4G & 5G CCTV Connectivity for Remote & Hard-to-Reach Sites
Reliable CCTV connectivity no longer depends on fixed broadband. Our 4G and 5G CCTV connectivity solutions offer installers a solution with Proroute industrial routers and IoT SIM cards. This gives installers a fast, secure and flexible way to deploy CCTV at virtually any location. Whether you’re securing a construction site, a rural property, a temporary installation or a multi-site operation, cellular CCTV delivers stable remote video access without cabling, delays or installation challenges.
This page explains the connectivity options, SIM types, router setup approaches and a real-world case study that smaller installers can relate to — especially when working with monitoring stations that require fixed public IP access.
Why 4G & 5G Are Perfect for CCTV Installations
CCTV is only as good as its connectivity. 4G and 5G deliver the speed, latency and stability required for high-definition surveillance, even in locations where fixed broadband is unavailable, too slow or too expensive to install.
Key advantages:
- Fast installation — no need for fibre or phone lines
- Consistent remote access — ideal for NVR, DVR or direct IP camera access
- HD streaming capability — modern 4G/5G networks handle multiple cameras reliably
- Moveable and flexible — perfect for temporary or mobile CCTV
- Full nationwide coverage — particularly with multi-network IoT SIMs
- Lower deployment costs — minimal civil works or disruptions
IoT SIM Cards for CCTV Connectivity
A CCTV system running over 4G or 5G needs more than a normal mobile SIM. IoT SIM cards (and their variants) are purpose-built for remote monitoring and deliver features that CCTV installers rely on.
What IoT SIM Cards Provide
- Static or private IP addressing
- Multi-network roaming for maximum uptime
- Higher reliability than consumer SIMs
- Priority routing on some networks
- SIM management portals for usage, status and alerts
- Long-term availability for permanent installations
- Secure inbound access for CCTV monitoring stations
Why Standard SIMs Don’t Work
Most consumer SIMs sit behind CGNAT, meaning:
- No remote access
- No port forwarding
- No connection for monitoring stations
- No ability to reach the NVR or cameras
IoT SIMs bypass those limitations using fixed IP or private IP options.
Fixed IP SIMs for CCTV – Public vs Private
Your connectivity approach depends heavily on how you need to access the CCTV system.
Public Fixed IP SIM Cards
Often used in simple monitoring setups where:
- A monitoring station needs to pull live video.
- You want to access the NVR from anywhere.
- Your commercial partners prefer direct access rather than VPN integration.
Public fixed IP gives the router a static, internet-reachable IPv4 address. But where possible public IPs should be avoided, and a secure VPN solution for remote access should be preferred. If public IPs are in use then care should be taken to harden the router configuration.
Private Fixed IP SIM Cards
Private fixed IP SIMs offer the same static IP predictability but do not expose the router to the public internet. Instead, access is via a secure VPN tunnel into the provider’s mobile network.
This is now the preferred option for CCTV installations because it offers:
- Cleaner security
- Predictable inbound access
- No open internet exposure
- Easier compliance with monitoring procedures
Monitoring stations can access the stream through your VPN environment (some ARCs prefer this).
Multi-Network & Roaming SIMs for CCTV Uptime
Many CCTV sites suffer from poor or inconsistent mobile coverage. Multi-network IoT SIMs automatically connect to the strongest available signal — EE, Vodafone, O2 or Three — for continuous uptime.
Benefits:
- Stronger signal in rural or obstructed areas
- Automatic failover when networks fluctuate
- Higher reliability for nights and weekends
- Ideal for solar-powered or remote CCTV towers
Installers love multi-network SIMs because they reduce callouts, downtime and site revisits.
5G CCTV Connectivity
When using 5G-ready areas or high-density camera setups, 5G brings:
- Higher upload speeds for multiple HD/4K streams
- Lower latency for real-time monitoring
- Better performance in busy city/industrial zones
- Future-proof deployments for long-life sites
Even when 5G isn’t available, 5G SIMs still fall back to strong 4G and 4G+ connectivity.
Common CCTV Use-Cases Using Proroute Routers
Construction Sites
Temporary cameras, NVRs and remote monitoring — ready in minutes.
Retail / Unattended Premises
Backup connectivity or main link for remote video checks.
Vehicle-Based or Mobile CCTV
H685-class routers provide stable 4G links for vehicle security systems.
Vacant Property Monitoring
Low-cost, high-uptime CCTV with minimal installation work.
CCTV FAQ
Do I need a fixed IP for CCTV remote access?
If a monitoring station is involved, yes — either public fixed IP or private fixed IP via VPN is essential.
Can I use a standard mobile SIM?
No. CGNAT blocks inbound connections, so remote access fails.
Is multi-network worth it for CCTV?
Absolutely. For rural or critical sites, multi-network SIMs deliver far higher uptime.
Which routers work best for CCTV?
Industrial-grade routers like the Proroute H685 give long-term reliability, stable 4G performance and the right firewall/VPN features.
Can I run multiple cameras on 4G?
Yes, depending on resolution and data plan. Many installers run 1–8 cameras reliably.
Do monitoring centres usually accept cellular CCTV?
Yes — as long as it has a static IP, stable uplink and consistent bandwidth. Many ARCs work with thousands of cellular CCTV sites.