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Virtual SIM

Virtual SIM and physical SIM connectivity options

What is a virtual SIM?​

A virtual SIM, or vSIM, is a SIM card that lives securely in the device software instead of on a removable plastic card. It performs the same basic job as a regular SIM: it lets the device connect to a mobile network. Because there is no physical part to insert, vSIM does not need extra space for a SIM card and is not exposed to dust or moisture that can affect plastic cards and their contacts.

The device can use either its vSIM or its physical SIM card. This gives you a choice of connection and allows the device to use the other option as a connectivity backup if vSIM profile was downloaded and the connectivity was activated.

vSIM Backup Connectivity​

vSIM is an on-demand 4G backup connectivity solution designed to maintain device communication during primary network outages. To use this feature, you must first request a vSIM profile provision from DCT. Once DCT confirms the provisioning, the profile is downloaded to your device and activated according to your service agreement.

Included Data Allowance​

Most Antares 4G devices include a complimentary 20 MB/month vSIM data allowance for one year.

  • Activation: The one-year period begins exactly when the vSIM profile is downloaded and activated via Syrus Cloud.
  • Monthly Limits: The 20 MB allowance operates on a use-it-or-lose-it basis; unused data does not roll over to the following month.
  • Data Cap: Once the device consumes the 20 MB threshold in a given month, the vSIM connection will be suspended until the next billing cycle.

Dual-SIM Failover Behavior​

When a device is equipped with both a physical SIM and an active vSIM, it can automatically failover between the two. If the active connection remains unavailable for a pre-configured backup time, the device will switch over to the alternate SIM and restart the modem to re-establish connectivity.

Note: The failover mechanism is designed exclusively to add resilience during temporary network drops. It does not bond connections to increase overall data speed or extend baseline network coverage.Plan Upgrades Fleet operators, integrators, and service providers who require more than the included 20 MB per month can contact DCT directly to establish a formal connectivity agreement for expanded vSIM data plans.

How it works​

  1. Request DCT to provision the device with a vSIM profile.
  2. Download and activate the profile on the device.
  3. Use the vSIM or physical SIM as the active connection.
  4. When activated, the device can switch to the other SIM after the required period without connectivity.

Note: This feature is available in Antares 4.0.22 and later.

For the detailed commands and configuration limits, see VS - Virtual SIM Management.