# Bring Your Own Data Plan

As a customer, you have the option to bring your own (BYO) data plan to use with the GC31 Cellular Gateway. In this case, you don’t need to purchase a Verkada data license.

When the GC31 is using a customer-provided SIM:

* The gateway does not limit traffic to third party devices
* [Smart data usage](https://help.verkada.com/connectivity/cellular-data-options/smart-data-usage) can be disabled, which allows:
  * Cloud backup and RTSP to be enabled on connected Verkada cameras
  * Video streaming to be enabled on BK11/21 Alarm Keypads and BC82 Alarm Consoles

## Dual SIM with auto SIM failover

The GC31 and GC31-E have [2 SIM slots](https://help.verkada.com/connectivity/configuration-and-setup/cellular-gateway-dual-sim-support) each:

* Slot 1 (Primary)—Default
* Slot 2 (Secondary)—Has pre-inserted Verkada data SIM

We recommend inserting your own SIM card in slot 1 and keeping the Verkada SIM card in slot 2. The customer-provided SIM acts as the **primary** and fails over to the Verkada SIM if needed.

Customers can also insert their own SIM cards in both slots and configure which slot is primary.

![](https://1814166542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiAGnzScvko5PkG7YBy3i%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2083b376745d252afd8b4a2ee46f16a7649f71e0%2F712a41ee3eac38e02e909c84277012f68e8c9cea.png?alt=media)

## Tested carriers

The GC31 is compatible with SIM cards from most major carriers across the world. The following carriers have been tested and verified by Verkada. Other carriers may also be compatible but have not been tested by Verkada.

|             |                          |
| ----------- | ------------------------ |
| **Country** | **Carrier**              |
| US          | Verizon, T-Mobile, AT\&T |
| Canada      | Telus, Bell, Rogers      |
| UK          | Three, Vodafone, EE      |
| Australia   | Optus, Telstra, Vodafone |

## FAQs

<details>

<summary>How does the Verkada SIM act as a failover?</summary>

In the case that your own SIM (primary SIM) disconnects from the tower, the device has a mechanism that constantly runs to monitor the connectivity. Once it senses a disconnect, it fails over to the Verkada SIM card (secondary SIM). The Verkada SIM can help ensure the gateway is still reachable if your main network is down.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How does the device know when to failover to the secondary SIM?</summary>

The device has a state machine that constantly monitors SIM activity. For details, see [GC31 Cellular Gateway Dual-SIM Support](https://help.verkada.com/connectivity/configuration-and-setup/cellular-gateway-dual-sim-support).

</details>

<details>

<summary>How can I manually choose the APN my data SIM needs to connect to?</summary>

You can access the GC31’s local server page to set manual APN details. Learn more about the [GC31 local server](https://help.verkada.com/connectivity/configuration-and-setup/access-the-cellular-gateway-local-server-page).

</details>

***

**Need more help?** Contact [Verkada Support](https://www.verkada.com/contact/).
