SIMCom at Embedded World 2026: Complete Cellular IoT Portfolio: LTE Cat 1bis to 5G RedCap and Beyond

Introduction—Why SIMCom's Portfolio Matters in 2026

The cellular IoT market has undergone seismic shifts. Major competitors have exited or faced regulatory challenges, leaving a critical gap in the connectivity landscape. SIMCom, with over 20 years of cellular technology expertise and 500+ million cumulative shipments globally, has solidified itself as the natural choice for engineers seeking reliable, diverse IoT connectivity solutions.

What differentiates SIMCom is not a single breakthrough product, but a comprehensive portfolio addressing every connectivity segment: ultra-low power LPWA, cost-optimised LTE Cat 1bis with emergency-response-grade speed, next-generation 5G RedCap with two-decade availability guarantees, centimetre-level positioning via GNSS RTK, and satellite-cellular hybrid solutions for off-grid deployments. At Embedded World 2026, SIMCom will showcase how this breadth translates into practical engineering solutions.

The Changing Competitive Landscape—SIMCom's Strategic Position

Two recent market developments have reshaped IoT connectivity procurement:

Quectel's regulatory challenges: Blacklisting in key markets has created supply chain uncertainty for global customers requiring US compliance and export approval. Engineers face project delays and redesign pressure when their chosen supplier faces geopolitical constraints.

u-blox's market exit: The company has withdrawn from cellular connectivity, focusing exclusively on GNSS solutions. This departure leaves significant gaps in LTE and 5G module availability for established supply chains.

SIMCom's response is straightforward: proven stability, diversified chipset partnerships (Qualcomm and ASR Microelectronics), and a product roadmap designed for long-term deployment. For engineers facing supplier transitions or new designs requiring regulatory certainty, this reliability is no longer a luxury, it is essential infrastructure.

LTE Cat 1bis—Cost-Optimised Connectivity with Industrial-Grade Responsiveness

The Challenge: Many IoT applications occupy a middle ground: too demanding for ultra-low-power LPWA, but cost-sensitive enough to reject premium 4G/5G modules. LTE Cat 1bis addresses this exact gap, delivering modern connectivity at prices comparable to legacy solutions.

SIMCom's LTE Cat 1bis Line-up:

• A7671 & A7681: Cost-optimised LTE Cat 1bis modules for price-sensitive applications. Arduino-compatible, Espressif-friendly prototyping support, and enhanced cybersecurity features. Available from March 2025.

• SIM7672 (Global): Integrated GNSS plus cellular for location-aware applications. Features ultra-fast reboot capability (5 nanoseconds) which is significantly faster than competitor solutions (25 nanoseconds), making it critical for emergency-stop applications such as punching machines, industrial presses, and safety-critical automation.

• A7672G: Supports 2G fallback for longevity. In regions where 2G networks remain operational until 2030, this module ensures project viability across the full lifecycle. Fast shutter technology enables mission-critical performance.

Why Fast Shutter Matters: Industrial automation demands ultra-responsive systems. When a safety event occurs, e.g. equipment malfunction, emergency stop signal, safety barrier breach, the system must react instantaneously. SIMCom's fast shutter technology (5 nanoseconds reboot vs. 25 nanoseconds from alternatives) is the difference between controlled shutdown and catastrophic failure. For automotive manufacturing, food processing, textile mills, and heavy equipment automation, this specification becomes a design requirement, not a marketing claim.

Real-World Application: Smart electricity metering at utility scale. Gas utilities deploying precision metering networks (like the E7025 R3 and Y7080E solutions highlighted in recent SIMCom case studies) rely on NB-IoT for ultra-low power consumption and scalable AMR/AMI (Automated Meter Reading / Automated Meter Infrastructure) deployments. Engineers benefit from SIMCom's proven field track record - thousands of utility networks already operational, field-tested reliability, and established support infrastructure.

5G RedCap - Future-Proof Connectivity with Unprecedented Availability Guarantees

The Challenge: 5G adoption has been hampered by two factors: premium pricing and uncertainty. Does committing to a 5G module lock in a design that will become obsolete in three years? Will supply chains support the project through its full lifecycle?

SIMCom's Answer: 5G RedCap with 20+ Year Availability.

The SIM8230 and SIM8230-M2 represent a strategic shift in module longevity commitments. Long-term availability guarantees mean engineers can specify 5G for projects with 10, 15, or even 20-year service lives, e.g. industrial automation, utility infrastructure, transportation systems, and fixed industrial IoT deployments. Unlike early 5G modules where production windows measured in years, these modules are designed for sustained production through 2045+.

