Companion Chinese deep-dive (Shenzhen Lezhao Electronics): Cross-border data across 8 Southeast Asian markets
You sell into 8 SEA countries and want one international roaming plan to rule them all. Convenient — but a few markets will silently kill the SIM on a compliance red line you didn't know about.
Roaming price ranges (market level)
- Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand: roaming ~1.5-2.5x local.
- Indonesia/Philippines/Vietnam: 2-4x depending on carrier.
- Myanmar/Laos/Cambodia: thin stable supply, price-sensitive, avoid relying on roam.
Is permanent roaming allowed
- Many countries ban 'permanent roaming' (device camping off-home network too long).
- Violation → SIM blocked, mass disconnect.
- If a device sits in one country >3-6 months, use that country's local SIM.
Real-name and forced localization
- Vietnam/Indonesia/Thailand require real-name or device registration for IoT SIMs.
- Myanmar/Laos/Cambodia usually mandate a local SIM to operate.
- For 'must-localize' markets: land with a local provider, don't bet on roaming.
Roaming fits pilots and mobile gear. But for devices fixed in one country, or in no-permanent-roaming markets, localization is the only way past the red line.
FAQ
What's the difference between定向 and full-roam data SIMs?
定向 SIMs are limited to a designated APN/app and are cheap; full-roam SIMs use public networks—wider coverage but costlier.
How is IoT SIM real-name verification done in Vietnam?
Vietnamese carriers require business/personal verification; bulk devices are managed via a CMP platform.
How do you manage the M2M SIM lifecycle?
Covers activate/suspend/deactivate/recover; use a CMP console to monitor traffic and status remotely.
Should I pick 4G or 5G SIM?
Depends on device and coverage; most CPE/pocket WiFi use stable 4G, 5G when coverage exists and high speed is needed.