Using Your Own Cellular SIM Card

As an alternative to the KVH eSIM, the TracNet system supports the use of a third-party SIM card (micro size only: 15 mm x 25 mm) for cellular WAN connectivity.

IMPORTANT! The TracNet system cannot accept a locked SIM card. Be sure your SIM card is unlocked.

If you would like to use your own cellular SIM card, follow these steps:

Activate Your SIM Card for TracNet Use

Your SIM card must be activated by your cell carrier to pair it with the TracNet antenna’s Terrestrial Communications Module (TCM). You may need to provide the TCM’s unique IMEI number to the cell carrier to complete the activation process. You can find the TCM’s cell IMEI number on the Support page of the web interface.

Note: Not all cell carriers currently support the TCM device on their network. For a list of SIM cards that have been tested and verified by KVH to work with the TracNet system, visit kvh.com/supportedsims.

Install Your SIM Card

IMPORTANT! Be very careful not to lose the SIM card or drop any debris inside the Hub. Also do not insert any metal tools inside the SIM card access cavity to prevent damage to the circuit board.

Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the #2-56 Phillips screw securing the SIM card access cover from the back panel of the Hub. Set the screw and cover aside.
If inserting a third-party SIM card into SIM card slot 1, press the card into the slot with its metallic contacts facing down to mate with the spring contacts in the tray.
If inserting a third-party SIM card into SIM card slot 2, press the card into the slot with its metallic contacts facing up to mate with the spring contacts in the tray.
Press the SIM card into the desired slot. Be sure you hear a click, indicating it is locked.
Reattach the cover to the back panel of the Hub.

Note: If you need to remove an existing SIM card, use the edges of the SIM card access cover to gently press on it until the SIM card pops out.

Hub SIM Card Slots

Activate the Hub SIM Card Slot

At the web interface, go to the WAN Settings page and select the Cell tab.
Click the edit (pencil) button next to the desired Hub SIM card slot (1 or 2), where you inserted the third-party SIM card. Enter a friendly name for this cellular service and enter its APN (Access Point Name). The APN is available from the cell carrier.
Select Save.
Select the new SIM that you just configured from the Active SIM drop-down menu.

Check SIM Card Information

At the web interface, return to the WAN Settings - Cell page. Verify that your SIM card’s ICCID, IMSI, and home network are shown in the details for the configured Hub SIM card slot. Also verify that the TracNet system is now connected to your cell service, assuming the SIM is activated and you are located within its cell service coverage area.

Note: If you want to revert the system to use the KVH eSIM, select it as the active SIM. The user can change the active SIM at any time.

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