Road connectivity – reliable, secure and built In
At Road, we believe that reliable connectivity is the foundation of a smooth EV charging experience. That’s why every Road subscription includes a SIM card and data connection at no extra cost.
By integrating connectivity directly into our service, we remove complexity, ensure secure communication, and let you focus on operating your charging stations.
With Road’s SIM cards, you benefit from:
Industry-leading coverage
Optimised pricing through large-scale partnerships
Built-in security features designed specifically for EV charging infrastructure
This article explains how our SIM cards work, why we recommend using them, and what options you have to stay flexible and in control.
Coverage and network
KPN network and roaming
Road SIM cards are provided by KPN, offering the best mobile network in the Netherlands. When used abroad, they automatically connect to the strongest available local network through roaming.
Unlike most telecom providers that lock SIMs to a single roaming partner, Road SIM cards dynamically select the best signal available in each country, ensuring superior coverage and uptime for your charging infrastructure.
Our SIM partner: VTM IoT and KPN
About VTM IoT
VTM IoT is a Dutch company specialised in Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.
Their expertise ensures your devices stay securely connected wherever they are deployed.
Global coverage
Through KPN’s international network, Road SIM cards deliver reliable connectivity across borders, both in the Netherlands and worldwide.
Scalable and flexible
Our SIM solutions scale with your business. Whether you manage dozens or thousands of charging stations, performance remains consistent.
Secure and future-proof
Security is built into the network architecture. Your data is protected at all times, and continuous innovation by KPN keeps your connectivity future-ready.
Pricing and bundles
Road currently has over 110,000 charging points connected to its platform, most using a Road SIM card.
This scale allows us to negotiate the lowest possible SIM pricing with our supplier.
Because of that, connectivity is included at no additional cost in your Road subscription.
If you choose to use your own SIM cards, please note that Road’s integrated solution benefits from large-volume discounts, resulting in lower overall costs compared to individual contracts.
Security and VPN SIM cards
Road offers VPN SIM cards that can be configured to our private APN (Access Point Name). These cards use a secure VPN connection to communicate directly with the Road Platform, ensuring encrypted, end-to-end data transmission and controlled access.
Key Benefits of a VPN Connection
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the network.
It ensures:
Data protection: All information is encrypted to prevent interception.
Privacy: Your device’s IP address and location remain hidden.
Secure access: Only authorised systems can connect to the platform.
In EV charging, a VPN connection safeguards sensitive data such as transaction details and session information, ensuring safe and private communication between your devices and the Road platform.
Note: VPN SIM cards cannot be used with a WSS (WebSocket Secure) connection.
Our dedicated VPN connector already provides a secure communication layer, making a standard WS (WebSocket) connection fully sufficient and reliable.
WS vs WSS Connections
Protocol | Description | Use Case |
WS (WebSocket) | Enables real-time, two-way communication between a client (e.g. charging station or app) and a server. | Standard connection, already secure within Road’s VPN setup. |
WSS (WebSocket Secure) | The encrypted version of WS (using TLS/SSL), similar to HTTPS. | Used when devices connect over open internet instead of VPN. |
Benefits of WebSocket connections:
Real-time data exchange for live updates (charging status, transaction data)
Continuous connection for faster and more efficient communication
Secure and reliable operation at scale
Taking over SIM cards under your own contract
We’re confident our integrated solution is the best fit for your needs — but we value transparency and flexibility.
If you ever decide to switch platforms, you can transfer your SIM cards to your own contract with VTM IoT and KPN. This process is simple and ensures no service disruption.
By choosing Road, you’re investing in long-term reliability, flexibility, and control over your connectivity.
Direct access to your SIM management
If you’d like direct access to your charging stations, Road can provide you with an underlying account in our SIM card management system.
This access allows you to:
View your SIM cards
Monitor their status
Manage and maintain connectivity independently
For more information about this option, please contact your Customer Success Manager.