Engineers Garage

  • Electronic Projects & Tutorials
    • Electronic Projects
      • Arduino Projects
      • AVR
      • Raspberry pi
      • ESP8266
      • BeagleBone
      • 8051 Microcontroller
      • ARM
      • PIC Microcontroller
      • STM32
    • Tutorials
      • Audio Electronics
      • Battery Management
      • Brainwave
      • Electric Vehicles
      • EMI/EMC/RFI
      • Hardware Filters
      • IoT tutorials
      • Power Tutorials
      • Python
      • Sensors
      • USB
      • VHDL
    • Circuit Design
    • Project Videos
    • Components
  • Articles
    • Tech Articles
    • Insight
    • Invention Stories
    • How to
    • What Is
  • News
    • Electronic Product News
    • Business News
    • Company/Start-up News
    • DIY Reviews
    • Guest Post
  • Forums
    • EDABoard.com
    • Electro-Tech-Online
    • EG Forum Archive
  • DigiKey Store
    • Cables, Wires
    • Connectors, Interconnect
    • Discrete
    • Electromechanical
    • Embedded Computers
    • Enclosures, Hardware, Office
    • Integrated Circuits (ICs)
    • Isolators
    • LED/Optoelectronics
    • Passive
    • Power, Circuit Protection
    • Programmers
    • RF, Wireless
    • Semiconductors
    • Sensors, Transducers
    • Test Products
    • Tools
  • Learn
    • eBooks/Tech Tips
    • Design Guides
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars & Digital Events
  • Resources
    • Digital Issues
    • EE Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • DesignFast
  • Guest Post Guidelines
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

What are the top 4G modems available in India?

By Nikhil Agnihotri July 25, 2024

Are you building something that requires a GSM/GPRS modem or looking for a GSM modem for your next IoT project? GSM modems are widely used in several connected devices and applications.

GSM is an acronym for Global Systems for Mobile, and GPRS refers to a General Packet Radio Service. A GSM module is a device that uses mobile technology to provide a wireless data link to a network. GPRS adds packet-switching technology, allowing information to be transmitted via mobile networks. It’s standard on the 2G and 3G cellular communication networks.

Several connected devices use a cellular network for data communication with a remote server or IoT platform. Applications, such as vehicle or asset tracking systems and smart farming systems, rely on cellular networks and GSM/GPRS modems for connectivity.

The 2G modems like the SIM800 and SIM900 series were commonly used until recently. As embedded systems and the IoT frequently work together as a technology stack, the limitations of 2G modems as a cellular network solution have quickly become apparent.

Switching to 4G modems for cellular connectivity in IoT devices is necessary. (Note: LPWAN is another solution, but it is mainly reserved for industrial applications). So far, the 5G modems are too costly of an option and unnecessary for typical IoT projects.

Fortunately, the cost of 4G modems has substantially decreased. At the same time, the availability of these modems has also increased as they slowly begin to replace 2G modems. In India, GSM modems are supplied mainly by SIMCOM, a Chinese manufacturer.

Let’s discuss the top 4G modems available in India.

Why 4G?
The era of 2G mobile technology is over. It’s likely 2G modems will become obsolete and non-functional in many countries in the near future, so it’s important to upgrade to 4G. Initially, 4G modems were nearly 20 times more expensive than the much slower 2G modems, but that’s changed. 

Now, manufacturers like SIMCOM offer 4G modems that are double the cost of 2G ones — which is a vast improvement in affordability. The 4G modems are faster and far more capable. They’re useful for building IoT-connected devices and embedded products that rely on a cellular network.     

The top 4G modem
Currently, the most affordable and feature-friendly 4G modem in India is SIMCOM’s A7672. It costs about $6.50 US, which is substantially cheaper than the UBLOX LARA and TELIT 4G modems (at about 55~60 USD). 

The A7672 supports all 4G networks (in India), including LTE-CAT1, with the ability to fall back to 2G if necessary. The modem includes GPS/GNSS, WiFi scan, and Bluetooth. It also works with BSNL SIM cards (although BSNL is not expected to offer 4G services in India until 2024). 

SIMCOM’s A7672 has two variants in India. The A7672 FASE offers an inbuilt Bluetooth and GNSS for as low as 750 INR per unit. Although the A7672 LASE does not have Bluetooth and GNSS, it’s available for as low as 650 INR per unit. 

It’s worth noting that the A7672 modem variants available for:

  • India are A7672S FASE and A7672S LASE
  • Europe are A7672E FASE and A7672E LASE
  • The United States and South America are A7672SA FASE and A7672SA LASE. Both the A7672SA and A7672E cost 8.5~10 USD. 

