> This page is for Portal.

> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.emnify.com/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.emnify.com/_mcp/server.

# Set up and activate a satellite SIM for evaluation testing

> Create device policies and activate a satellite SIM for evaluation testing

## Create a service policy for combined network access

> **Note**
>
> The service policy should permit a device to access satellite [non-terrestrial networks (NTN)](https://www.emnify.com/iot-glossary#ntn) and cellular networks.
> If required, you can also [set up a data usage limit for satellite services](/portal/how-tos/configure-data-sms-limits#set-limits-satellite-data).

[Log in to the emnify Portal](https://portal.emnify.com/sign).

Navigate to [**Device Policies**](https://portal.emnify.com/device-policies).

Under **Service Policies**, select **New service policy**.

Rename the policy with a descriptive name that you can reference later (for example, *SatPlus Service Policy*).

In **Data**, click the **Devices may use data** toggle to the on position.
Then, configure your connectivity as follows:

1. Under **Cellular connectivity**, clear the **3G UMTS** checkbox, but keep the rest selected.
2. Under **Satellite connectivity**, select the **NB-IoT (GEO)** checkbox.

> **Check**
>
> Changes save automatically.

![Data section with Device may use data on and NB-IoT (SAT) GEO selected under Satellite connectivity](/_fern-img/8ae1f3a10f53eeb3dfd4ae3e62c5948a1cd2a07ce6e7024a33f645f6591f28cc.webp)

> **Note**
>
> Currently, satellite connectivity is always permitted when devices can use data.
> emnify is working on a feature that allows you to permit or block satellite data usage for your devices within the service policy.

## Create a coverage policy that allows cellular and satellite connections

Stay on [**Device Policies**](https://portal.emnify.com/device-policies) and find the **Coverage Policies**.

Select **New coverage policy**.

Rename the policy with a descriptive name that you can reference later (for example, *SatPlus Coverage Policy*).

Select the satellite NTN plan from the **Data Plan** list.

Click **Create**.

Click the toggles next to all three coverage areas to enable connectivity.

> **Check**
>
> Changes save automatically.

![SatPlus coverage policy with the Satellite, Zone 1, and Zone 2 coverage areas switched on](/_fern-img/72bcbfc75fad3fa2cc44239a754927cfcc33a3870425587302a6ac67247ec71f.webp)

## Create a device and activate it with the SIM

Go to [**Connected Devices**](https://portal.emnify.com/connected-devices).

Click **Add device**.

Name the new device (for example, *SAT Device 1*).

Select the service and coverage policies you created in the preceding sections.

Under **Assign SIM (optional)**, select the satellite SIM you want to use.

> **Tip**
>
> Use the [**Connectivity status** filter](/portal/sim-inventory#filter-sims) to find the SIMs compatible with satellite services.

Under **Select Device status**, decide whether your device should be **Enabled** or **Disabled**.

Review and click **Create**.

Finally, select **Activate** to create and activate your device.

> **Warning**
>
> Once activated, the device counts in the billing, and monthly charges may occur.

> **Note**
>
> Verify that the **Status** is **Enabled**.