When shopping for multi-network or roaming connectivity for business, you will see the word “unsteered” used frequently. But what is an unsteered SIM card, and why is it absolutely essential for mission-critical hardware?
To understand “unsteered,” you first must understand what a “steered” SIM is.
The Flaw of “Steered” SIM Cards
Many cheaper roaming SIMs on the market are “steered” by the provider who issues them.
When that SIM connects to the network, the provider’s backend systems apply a commercial preference. For example, the provider might buy data very cheaply from Network A, but pay a premium for data from Network B. Therefore, the provider “steers” the SIM to stay connected to Network A at all costs.
Even if Network A is providing a terrible, weak, 1-bar signal that causes your CCTV stream to buffer, and Network B is providing a perfect 5-bar signal, a steered SIM will refuse to switch. It sacrifices your device’s performance to save the provider money.
The “Unsteered” Guarantee
An Anywhere SIM is strictly unsteered.
Our SIM cards are not programmed with any commercial bias or preferred network lists. They operate on a purely technical, algorithmic basis: Connect to the strongest signal.
- When an unsteered SIM boots up, it scans the environment.
- It sees Network A (weak) and Network B (strong).
- It instantly connects to Network B.
- If conditions change and Network A becomes stronger, it will dynamically switch to Network A.
For IoT devices, card payment machines, access control gates, and GPS trackers, you cannot afford for your device to cling to a weak signal. An unsteered SIM card is the only way to guarantee that your hardware is always operating on the best possible connection available at that specific geographic coordinate.