Chaim Grunfeld, Co-Founder and Director of SIMS4Lifts, a dedicated SIM provider for lift operators, discusses the importance of integrating multi-roam SIMs in lifts.
The industry is full of reports on SME lift companies selling up to larger groups – a trend that indicates rising preference among building managers for fully developed, recognised products. Indeed, it’s clear that trust and reliability are paramount when it comes to lift installations and maintenance. Yet, one critical aspect of the installation process is still often overlooked: the SIM.
Trust and reliability in every aspect of lift installation
Building managers put a lot of effort into choosing the right lift shaft – and even GSM – to ensure seamless operation and dependability in their properties. As such, it naturally follows that they should put an equal amount of effort into the SIMs used in their lifts, as well. After all, good connectivity is the one thing that can make or break an emergency situation.
The reality, however, is that companies installing lifts tend to purchase SIMs as a matter of convenience. Whilst single-provider options, contracted by well-known operators such as EE, Vodafone and 02, can prove effective in areas with strong, stable connection, in most cases, there is a risk that – when it matters most – a person trapped in the lift won’t be able to get through. This not only compromises safety but also puts building compliance and reputation in danger. The same applies to single-provider SIMs that come included with the GSM: there’s simply no guarantee of a successful call.
The pitfall of single-provider SIMs
Relying on a SIM from a single provider can lead to significant problems, particularly in terms of reliable connection. Lift SIMs are essential for the operation of emergency communication systems, particularly now we’re bidding farewell to the PSTN (public switched telephone network). In the event of a power failure or emergency, a reliable connection can be the difference between safety and disaster, so it’s important to get SIM-card choice right.
SIM cards tied to a single network thus pose a risk, as they can easily lose connectivity in areas where the provider has poor coverage, either consistently or from time to time. This is a particularly pressing issue given that lifts are often located in parts of buildings where mobile signal strength is the weakest, highlighting the incredible value of switching between networks based on real-time signal strength. The last thing any building manager wants is for a critical safety device to be out of reach because the lift’s SIM can’t connect to the network on time.
The case for multi-roam SIMs
This is where multi-roam SIMs come in. Unlike single-provider SIMs, multi-roams can connect to multiple networks, selecting the strongest available signal at any given time. This ensures that the lift remains connected, regardless of which provider has the best coverage in a particular area at any one moment. It’s a solution that aligns perfectly with the industry’s move towards comprehensive reliability and safety.
Protecting tenants and building reputations
Selecting the right SIM card is about more than just convenience and compliance. It provides peace of mind to tenants, knowing that they can always call for help if required. This reinforces the buildings reputation as a safe and well-maintained property, which is crucial for keeping spaces full.
At a time when convenience and reliability reign supreme, fail-safing each and every aspect of a lift’s operation is crucial. Just as building managers trust established lift manufacturers for their proven track records, they must trust multi-roam SIMs for their unmatched connectivity and reliability.
