What to Do If You Cannot Confirm Mobile Coverage Before Deployment

Border Gateways can connect to the Silvanet Cloud either via LAN or through mobile networks using LTE-M or NB-IoT. This article focuses on gateways planned for mobile network use, where reliable cellular connectivity is essential for stable operation and uninterrupted data transfer.

It is strongly recommended to confirm LTE-M or NB-IoT coverage for all planned Border Gateway locations during the early stages of site planning. Doing so helps prevent plan revisions, deployment delays, and potential connectivity issues during installation. See our related article: Checking Mobile Connectivity Before Site Planning, Why It Matters

However, in some cases, such as when the deployment site is remote or coverage information is not available, it may not be possible to confirm connectivity before installation. This article outlines best practices to help you prepare for these situations and reduce the risk of on-site delays caused by uncertain cellular coverage.

1. Plan Your Deployment Schedule to Include a Border Gateway Connectivity Test First

Before installing any Mesh Gateways or Sensors:

• Mount and power the Border Gateway at its planned location.

• If using your own SIM card, ensure it is correctly inserted and active.

• Run a Connectivity Test using the Silvanet Deployment App. See full details in our article Border Gateway Connectivity Test. 

• If the test fails, repeat it to rule out intermittent issues.

This step ensures LTE-M / NB-IoT connectivity is verified before deploying additional devices that rely on the Border Gateway.

2. Consider Using an Alternative SIM Card or Local Provider

If you are using the Border Gateways internal SIM card and coverage remains unavailable after testing, consider using a SIM card from a local provider with confirmed LTE-M or NB-IoT service. 

• Ensure the SIM card is compatible. See Compatible SIM Cards for Border Gateways (Gen 3) for more details. 

• Install the SIM card and provision the APN. Full details can be found in our article How to Insert a SIM in a Border Gateway Gen3

• Once the SIM card is installed run a Connectivity Test using the Silvanet Deployment App

3. Be Prepared to Relocate the Border Gateway and Adjust Your Site Plan

If the Border Gateway cannot establish a mobile connection at the planned location, you will need to reposition it. While on site, perform Connectivity Tests at alternative locations to identify where LTE-M or NB-IoT coverage is available.

Once a suitable location is confirmed, update your site plan with the new Border Gateway position. In most cases, relocating the Border Gateway will also require adjusting nearby Mesh Gateway or Sensor placements to maintain proper coverage and performance across the site.

See our article Site Planning with a Fixed Border Gateway Location: Step-by-Step Guide once you have identified a new Border Gateway location with confirmed mobile connectivity.

✅ Tip: Always confirm cellular connectivity before deploying multiple devices, to avoid rework and delays in your installation.