Data usage varies hugely by device type. Low-frequency sensors, meters and trackers often use well under 1GB a month. Routers providing general internet access, or devices doing occasional video/image uploads, typically need 2-5GB. Continuous video streaming or high-frequency data devices may need more than our standard tiers and should be discussed directly. Data is pooled across all SIMs on your account, so a mixed fleet often balances out within a single plan.
Why this is hard to estimate from specs alone
Manufacturer specifications rarely state expected data usage directly, because it depends on configuration choices made during setup – reporting frequency, image resolution, whether features like remote management or firmware update checks are enabled, and how the device is actually used day to day. The examples below are typical ranges based on common configurations, but your actual usage may differ.
Typical usage by device type
Sensors and meters (low data)
Devices sending small periodic readings – temperature sensors, smart meters, door/window sensors – typically transmit kilobytes per reading. Even hourly reporting rarely adds up to more than a few tens of megabytes a month. Our 1GB plan covers this with significant headroom, and pooled data means even hundreds of these devices combined often fit within lower tiers.
GPS trackers and telematics (low to moderate)
Trackers sending position updates every few seconds to minutes use small individual packets, but frequent reporting over a full month adds up. Most trackers fit within 1GB to 2GB. Trackers that also relay driver behaviour data, dashcam snapshots, or temperature logs for refrigerated transport will use more – closer to 2GB to 3GB.
General-purpose routers (moderate)
A router providing internet access for a small site – point of sale, a few networked devices, occasional remote management – commonly uses 2GB to 5GB a month depending on what’s connected through it. If the router is the primary internet connection for a busier site with multiple users, usage can be considerably higher and is worth discussing directly.
CCTV and cameras (moderate to high)
This varies the most. A camera that only uploads occasional motion-triggered snapshots might use under 1GB. A camera or NVR with continuous remote viewing, or that uploads recorded footage regularly, can use significantly more – often into double-digit gigabytes depending on resolution, frame rate and how much remote viewing happens. See our SIM cards for CCTV page for more on choosing a setup, and get in touch with details of your camera count and usage pattern for a more specific estimate.
EV charge points and payment terminals (low to moderate)
OCPP communication with a charge point management system and payment processing are both relatively low-data activities individually, but frequency of transactions and status updates affects the total. 1GB to 2GB covers many deployments; busier sites may need more.
Pooled data across your fleet
One of the advantages of our plans is that data is pooled across every SIM on your account. If you have a mix of device types – some using very little data, others using more – the combined usage often balances out within a single plan tier, rather than needing to size each device individually. The SIM management portal shows usage per SIM and against the pooled total, so you can see how this plays out in practice and adjust if needed.
If you’re not sure where your devices will fall, get in touch with details of what you’re deploying and how it’ll be used, and we can help estimate the right starting plan.