SIMCom SIM7080G: APN and network setup with an IoT SIM
Updated
The SIMCom SIM7080G is a cellular module for LTE-M and NB-IoT. 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
| SIMCom describes it as | CAT-M&NB-IoT Module |
|---|---|
| Radio technologies | LTE-M, NB-IoT |
| 2G fallback | no |
| GNSS | not stated |
| Form factor | LCC+LGA, 77 pins, 17.6 × 15.7 × 2.3 mm |
| Variants and regions | Global bands for LTE-M and NB-IoT |
| Power saving | PSM: yes; eDRX: yes |
Source: SIMCom, SIM7080G 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 SIM7070/SIM7080/SIM7090 Series AT Command Manual V1.05, pages 184 and 185.
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=1AT+CNMP=38 keeps LTE only. AT+CMNB: 1 = LTE-M, 2 = NB-IoT, 3 = both. The module has no 2G.
Source: SIMCom SIM7070/SIM7080/SIM7090 Series AT Command Manual V1.05, pages 124 to 126.
Open the data connection
AT+CNCFG=0,1,"<apn>"
AT+CNACT=0,1AT+CNCFG sets the APN of context 0 (1 = IPv4) for the internal applications; AT+CNACT=0,1 activates it.
Source: SIMCom SIM7070/SIM7080/SIM7090 Series AT Command Manual V1.05, pages 196 to 198.
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+CSQAn 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 SIM7070/SIM7080/SIM7090 Series AT Command Manual V1.05, pages 66 and 67.
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.
- No 2G or 3G dependency: the SIM7080G 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 SIMCom SIM7080G?
Send AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>", with the APN of your SIM in place of <apn>. Source: SIMCom SIM7070/SIM7080/SIM7090 Series AT Command Manual V1.05.
Does the SIMCom SIM7080G support LTE-M and NB-IoT?
SIMCom states both for the SIM7080G: LTE-M and NB-IoT.
Does the SIMCom SIM7080G fall back to 2G?
No. The SIM7080G has no 2G fallback, so 2G shutdowns do not affect it.
Why does my SIM7080G 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.