Choosing the Right Cellular Module for Your IoT Deployment

Written by: Brenna Belletti Published: April 10, 2025 Uncategorized

Deploying an IoT solution requires careful consideration of the hardware components involved, especially when it comes to the cellular module. Choosing the right cellular module can result in optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness for your IoT devices, whereas inferior selections can lead to connectivity issues, increased power consumption, and unnecessary expenses. Whether connecting a fleet of sensors, smart meters, or industrial automation equipment, selecting the best cellular module is critical to ensuring smooth and reliable operations.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cellular Module

Here are some of the most important factors to evaluate when selecting a cellular module for your IoT deployment:

1. Data Speed & Features

Determine the best network type based on your project’s bandwidth and latency needs:

• LTE-M and NB-IoT are ideal for low-power applications, providing broader coverage and extended battery life.
• LTE and 5G offer higher speeds and lower latency, making them suitable for real-time applications and data-intensive tasks.
  

2. Network Compatibility
Ensure that your module of choice supports the necessary frequency bands for your planned deployment region and network provider. Some offer global compatibility, while others are designed for specific markets. If your deployment is international, choosing a cellular module with broad network support can save you from future compatibility issues. For additional information on network compatibility, we suggest reading our blog 5 Hardware Compatibility Considerations for Deploying IoT Devices.

3. Form Factor

Different applications will require different form factors, and selecting the wrong one can impact integration, performance, and future scalability. Common cellular module form factors include:

• M.2 and Mini PCIe – Ideal for industrial and embedded systems, these offer plug-and-play installation and are easily upgradeable.
• LGA (Land Grid Array) – Designed for compact devices where space is limited, these modules are soldered directly to the board for durability and a low-profile footprint.
• USB Dongles – Useful for rapid prototyping or adding cellular connectivity to existing devices externally, without internal hardware changes.
• Chipset-based solutions – Integrated directly into the device’s circuit board for custom hardware designs, often used in large-scale production.

4. Certification

See if your cellular module of choice bears any existing certifications, as many come pre-certified for major carriers (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). Pre-certification simplifies regulatory compliance, speeds up deployment, and ensures long-term network stability. If using a device without carrier certification, look for regulatory approvals like FCC (U.S.), PTCRB (North America), CE (Europe), or TELEC (Japan), which are often required to legally operate in each region and to ensure compatibility with local networks.

5. Manufacturing Location

A device’s country of origin can impact availability, compliance with local regulations, and import/export restrictions. If your project operates in a region with strict compliance requirements, sourcing cellular modules from approved manufacturers can prevent logistical delays.

6. Documentation & Support

Choosing a cellular module from a vendor that provides strong documentation, firmware updates, and technical support is essential. Good support helps with troubleshooting and ensures smoother integration into your IoT solution.

Where to Buy Cellular Modules

Once you’ve determined your requirements, you can purchase cellular modules from reliable suppliers like:

• Mouser Electronics – Stocks cellular modules from leading manufacturers.
• Digikey – Offers a wide selection of IoT and cellular modules.
  

Consider testing a few different module options before finalizing your choice, to avoid any unfortunate surprises with your deployment.

What to Expect From Your Connectivity Partner

Selecting the right cellular module is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to IoT deployments – the process is so involved that we even wrote an eBook about it. Managing connectivity across multiple devices, ensuring secure transmissions, and optimizing data usage are equally important. This is where Soracom can enhance your deployment:

• Global Connectivity – Soracom provides multi-carrier support, allowing devices to switch networks seamlessly for better coverage and reliability.
• Advanced Management Tools – The Soracom platform allows users to monitor and manage their devices, set up automated alerts, and optimize data consumption.
• Security & Compliance – Built-in security features such as VPN and IMEI lock help safeguard your IoT devices against unauthorized access.
• Flexible Pricing – Soracom offers cost-effective data plans tailored for IoT deployments, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
  

With the appropriate cellular module and Soracom’s connectivity solutions, you can build a robust, scalable, and secure IoT network. If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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