5G RedCap Technical Specifications:

• Multi-band 5G connectivity (sub-6 GHz)

• 4G fallback for network resilience

• High data throughput optimised for industrial and smart city applications

• Compact form factors suitable for space-constrained designs

• GNSS integration for location-aware services

• Industrial temperature grades for harsh environments

• Samples available April–May 2025 (production readiness for Q2/Q3 2026 designs)

Cost Flexibility via Chipset Choice: SIMCom offers both Qualcomm-based (SIM8230 series) and ASR Microelectronics-based (A823xE series) variants. Qualcomm modules deliver premium global network support and US market compliance. ASR-based alternatives offer cost savings (often 40–50% lower pricing) for regional deployments not requiring North American certification. This flexibility enables engineers to right-size cost without sacrificing performance or supply chain stability.

Industrial and Smart City Applications: Factory automation upgrading to predictive maintenance protocols can leverage high-bandwidth RedCap connectivity for sensor telemetry, equipment diagnostics, and real-time production monitoring. Smart city deployments (traffic management, environmental monitoring, public safety infrastructure) benefit from simultaneous high data throughput and extended battery life in outdoor, unattended equipment. Utility companies rolling out advanced grid monitoring can specify RedCap for multi-site data aggregation without overprovisioning to full 5G SA (standalone) capacity.

GNSS and Positioning—From Consumer-Grade to Centimetre-Level RTK Accuracy

The Opportunity: Location intelligence has moved beyond "where am I?" to "where am I, precisely, and can I maintain that position?" Autonomous systems, precision agriculture, surveying, and geospatial infrastructure now demand metre-level or better accuracy.

SIMCom's GNSS Modules Across Precision Tiers:

• SIM66D: RTK-enabled GNSS delivering centimetre-level accuracy. Ideal for agriculture (precision farming, crop management), surveying and mapping, autonomous navigation, and geospatial infrastructure requiring high fidelity positioning data.

• SIM65M and SIM65M-C: Multi-frequency, multi-constellation positioning (Beidou, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS). The SIM65M-C adds dead-reckoning (DR) capability for continuous navigation during GNSS signal loss (urban canyons, tunnels, dense forest).

• SIM68M, SIM68D, SIM68AD, SIM68AT: Advanced positioning solutions spanning single-frequency, multi-frequency, and RTK capabilities. Integrated Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) and Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filters for signal integrity in RF-challenging environments.

Real-World Integration: Fleet management platforms (like the TENOVI e-bike platform highlighted in SIMCom's recent case studies) leverage integrated GNSS plus cellular connectivity for real-time vehicle tracking, remote unlock capability, intelligent billing, and predictive safety monitoring. Riders benefit from convenience; operators benefit from operational intelligence; SIMCom's dual-solution approach (cellular plus GNSS in a single module) reduces system complexity, bill of materials, and time-to-market.

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Connectivity Where Traditional Networks End

The Challenge: Remote operations—mining, maritime, disaster recovery, agricultural research in off-grid regions—operate in connectivity dead zones. Traditional cellular networks provide 95%+ coverage in developed nations, but that final 5% often matters most: remote sites where infrastructure has collapsed, disaster areas awaiting network restoration, maritime vessels beyond coastal coverage, or polar research stations.

SIMCom's Solution: SIM7070G-HP-S Non-Terrestrial Network Module

This module bridges satellite and cellular connectivity, ensuring data transmission in remote and off-grid areas. Applications span mining operations (equipment telemetry, safety monitoring), maritime (vessel tracking, weather reporting, emergency communication), disaster recovery (post-disaster infrastructure assessment, emergency coordination), and scientific research (environmental monitoring, climate data collection).

The strategic value is not emergency-only capability, but continuous operational connectivity where no alternative exists. A mining company operating in remote Australia or Central Africa gains real-time equipment diagnostics without waiting for periodic site visits. A maritime company tracks vessel location and condition continuously, not sporadically. Disaster recovery teams coordinate rescue operations with immediate situational awareness.

Technical Integration: Seamless failover between cellular (when available) and satellite (when required) means engineers design once and deploy globally. No separate satellite architecture, no dual-module complexity—a single SIM7070G-HP-S handles both paradigms.

