SIM box

A SIM box (also called a SIM bank) is device used as part of a VoIP gateway installation. It contains a number of SIM cards, which are linked to the gateway but housed and stored separately from it. A SIM box can have SIM cards of different mobile operators installed, permitting it to operate with several GSM gateways located in different places.

VoIP GSM gateways Addpac with a SIM box inside

Usage and detection

Scheme of VoIP call with SIM box and gateway

The SIM box operator can route calls through the VoIP connection and connect the call as local traffic, allowing the box's operator to bypass high international rates and to reduce prices charged by local mobile network operators (MNO). In voice communications, typically a private exchange is used receive traffic from a local area, and the calls are routed over the internet to a SIM box in a remote region. This business model of operation is commonly used to avoid higher tolls for non-mobile long distance calls, particularly those associated with lesser-developed countries.

SIM boxes are often used for lower rate VoIP to MNO termination purposes, including avoidance of high tolls in violation of carriers' acceptable use policies and the sending of mobile text messaging spam.

Some carriers attempt to detect and deny service to SIM boxes through various means, including cancellation or restriction of service to identified SIMs. SIM box operators often swap SIMs to replace restricted ones. They may also rewrite the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the SIM box, often using randomized IMEIs in ranges of or those assigned to common mobile phones to evade detection.

The use of SIM boxes is often legal, but the use may constitute breach of carrier contracts. One example is that of the country of Ghana, where the government has challenged the use of SIM boxes.

A lot of Sim Boxes are used by scammers for sending out millions text messages purporting to be from ATO, Centrelink, Medicare, Australia Post, Commonwealth Bank, Transurban, and Linkt. Reporting a Scammer SMS to the DSD in Australia is the best way to get these Bad Actors off line.

Call quality

As the normal mobile network are sometimes using a very outdated and low quality sound codecs (such as the GSM HR and FR codecs), a SIM box may provide local connectivity with superior sound quality.