Velocity IoT SIMs on DigiKey use multi-IMSI technology: one SIM carries multiple carrier profiles and connects to the strongest available network, switching automatically if one fails. Everything runs from a single self-serve platform, and coverage depends on the plan you choose.
A single SIM gives you:
- Global or regional multi-carrier coverage
- Network redundancy and resilience
- Support for regional compliance and data sovereignty
- One vendor and one platform instead of many
This post covers the Global and North America SKUs, how plans and data pooling work, and how to get started.
The technology on the SIM
The SIMs on DigiKey run Velocity IoT’s multi-IMSI applet on a standard UICC SIM. Each SIM stores several IMSI profiles, the credentials for different carrier networks, and works like this:
- As the module boots up, it scans for available network providers and asks the SIM for permission to access them, typically starting with the strongest signals.
- The module then attaches to the first available provider.
- If that provider becomes unavailable, the module automatically rescans and repeats the process to keep the device online.
- IMSI profiles and SIM settings update over-the-air (OTA) via a network connection, so you can change connectivity remotely after deployment.
Local packet gateways keep data close to your devices, lowering latency while keeping data in-region for compliance.
Beyond the standard multi-IMSI SIMs on DigiKey, Velocity IoT also supports eUICC (GSMA SGP.22 / SGP.32) for added flexibility and Satellite NTN for non-terrestrial coverage. Contact Velocity IoT directly for more information on these options.
The SKUs: form factor and coverage
There are four SKUs, split by two form factors and two coverage regions. The coverage variant you order determines which plans the SIM can run, so match the SKU to where your devices will operate.
| Part No. | Form Factor | Coverage | Works With |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIOT-1SIM-2FF3FF4FF-GL | Triple-cut plastic (2FF/3FF/4FF) | Global | Flex, Flex+, Flex IoT, Flex+ IoT |
| VIOT-1SIM-2FF3FF4FF-NA | Triple-cut plastic (2FF/3FF/4FF) | North America | Flex USA, Flex USA IoT, Flex NA, Flex NA IoT |
| VIOT-1SIM-MFF2-GL | MFF2 embedded SIM (eSIM) | Global | Flex, Flex+, Flex IoT, Flex+ IoT |
| VIOT-1SIM-MFF2-NA | MFF2 embedded SIM (eSIM) | North America | Flex USA, Flex USA IoT, Flex NA, Flex NA IoT |
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The triple-cut plastic SIM is removable and supports the 2FF, 3FF, and 4FF cutouts from one card, which is convenient for prototyping and consumer-grade designs.
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The MFF2 is an embedded SIM soldered directly to the device board, built for rugged, industrial deployments where a removable card is a liability under vibration, temperature swings, or tamper risk.
Both are multi-IMSI SIMs, supporting 2G through 5G NSA.
You can browse and order the full line on the Velocity IoT SIM cards page at DigiKey.
How the plans work
Flex plans are grouped two ways: by data-tier family and by coverage region.
Two families by data tier:
• Flex IoT low-data plans from 1 MB to 50 MB, for sensors and telemetry devices that send small amounts of data.
• Flex higher-data plans from 70 MB to 10 GB, for gateways, trackers, and devices that move more data.
Three coverage regions:
• Global (Flex, Flex+, Flex IoT, Flex+ IoT): coverage across the countries in the Velocity IoT coverage table.
• USA (Flex USA, Flex USA IoT): United States only, with access to all three major US carriers through one SIM.
• North America (Flex NA, Flex NA IoT): United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Data pooling and billing
Pooling and billing come down to three rules:
• Pooling. Data pools within a plan group, never across groups. Every SIM in a group draws from one shared allowance, and different rate plans in the same group pool together. A Flex IoT 1 MB plan pools with a Flex IoT 10 MB plan, but not with a Flex, Flex+, or Flex+ IoT plan, even on the same account.
• Billing. Only pay for what you use. You pay a per-SIM, per-month access fee only for SIMs that register to a network during the billing cycle. SIMs with no activity are not billed and don’t contribute to the pool. You can also suspend SIMs to prevent usage without incurring suspension fees.
• Overage controls. You get proactive alerts as a group nears its pooled allowance, and a SIM is automatically suspended at 3x its allowance to prevent runaway usage. You can change a SIM’s plan at any point in the cycle to right-size data before overage rates apply.
Full plan lists are in the Flex plans guide, and the country-level coverage table is in the knowledge base.
How to get started
Ordering and activation are self-serve, with no contract or commitment on the Velocity Flex platform.
1. Order on DigiKey. Choose the SKU that matches your form factor and coverage region.
2. Create an account at velocityiot.net. Enter your account and billing details. A $1 authorization is placed on your card and drops off. You are billed only if your SIMs register to a network.
3. Add your SIM and assign a plan. Enter the ICCID printed on the SIM, then select the pool group and rate plan. You need at least one valid ICCID to finish setup.
4. Configure your device. Set the device APN and enable roaming so the SIM can connect. Exact AT commands vary by module — see the device setup guide.
5. Manage from the platform. Once a SIM is added, you can monitor and manage your SIMs from a single dashboard, from one device to your entire fleet.
Step-by-step screenshots are in the account creation guide, and the SKU-specific ordering codes are in the how to order a SIM guide.
Browse Velocity IoT SIMs on DigiKey or create an account at velocityiot.net. For volume or custom orders, contact sales@velocityiot.com.