Industrial and Smart City Applications Where SIMCom's Portfolio Delivers

Fleet Management & Autonomous Systems: Real-time vehicle tracking, route optimisation, predictive maintenance, and safety monitoring depend on continuous, low-latency connectivity. SIMCom's LTE Cat 1bis with fast shutter (5 nanosecond reboot) handles emergency events (collision detection, intrusion alerts, safety barrier breach). Integrated GNSS provides location. Optional 5G RedCap supports high-bandwidth telematics (video, diagnostics, multimedia). The platform is flexible enough for low-cost fleet operations and sophisticated enough for autonomous systems requiring sub-second decision cycles.

Smart Cities & Infrastructure Monitoring: Environmental sensors, traffic management systems, public safety infrastructure, and utility networks span wildly different connectivity needs. Ultra-low-power LPWA handles thousands of environmental monitors (air quality, noise, water quality) with battery lifespans measured in years. LTE Cat 1bis and higher support real-time traffic management, emergency response coordination, and utility grid monitoring. GNSS integration enables location-aware services (emergency vehicle routing, infrastructure maintenance scheduling). SIMCom's modular approach allows city planners to deploy heterogeneous networks using common infrastructure, reducing operational complexity and total cost of ownership.

Industrial Automation & Manufacturing: Precision metering, equipment diagnostics, and safety systems demand ultra-responsive connectivity. Fast shutter technology ensures safety-critical events trigger instantaneous response. Long-term module availability (20+ years for RedCap) protects capital investment in manufacturing systems with multi-decade expected lifespans. Real-world case studies (electricity management via smart metering, NB-IoT precision metering for gas utilities) demonstrate field-proven reliability at scale.

Utility & Infrastructure: Power grids, gas networks, water systems, and telecommunications infrastructure represent critical national infrastructure. Redundancy, reliability, and long-term supply certainty are non-negotiable. SIMCom's commitment to 20+ year module availability, multiple qualified manufacturing partners, and proven supply chain resilience (daily production capacity 300,000+ units) addresses these requirements directly. Utilities can commit to long-term deployments without supplier risk.

Supply Chain Resilience: Why Manufacturing Strategy Matters

Specifications and features matter, but supply chain execution determines real-world success. SIMCom's manufacturing strategy demonstrates strategic thinking:

• Multiple qualified factories: BYD (Shenzhen and Huizhou), BIRD (Suizhou), HEG TECH (Huizhou), facilities in India and Brazil. Geographic diversification reduces single-point-of-failure risk.

• Automated production lines: Advanced Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment, daily production capacity exceeding 300,000 units, and standardised lead times (8–12 weeks) provide predictable supply.

• Quality certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949:2016, QC 080000, TL 9000, ESD 2020, ISO 21434 demonstrate institutional commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, automotive-grade reliability, and cybersecurity.

• Business continuity: Risk monitoring, supply chain partner vetting, and continuous review processes protect against disruption.

For engineers selecting components, this manufacturing infrastructure is insurance. When geopolitical events disrupt supply chains, when competitor factories face capacity constraints, when industry-wide shortages emerge SIMCom's diversified, qualified, audited manufacturing base provides reliability competitors cannot match.

Software Ecosystem & Developer Experience

Hardware alone is insufficient. SIMCom's commitment includes comprehensive software support:

• Open SDKs: Support for Espressif (Arduino-compatible), enabling rapid prototyping and integration with popular microcontroller platforms.

• Smart Modules with Linux Mainline Support: For higher-end deployments, SIMCom offers intelligent modules that run Linux operating systems, eliminating the need for a separate MCU in many applications. This simplifies architecture, reduces power consumption (single processor instead of dual), and accelerates time-to-market.

• Comprehensive documentation: Application notes, reference designs, and integration guides reduce design friction and cycle time.

• Technical support infrastructure: 20+ European FAE (Field Application Engineer) team members, plus global support network, ensure customers receive timely, local-language technical assistance.

What to Expect at Embedded World 2026

Booth Focus: SIMCom will demonstrate complete cellular IoT portfolio, from entry-level NB-IoT for ultra-low-power metering through high-performance 5G RedCap for industrial automation. Live module demonstrations will showcase fast shutter responsiveness, GNSS positioning accuracy, and seamless cellular-satellite failover for NTN applications.

Engineering Discussions: SIMCom's FAE team will engage on application-specific challenges: cost optimisation for scale-sensitive projects, regulatory compliance pathways for different markets, supply chain longevity for multi-decade deployments, and integration strategy for existing systems.

New Sample Availability: SIM8230 and SIM8230-M2 (5G RedCap) samples scheduled for April–May 2025 availability, enabling designers to begin integration immediately post-event. A7671 and A7681 (LTE Cat 1bis) samples available from March 2025.

