIS.com/solutions/iot-connectivity/

Also, do not hesitate to contact iBASIS for a product briefing and demonstration of our production services. When you are ready to move to a production trial please contact iBASIS at http://iot.iBASIS.com/contact/

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(Updated November, 2020)