Most current-generation Spotters are equipped with an onboard broadband cellular modem and a pre-provisioned embedded SIM card that can connect to a global network of 4G LTE providers.

Spotter’s cellular capability unlocks increased sampling frequencies, over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, and higher bandwidth features like HDR mode.

Whenever cellular is not available, Spotters can fall back to their satellite line (as long as it is active, enabled, and has available satellite credits).

In this guide, you will learn how to check if your Spotter has cellular capability, where you will have coverage, how to check cellular connectivity, and how satellite fallback works.

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Device cellular capability

You can check whether or not your Spotter is equipped with cellular hardware in the Spotter Dashboard.

From a Spotter card or info pop-up in the Map View, click More data, then switch to the Status tab. The Spotter’s cellular capability will be listed under Device Status.

If your Spotter is equipped with cellular hardware, the type of modem will also be listed under Device Status (e.g., Modem SKU: Global). Use this information to determine where your Spotter can get coverage (see Supported countries).

Supported countries

A Spotter’s cellular modem determines where it is able to connect to cellular. Please refer to the list of supported countries for your Spotter’s modem type.

If you are not sure which modem you have, refer to your order or check the Spotter Dashboard, where a Spotter’s modem SKU is listed under the Status tab. To access it, click the More data button from a Spotter card or info pop-up in the Map View and switch to the Status tab.

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These lists are subject to change based on cellular provider carrier agreements. If you have a question about coverage, we recommend contacting the Sofar Sales Team.

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Global modem (GL)

Spotters with a global modem will be able to connect to cellular in the following countries and territories:

¹ Alaska Wireless Network (GCI) not covered

External 1NCE SIM cards

In addition to the countries listed in the above table, Spotters with external 1NCE SIM cards will also be able to connect to cellular in the following countries and territories:

North America (NA) modem

Rest of the World (EMEA) modem

Required signal strength