ᐅ Alarm system for drainage – which mobile data plan?

Hello everyone,

To protect myself against a failure of the drainage pump, I installed an alarm system with a mobile communication module. In case of a malfunction (fuse, emergency float switch, etc.), an SMS is sent or a number is called.
Now I’m wondering which types of mobile plans work best for this. Does anyone have any recommendations?

It’s important that the number is hardly ever used. In my opinion, prepaid plans from the blue network operator automatically become invalid if they are not used for a longer period.

Thanks & best regards

Is it not possible to check the status of the modules? For example, send an SMS and receive an SMS back? Just do this once a year…

Can’t you just add an extra SIM card to your contract? SMS probably won’t work then, but calls should. Alternatively, you could get an inexpensive contract; I would suggest calling the provider to see if they can offer you a good deal.

Wouldn’t it be easier, more cost-effective, and more reliable to run a cable into the house and capture the status there, then forward it if necessary?

What you are looking for are IoT plans. Try searching for "1NCE Lifetime Fee". A 10-year SIM for 10 EUR in the Telekom network.

untergasse43 schrieb:

Can’t you check the status of the modules? That is, send an SMS and receive an SMS in response? Just do that once a year...

That is probably the easiest option, I’ll have to check that later.

Fummelbrett! schrieb:

Can’t you just add an extra SIM card to your contract? SMS might not work then, but calls would. Or get a low-cost contract. I’d call the provider to see if they can offer something affordable.

I’ll look into that too, thanks for the suggestion!

rick2018 schrieb:

Wouldn’t it be simpler/cheaper/more reliable to run a cable into the house to get the status there and forward it if necessary?

A cable wasn’t an option because it would have had to run through another apartment, among other reasons. Also, since this is a multi-family building, the system shouldn’t rely on a “building manager.” That’s why they thought the SIM card was the easiest to manage, without worrying about follow-up costs.

MaxiFrett schrieb:

What you’re looking for are IoT plans. Search for “1NCE Lifetime Fee.”
A 10-year SIM for 10 EUR on the telecom network.

I only found that as a business customer plan. Maybe the property management could purchase it for the homeowners’ association.

Thanks for all the advice!