IM registration issue in Quectel module using Globe SIM

IoT Modules LTE Standard Module
1

i am using Quectel LTE module (EC25) for my IoT project and trying to use Globe SIM (from Philippines) inside device.

problem is SIM not getting properly register on network. sometimes it show “searching” and sometimes “not registered”. AT commands also look fine but still no network attach.

i already try:

different antenna setup
APN config check
manual network selection
reboot module many time
still same issue.

is there any known compatibility issue between Quectel modules and Globe SIM registration system? or maybe Globe SIM need special provisioning for IoT devices?

any help or experience will be really appreciated.

thanks in advance

2

Update from my side: after more testing I think issue may be related to SIM provisioning/network side more than Quectel hardware itself. I checked another PH SIM and behavior was little better. Also noticed some Globe SIMs need proper activation + data registration before IoT modules can attach stable on LTE.

I also found some useful PH SIM/network setup info here: https://smartsimph.com/ which helped me understand the registration behavior a bit more.

Still testing different firmware/APN combinations. If anyone else faced same with EC25 + Globe SIM, feel free to share your experience too.

3

Hi,

There is no general known issue that EC25 modules cannot register on the Globe network. In most cases, registration problems are related to one of the following:

  1. SIM activation / SIM registration status
  2. Operator-side provisioning
  3. LTE band support of the specific EC25 variant
  4. Signal quality or antenna matching
  5. Network mode / band configuration stored in the module
  6. SIM type not intended for IoT/M2M usage

Please note that APN configuration normally affects PDP/data connection after network registration. If the module is still showing “searching” or “not registered”, the first focus should be network registration, SIM status, band support, and signal condition.

You can collect the following AT command results for further checking:

AT+CMEE=2
AT+CPIN?
AT+CIMI
AT+QCCID
AT+CSQ
AT+QCSQ
AT+COPS?
AT+COPS=?
AT+CREG?
AT+CGREG?
AT+CEREG?
AT+QNWINFO
AT+QENG="servingcell"
AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
AT+QCFG="band"

If the SIM works better in another phone or with another PH operator SIM, then the issue may be related to Globe SIM activation/provisioning or operator-side restrictions rather than the Quectel hardware itself.

For Globe SIM, please make sure:

1. The SIM is already activated and registered.
2. The SIM has mobile data service enabled.
3. The SIM is allowed to be used in modem/IoT devices.
4. The SIM is not locked to a handset-only plan.
5. The EC25 variant supports the LTE bands used at your test location.

For APN, after the module is already registered, you can try:

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet.globe.com.ph"

or check with Globe whether a different APN is required for your SIM plan, especially if it is an IoT/M2M SIM.

I would also suggest setting the module back to automatic network selection and automatic network mode during testing:

AT+COPS=0
AT+QCFG="nwscanmode",0,1

Then reboot the module and check again:

AT+CFUN=1,1

After reboot:

AT+CPIN?
AT+CEREG?
AT+QNWINFO
AT+QENG="servingcell"

If it still cannot register, please share the full AT log from the commands above, together with the exact EC25 variant, SIM type, test location, and antenna information. With this information, it will be easier to confirm whether the issue is caused by SIM provisioning, band mismatch, poor RF condition, or module configuration.