IoT SIM card for the UK
melita.io connects your devices across the UK on all four UK networks. Our multi-network IoT SIMs automatically select the strongest network and fail over if one drops, with 5G and LTE on every network, plus NB-IoT where available. The same SIM works in more than 185 countries, so you manage your whole fleet with one SIM and one portal.
Why melita.io in the UK
Whether you run high-throughput applications such as routers and video, or mass-scale fleets of sensors and meters, melita.io gives you one partner in the UK: multi-network coverage, real-time SIM management in the IoT Portal, and optional private APN, VPN and static IP for secure enterprise deployments.
Resilient IoT connectivity from a licensed MNO
melita.io is the dedicated IoT brand of Melita Limited, a European mobile network operator backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives Infrastructure. With more than 30 years in telecoms, Melita directly owns and controls its critical connectivity infrastructure: mobile network, core network, fixed infrastructure, data centres and international connectivity. As a GSMA member, melita.io combines secure connectivity, operational expertise and trusted partnerships.
• Automatic network selection and failover: multi-network access keeps devices connected across borders and in demanding operational environments. melita.io does not steer IoT traffic.
• Global connectivity without borders: more than 300 roaming agreements deliver secure, reliable and resilient IoT connectivity in more than 185 countries.
• Technology-agnostic: combine mobile connectivity, eSIM, IoT platforms and partner technologies to match your business requirements.
• Full support: expert support from our teams in Malta, Germany and Sweden, plus more than 50 global solution partners for complete IoT solutions.
• Local presence: our UK representatives support customers across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
• Flexible commercials: monthly or prepaid plans, data and SMS pooling across all active SIMs on your account, volume discounts and custom pricing.
Network coverage and mobile technologies
Coverage as at October 2026. For the latest coverage, visit https://www.melita.io/mobile-iot/coverage-spec/
| melita.io roaming partner | 5G | LTE | GPRS | LTE-M | NB-IoT | SMS |
| Three UK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Vodafone UK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| EE UK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| O2 UK | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | ✓ |
Source: melita.io coverage matrix, October 2026. Individual operator capabilities may change.
Typical IoT applications
Built for high-throughput and mass-scale IoT deployments, from a single device to fleets of thousands: smart metering and utilities, fleet tracking and logistics, payment terminals and retail, alarm and security systems, connected healthcare, video surveillance and fleet dash cams, vending machines, smart cities and industrial monitoring.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Network technologies | 5G, LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT and GPRS; availability per network is shown in the coverage table above |
| SIM formats | 2FF, 3FF, 4FF, Industrial 2FF and MFF2 embedded |
| eSIM | eUICC and eSIM (SGP.22 and SGP.32), activated by QR code or LPA link |
| Multi-IMSI | Available with the Global IoT SIM |
| Network selection | Automatic multi-network selection with failover; no traffic steering |
| Messaging | SMS, with SMS pooling across your active SIMs |
| Data | Data pooling across all active SIMs |
| Management | melita.io IoT Portal and API |
| Security and APN | Private APN, VPN (IPsec, WireGuard, L2TP), private static IP addresses; two-factor authentication and role-based user rights in the IoT Portal |
More about NB-IoT and LTE-M: NB-IoT explained
More about IoT eSIM (eUICC, SGP.22 and SGP.32): IoT eSIM
2G and 3G switch-off in the UK
| Operator | 3G | 2G |
| EE | Switched off | Switch-off begins May 2029 |
| Virgin Media O2 | Switched off | Domestic switch-off begins summer 2029; inbound roaming access to 2G withdrawn from 1 October 2025 |
| Vodafone network (VodafoneThree) | Switched off | During 2030 |
| Three network (VodafoneThree) | Switched off | Never offered 2G |
All UK operators have committed to ending 2G by 2033 at the latest. Dates may change; check operator notices.
Read our guide to the 2G and 3G shutdown
FAQs: IoT SIM plans
Which IoT SIM plans does melita.io offer?
Three flexible SIM plans, which you can customise to your needs. The IoT SIM is pay per use at €5 per GB in over 60 countries, plus €1 per active SIM per month. The Lifetime IoT SIM costs a one-time €10 per SIM for 10 years, includes 1 GB of data and 100 SMS per SIM, and can be bought directly from our eShop: https://www.iot-sim.tech/shop/. Data reloads are also available through the eShop. The Global IoT SIM offers custom pricing and bundling for large deployments. Volume discounts apply. For the latest details, visit our Features & plans page: https://www.melita.io/mobile-iot/features-plans/
Do I need a long-term contract?
No. The IoT SIM runs month to month or on contract, the Global IoT SIM provides flexible options, and the Lifetime IoT SIM is a single payment. Monthly and prepaid options are available.
Can I share data and SMS across my SIMs?
Yes. Data pooling and SMS pooling apply across all active SIMs on the same account, so low-use and high-use devices balance out.
Which SIM types can I order?
2FF, 3FF and 4FF SIM cards, Industrial 2FF, MFF2 embedded chips, and eUICC or eSIM (SGP.22 and SGP.32) activated by QR code or LPA link. Multi-IMSI and white-label SIMs are available for large volumes with the Global IoT SIM.
Can I test melita.io before I commit?
Yes. Ask a melita.io sales representative for a proof-of-concept trial SIM.
FAQs: Coverage in the UK
Which networks can melita.io IoT SIMs use in the UK?
All four UK networks: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone, each with 5G, LTE and SMS, and GPRS on EE, Three and Vodafone.
Are LTE-M and NB-IoT available in the UK?
NB-IoT is available on Vodafone. LTE-M roaming is not currently listed on any of our roaming partners in the UK.
What happens if a network fails in the UK?
The SIM switches instantly and automatically to another of the four networks when a signal drops or fails, so business devices such as alarm systems and CCTV stay connected.
Do EU roaming rules apply in the UK?
Although EU roaming rules no longer automatically apply in the UK, melita.io customers can continue to enjoy seamless IoT connectivity. Our IoT SIMs can roam on all four major UK mobile networks through our own roaming agreements. The UK is also one of the 60+ countries included in our IoT SIM plans with no additional roaming fees, giving you reliable, flexible connectivity without unexpected roaming charges.
Can I use 5G for IoT in the UK?
Yes. 5G and LTE are available on all four UK networks, with NB-IoT on Vodafone for low-power devices.
FAQs: IoT Portal
What can I do in the melita.io IoT Portal?
Manage your whole SIM inventory with real-time data: drill down into individual SIMs, group SIMs and packages, and monitor shared data and SMS as it is used. Detailed billing options give you online bills, usage breakdowns and payment history, with direct debit available.
Can the portal alert me to unusual activity?
Yes. Triggers monitor your SIMs continuously and alert you to events such as excessive usage or a change of end device, so you can act at once.
Is the IoT Portal secure for teams?
Yes. The portal uses secure login with two-factor authentication. You can add multiple users and assign rights and permissions by user role.
Can I connect the portal to my own systems?
Yes. The API kit integrates SIM monitoring and control with your CRM or other applications. Full API documentation is available at https://www.melita.io/api-documentation/
How do I find a SIM quickly among thousands?
Give SIMs friendly-name labels, group them by project or package, and use advanced search and filtering. Reports show trends, outliers and under-performing SIMs.
For more information about the melita.io IoT Portal, visit https://www.melita.io/mobile-iot/sim-portal/
Explore IoT SIM plans and features
Find the right IoT SIM for your deployment. Compare product features, available plans and optional security and connectivity services.