FAQ
TL;DR: In 2025 the lowest predictable cost is Orange IoT at PLN 5 / month for 0.5 GB + 50 SMS [Elektroda, Robinson74, post #20832053] “Cards were blocked in M2M devices” [Elektroda, Alpha, post #20346317] Keep traffic or pay up to PLN 5 inactivity fee on Play OdNowa [Elektroda, bhtom, post #20854548]
Why it matters: Choosing the right SIM avoids surprise fees and missed alarm signals.
Quick Facts
• Orange IoT: PLN 5 / month, 0.5 GB data, 50 SMS, dedicated APN “iot” [Elektroda, ropam, post #20091482]
• Play OdNowa: 1 GB pack PLN 5; 100-SMS pack PLN 5; inactivity fee PLN 3-5 [Elektroda, bhtom, post #20345170]
• Fakt Mobile: Account + funds valid 365 days after PLN 5 top-up; call/SMS 0.15 PLN; 1 GB = PLN 3 [Elektroda, adversus, post #20701772]
• Plus/Plush: Activate “year validity” for PLN 10; SMS 0.35 PLN; lack-of-traffic fee PLN 3 [Elektroda, Alpha, post #20091540]
• Play telemetry subscription: 100 SMS + 20 MB for PLN 3.50 net / month [Elektroda, Alpha, post #21311407]
Which prepaid SIM is currently the cheapest reliable option for alarm panels?
Orange IoT costs PLN 5 per month and includes 0.5 GB data plus 50 SMS, enough for most control panels [Elektroda, Robinson74, post #20832053]
What are the main pros and cons of Orange IoT?
Pros: legal M2M tariff; nationwide Orange 2G/4G; fixed PLN 5 monthly; manageable via Orange app [Elektroda, ropam, post #20091482] Cons: outside-bundle SMS cost 0.40 PLN; no voice calls; dedicated APN must be set to “iot”.
How much data and SMS does a Satel Integra with INT-GSM typically use?
Two daily app log-ins drew about 200 MB per month [Elektroda, Marianowy1987, post #21164738] Daily test SMS adds 30 texts; many installers send weekly or monthly tests to cut cost [Elektroda, bhtom, post #20854757]
Why does Play sometimes block ordinary SIMs in alarm modules?
Play’s terms forbid long-term M2M use on consumer tariffs; the network auto-flags constant cell-ID repetitions and suspends the number [Elektroda, MichaWilk, post #20609294]
How can I avoid the PLN 5 inactivity charge on Play OdNowa?
Schedule an automatic PLN 5 top-up or buy any package every 30 days; most Polish banking apps support cyclical top-ups [Elektroda, bhtom, post #21311020]
How do I migrate a Play prepaid number to Fakt Mobile?
- Switch the SIM to tariff “Play na Kartę 3.0” (app or 16311#). 2. Dial 16312# to request Fakt Mobile migration. 3. After SMS confirmation, top up PLN 5 to activate 365-day validity [Telepolis forum link; Elektroda, adversus, #21475858].
Do international IoT cards like 1NCE work in Poland?
Yes; 1NCE roams on domestic networks, excluding NB-IoT, and sells a 10-year 500 MB bundle for €10 [Elektroda, TvWidget, post #20093121]
Can I check prepaid balance without removing the SIM from the panel?
Yes. Register the number in the operator’s web/app portal or enable SMS forwarding of operator messages to your phone [Elektroda, alster1, post #20829371]
Is A2mobile stable in alarm use?
Reports show frequent “SIM error” alerts because A2mobile forces hourly transmitter reselection; Satel confirmed this behaviour [Elektroda, komanch, post #20831438]
What happens if I exceed the data package on Fakt Mobile?
Internet is blocked until you buy another package; no pay-as-you-go data, so your voice/SMS credit stays safe [Elektroda, misiek1111, post #21476016]
Are telemetry subscriptions better than prepaid cards?
For businesses, Play Telemetry at PLN 3.50 net/month (100 SMS, 20 MB) ensures no blocking and automatic invoicing [Elektroda, Alpha, post #21311407] Consumers often stay with PLN 5-per-month Orange IoT.
Edge case: what if the GSM module stops sending test messages?
Treat it as a fault. Modules can self-report low balance, but hardware failure or blocked SIM can silence them; always keep Ethernet or second-SIM backup [Elektroda, bhtom, post #21168665]