We sent some devices with XBee 3 Global LTE-M/NB-IoT Low Power modules up to Canada and I am not having luck with them connecting to any cellular network up there. I am wondering if there are any specific settings via XCTU/XB Studio that need to be in place for the these devices to access the cell networks up there. I verified with our provider that the APN is correct and they reassured me that the SIMs are set up for Canada. I don’t see much in the way of settings that would be specific for that region.
I am wondering if anyone has any experience with Canada networks…specifically Calgary, Alberta.
Yes, the modules do work in Canada. You may need to look at your CP value for the specific carrier.
If you have adjusted either the BM, AM or N#, you may need to take a closer look at these values.
If one of your Carriers option is Verizon, make sure that you are using a Verizon CAT M SIM. Unlike other carriers, Verizon has specific SIM’s for accessing the CATM/NBiOT networks.
We usually leave CP as auto-detect and never had an issue here in the US and I assumed that would be similar for Canada. And with that in auto-detect, I assume the BM wouldn’t make a difference, but we leave it as default anyways. AM is definitely in normal operation.
N# - We typically leave this as [0] LTE-M/NB-IoT - can’t see that making too much of a difference either. But then again, I am not familiar with differences in Canada (if there is any).
I also question if there is sufficient coverage in Calgary - especially west of the city, but I believe the devices are in Calgary proper, so I would venture a guess they have good coverage there. It’s all strange because even in the past when the memory/code was nuked, the device was still able to access the network and (most of the time) Remote Manager and easily correctable.
Our SIMs are AT&T, so we should be good to go there. They are the same we use everywhere in the US and the provider confirmed they are set up for international. Can the operators see if the SIM is attempting to access the network? I can see if it’s in session or not, but I don’t have the ability to see if it’s even visible to their network. I would assume they could see the SIM and the access denial if it exists. If there is nothing, then I’d have to assume there is no service or something else happened to the devices, but having all 3 bonk out due to damage, etc would seem like a low probability occurrence.
Yes, an operator can see if the radio is trying to connect to the network. You can see that via the AI command. You can also use the AS command to see what towers are in the area.