Sierra Wireless HL7812: APN and network setup with an IoT SIM

Updated 27 October 2026

The Sierra Wireless HL7812 is a cellular module for LTE-M and NB-IoT with 2G fallback; it also has GNSS. With an IoT SIM, you set the APN, then check that the module is registered, at home or in roaming. The commands below are the standard ones of 3GPP TS 27.007. The HL78xx AT command guide requires a login on the Sierra Wireless developer site. A public Semtech application note names AT+KSELACQ (automatic technology management, recommended) and AT+KSRAT (manual switching) for choosing LTE-M or NB-IoT.

Key facts

Sierra Wireless describes it as	HL7812 LTE-M and NB-IoT Module for Industrial IoT
Radio technologies	LTE-M, NB-IoT, 2G
2G fallback	yes
GNSS	yes
Form factor	CF3 LGA, 15 × 18 × 2.4 mm
Variants and regions	Global; carrier certifications listed by the maker include Verizon, AT&T, Orange, Docomo and Deutsche Telekom; 2G bands 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Power saving	PSM: yes; eDRX: yes

The HL7812 also supports NB-IoT over satellite (NTN), certified by the maker with Skylo.

Source: Sierra Wireless, HL7812 product page. Checked 27 October 2026.

Set the APN

The standard 3GPP command defines the APN of PDP context 1:

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>"

Source: 3GPP TS 27.007. Check Sierra Wireless's AT command manual for the context number this module uses.

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

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.

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

LTE-M and 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.
2G fallback helps only where 2G still runs. Many operators have switched it off: see the 2G and 3G shutdown dates.
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

Does the Sierra Wireless HL7812 support LTE-M and NB-IoT?

Sierra Wireless states both for the HL7812: LTE-M and NB-IoT with 2G fallback.

Does the Sierra Wireless HL7812 fall back to 2G?

Yes, Sierra Wireless lists 2G (GSM/GPRS/EGPRS) fallback for the HL7812. It only helps where operators still run 2G.

Why does my HL7812 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.