The A7672 modems are gaining popularity, thanks to their low cost, capabilities, and features like WiFi, Bluetooth, and GNSS/GPS — all in one chip. The chip also supports FOTA (Firmware Over the Air) updates and dual SIM. Evaluation boards for A7672 are also available from some vendors. 

Other modems
Other 4G modems from SIMCOM that are available in similar price range include the A7682E, A7672G, A7676E, A7602E, SIM7600G, and SIM7600X. A comparison of the features are summarized below.

A comparison of SIMCOM modems.

 

 

You may also like:


  • What are the top development boards for AI and ML?

  • How to manage data on ESP32 for IoT projects

  • What is the LoRaWAN network and how does it work?

  • What are different types of IoT networks?

  • What is an SoC?

  • High time to switch to 3G/4G modems

Filed Under: IoT applications, Tech Articles
Tagged With: 4g, 5G, gprs, gsm, india, internetofthings, IoT, modem
 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Questions related to this article?
👉Ask and discuss on EDAboard.com and Electro-Tech-Online.com forums.



Tell Us What You Think!! Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE Learning Center

EE Learning Center
“engineers
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Have a technical question about an article or other engineering questions? Check out our engineering forums EDABoard.com and Electro-Tech-Online.com where you can get those questions asked and answered by your peers!


RSS EDABOARD.com Discussions

  • Multiple DC/DC converters and a single input source
  • Voltage mode pushpull is a nonsense SMPS?
  • High Side current sensing
  • Reducing "shoot-through" in offline Full Bridge SMPS?
  • MOSFET thermal noise in Weak vs Strong inversion

RSS Electro-Tech-Online.com Discussions

  • PIC KIT 3 not able to program dsPIC
  • Failure of polypropylene motor-run capacitors
  • Siemens large industrial PLC parts
  • Wideband matching an electrically short bowtie antenna; 50 ohm, 434 MHz
  • Curved lines in PCB design

Featured – RPi Python Programming (27 Part)

  • RPi Python Programming 21: The SIM900A AT commands
  • RPi Python Programming 22: Calls & SMS using a SIM900A GSM-GPRS modem
  • RPi Python Programming 23: Interfacing a NEO-6MV2 GPS module with Raspberry Pi
  • RPi Python Programming 24: I2C explained
  • RPi Python Programming 25 – Synchronous serial communication in Raspberry Pi using I2C protocol
  • RPi Python Programming 26 – Interfacing ADXL345 accelerometer sensor with Raspberry Pi

Recent Articles

  • What is AWS IoT Core and when should you use it?
  • AC-DC power supply extends voltage range to 800 V DC
  • Infineon’s inductive sensor integrates coil system driver, signal conditioning circuits and DSP
  • Arm Cortex-M23 MCU delivers 87.5 µA/MHz active mode
  • STMicroelectronics releases automotive amplifiers with in-play open-load detection

EE ENGINEERING TRAINING DAYS

engineering

Submit a Guest Post

submit a guest post
Engineers Garage
  • Analog IC TIps
  • Connector Tips
  • Battery Power Tips
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • EE World Online
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • EV Engineering
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • 5G Technology World
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search Engineers Garage

  • Electronic Projects & Tutorials
    • Electronic Projects
      • Arduino Projects
      • AVR
      • Raspberry pi
      • ESP8266
      • BeagleBone
      • 8051 Microcontroller
      • ARM
      • PIC Microcontroller
      • STM32
    • Tutorials
      • Audio Electronics
      • Battery Management
      • Brainwave
      • Electric Vehicles
      • EMI/EMC/RFI
      • Hardware Filters
      • IoT tutorials
      • Power Tutorials
      • Python
      • Sensors
      • USB
      • VHDL
    • Circuit Design
    • Project Videos
    • Components
  • Articles
    • Tech Articles
    • Insight
    • Invention Stories
    • How to
    • What Is
  • News
    • Electronic Product News
    • Business News
    • Company/Start-up News
    • DIY Reviews
    • Guest Post
  • Forums
    • EDABoard.com
    • Electro-Tech-Online
    • EG Forum Archive
  • DigiKey Store
    • Cables, Wires
    • Connectors, Interconnect
    • Discrete
    • Electromechanical
    • Embedded Computers
    • Enclosures, Hardware, Office
    • Integrated Circuits (ICs)
    • Isolators
    • LED/Optoelectronics
    • Passive
    • Power, Circuit Protection
    • Programmers
    • RF, Wireless
    • Semiconductors
    • Sensors, Transducers
    • Test Products
    • Tools
  • Learn
    • eBooks/Tech Tips
    • Design Guides
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars & Digital Events
  • Resources
    • Digital Issues
    • EE Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • DesignFast
  • Guest Post Guidelines
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe