Quectel BC660K-GL: APN and network setup with an IoT SIM

Updated 27 October 2026

The Quectel BC660K-GL is a cellular module for NB-IoT. With an IoT SIM, you set the APN with AT+QCGDEFCONT="IP","<apn>", then check that the module is registered, at home or in roaming. Vendor commands come from Quectel's manuals, standard ones from 3GPP TS 27.007; each cites its document.

Key facts

Quectel describes it as	Compact NB-IoT Module with Ultra-low Power Consumption (LTE Cat NB2)
Radio technologies	NB-IoT
2G fallback	no
GNSS	no
Form factor	LCC (SMT), 17.7 × 15.8 × 2.0 mm, 58 pins
Variants and regions	Global
Power saving	PSM: yes; eDRX: yes

Source: Quectel, BC660K-GL product page. Checked 27 October 2026. Quectel's AT manuals carry a confidentiality notice: we cite them by title and page, without linking the files.

Set the APN

AT+QCGDEFCONT="IP","<apn>"

Sets the APN used when the module attaches to NB-IoT; the manual says it takes effect after a reboot. The data connection then comes up automatically at attach.

Source: Quectel BC660K-GL&BC950K-GL AT Commands Manual V1.5, page 56.

Replace <apn> with the APN shown in your M2M.global account: the internet APN, or your private APN.

Check that it works

AT+CPIN?        SIM ready? expect +CPIN: READY
AT+CEREG?       LTE registration: stat 1 = home network, 5 = roaming
AT+COPS?        network the module is using
AT+CGDCONT?     APN actually configured
AT+QENG=0

An IoT SIM that works in many countries is often registered in roaming: +CEREG: 0,5 is a valid, working registration. Firmware that waits only for status 1 (home network) never goes online on such a SIM. Status values come from 3GPP TS 27.007; the signal command from Quectel BC660K-GL&BC950K-GL AT Commands Manual V1.5, page 36.

To save battery, request PSM with AT+CPSMS and eDRX with AT+CEDRXS (3GPP TS 27.007); the network decides which timers it grants.

Networks and shutdowns

NB-IoT run on 4G networks, but not every operator offers them, and roaming on them depends on agreements between operators. Check the coverage by country before you deploy.
No 2G or 3G dependency: the BC660K-GL is not affected by 2G and 3G shutdowns.
Private delivery works with any module: the privacy is in the network path, not in the device. See private delivery.

The SIM: IoT SIM cards and IoT eSIM. All commands explained: AT commands.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set the APN on the Quectel BC660K-GL?

Send AT+QCGDEFCONT="IP","<apn>", with the APN of your SIM in place of <apn>. Source: Quectel BC660K-GL&BC950K-GL AT Commands Manual V1.5.

Does the Quectel BC660K-GL support LTE-M and NB-IoT?

Quectel states NB-IoT for the BC660K-GL: NB-IoT.

Does the Quectel BC660K-GL fall back to 2G?

No. The BC660K-GL has no 2G fallback, so 2G shutdowns do not affect it.

Why does my BC660K-GL show +CEREG: 0,5?

Status 5 means registered in roaming, a normal working state for an IoT SIM that uses partner networks. Treat it like status 1 (home network) in your firmware.