Real-World Case Studies: SIMCom will present operational deployments; electricity management systems, utility metering networks, fleet management platforms, and smart city infrastructure, demonstrating portfolio breadth in production environments.

Conclusion—Complete Portfolio, Proven Reliability, Prepared for Tomorrow

SIMCom's position in 2026 reflects two decades of focused execution: deep cellular technology expertise, strategic manufacturing partnerships, diverse product portfolio spanning every connectivity segment, and uncompromising focus on supply chain reliability. As competitor exits create market consolidation, SIMCom's breadth and stability become more valuable, not less.

For engineers building IoT systems in 2026, the question is not whether SIMCom has a module that fits your application (the complete portfolio virtually guarantees it does), the real question is whether your chosen platform has the supply chain resilience, long-term availability commitments, and software ecosystem maturity to support your project through its entire lifecycle. That's where SIMCom's 20-year track record and 500+ million cumulative shipments become compelling.

Meet SIMCom at Embedded World 2026 (Hall 3A, Stand 3A-417) to discuss how complete cellular IoT connectivity powers your next project. Contact Ineltek for technical guidance, sample coordination, or supply chain discussions.

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FAQs - SIMCom Cellular IoT Solutions

Q: Is LTE Cat 1bis still relevant in 2026 if 5G is becoming mainstream?

A: Absolutely. 5G will coexist with LTE for decades. Most IoT deployments (smart metering, industrial sensors, environmental monitoring) operate at Cat 1bis performance levels and would waste money on premium 5G capability. Cat 1bis is cost-optimised, power-efficient, and battle-tested across millions of devices. 5G adoption follows an S-curve: early adopters demand premium features; mainstream deployments choose cost-effective alternatives. SIMCom's portfolio supports both, letting engineers right-size for their actual requirements.

Q: Should I specify GNSS RTK (centimetre-level) or standard positioning?

A: It depends on application demands. Precision agriculture (variable-rate fertiliser application, autonomous harvesting) genuinely requires centimetre accuracy, so the economic case is clear. Fleet management and general tracking work fine with metre-level accuracy. Surveying and mapping demand centimetre RTK. Assess the business value of position accuracy: if it drives operational decisions (equipment deployment, route planning, precision control), invest in RTK. If it informs analytics (where did the vehicle travel?), standard positioning suffices.

Q: What's the real power consumption difference between LTE Cat 1bis and 5G RedCap?

A: For equivalent data throughput, 5G RedCap typically consumes 20–30% less power but only if you're actually using high bandwidth. If your application sends small messages (temperature, alarm status, location), the modem spends most time in sleep states regardless of generation. Cat 1bis wakes quickly, transmits, and sleeps. RedCap wakes, transmits at higher bandwidth (consuming less time awake), and sleeps. For low-throughput applications, the difference is marginal. For high-bandwidth applications (video, telemetry, real-time streaming), RedCap's efficiency advantage becomes significant.

Q: How do I choose between NB-IoT (LPWA) and LTE Cat 1bis?

A: NB-IoT excels when throughput demands are minimal (sensors, alarms, status updates) and battery life is critical (unattended devices, multi-year deployments). Cat 1bis suits applications requiring moderate throughput (streaming sensor data, remote configuration, periodic diagnostics) or faster response times. A smart electricity meter (infrequent reads, ultra-low power) is NB-IoT. A fleet vehicle (continuous tracking, rapid alert response) is Cat 1bis. A utility grid sensor (occasional high-bandwidth diagnostics, mostly sleeping) might be either depending on business model.

Q: What regions does SIMCom support best?

A: SIMCom has strong presence in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. For US-specific compliance and regulatory certainty, Qualcomm-based modules (SIM prefix) are the default but the suffix Letter indicates the region of certification, e.g. G for global and E for Europe & EMEA. For cost-sensitive regional deployments, ASR modules are competitive (part numbers with A prefix). Some applications (automotive, telecom infrastructure) have specific regulatory pathways that influence module selection.

Q: What happens when my preferred module reaches end of production?

A: This depends on lifecycle stage. For modules in active production (current portfolio), SIMCom maintains 20+ year availability commitments. For older modules being phased out, SIMCom manages transitions carefully, providing extended EOL windows, supporting firmware updates on existing modules, and helping customers identify next-generation replacements. Unlike some suppliers who announce EOL abruptly, SIMCom's supply chain strategy prioritises customer continuity.