SIMCom SIM7000G: APN and network setup with an IoT SIM

Updated 27 October 2026

The SIMCom SIM7000G 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 with AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>", choose the radio technology, then check that the module is registered, at home or in roaming. Vendor commands come from SIMCom's manuals, standard ones from 3GPP TS 27.007; each cites its document.

Key facts

Source: SIMCom, SIM7000G product page. Checked 27 October 2026. SIMCom's manuals require a login on simcom.com: we read SIMCom's own documents in the versions named, which may be older than the current ones, and cite them by title and page.

Set the APN

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

Source: SIMCom SIM7000 Series AT Command Manual V1.06, page 128.

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

Choose the radio technology

AT+CNMP=38
AT+CMNB=1

AT+CNMP: 2 = automatic, 13 = GSM only, 38 = LTE only, 51 = GSM and LTE. AT+CMNB: 1 = LTE-M, 2 = NB-IoT, 3 = both.

Source: SIMCom SIM7000 Series AT Command Manual V1.06, pages 95 and 96.

Open the data connection

AT+CNACT=1,"<apn>"

Opens the connection used by the module's internal applications (0 = off, 1 = on, 2 = automatic).

Source: SIMCom SIM7000 Series AT Command Manual V1.06, pages 105 and 106.

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+CSQ

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 SIMCom SIM7000 Series AT Command Manual V1.06, pages 53 and 54.

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.