API Terms

Last updated: January 23, 2024

As part of our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable services, we have established a set of API terms of use. These terms are designed to create a legal and practical framework for all users of our API. This framework is essential for protecting the interests of both Simbase and you as our valued user, ensuring a mutual understanding of the API’s intended use and capabilities.

1. The purpose of these Terms

  1. Define Usage Rules
    We strive for a fair and productive environment for all users. These API terms cover aspects like rate limits, acceptable use cases, and prohibited activities. This helps maintain a stable and efficient ecosystem for all.

  2. Ensure Security and Privacy
    Security and privacy are at the forefront of our operations. Our terms include provisions that safeguard data security and user privacy. This ensures that the API is used in a manner that upholds these crucial standards.

  3. Manage Expectations.
    We believe in transparency and clarity regarding the performance and support of our API. Our terms outline what users can expect in terms of service levels, availability, and performance, providing a clear understanding of the API's capabilities and limitations.

We encourage you to read these terms carefully to fully understand your rights and responsibilities when using the Simbase API. Our aim is to provide a robust and secure platform that empowers innovation and connectivity across the IoT landscape, and adherence to these terms is vital in achieving this goal.

2. Acceptance of these Terms

These Terms constitute a legally binding "Agreement" between you and Simbase. Throughout these API Terms, "we," "our," and "us" refer to Simbase, while "you" and "your" denote the individual, company, or legal entity that you represent, along with any affiliated entities. These Terms are applicable to all developers, customers, and users who create applications that interact with our APIs. 

Please note that this Agreement does not confer any rights to access or use Simbase's online tools, which are subject to a separate agreement with Simbase. If you are agreeing to these Terms on behalf of a company or other legal entity, or in your capacity as an employee, consultant, or service provider, you confirm that you have the authority to legally bind that entity to these Terms.

By selecting "I agree" (or a comparable option) or by utilizing or accessing our APIs, you acknowledge your acceptance of these Terms.

3. Definitions

In these Terms, the words used have the meaning as indicated on simbase.com/terms, unless from the context the contrary appears.

4. Getting started

The Simbase REST API offers a streamlined and user-friendly way to manage your SIM cards. This includes functionalities such as activation, deactivation, usage monitoring, and coverage plan updates. We've designed our API with simplicity and ease of use in mind, ensuring a seamless integration into your existing systems for efficient management of your connectivity needs.

Our API is structured with intuitive, resource-oriented URLs, leveraging standard HTTP features such as authentication, verbs, and error handling for clarity and predictability. You can easily utilize the API by copying our provided examples and using any HTTP client in your preferred programming language. Additionally, you have the option to directly import this collection into Postman for convenience.

Our API is tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of users. Whether you're a developer aiming to automate SIM card management or a business seeking to enhance operational efficiency, our API provides all the necessary tools and features to get you started on your journey towards streamlined connectivity management. 
To begin exploring the capabilities of our API and to see firsthand results, we recommend acquiring a Simbase SIM. Once you have your SIM, simply sign up or log in to our dashboard to start your journey with us.

5. Usage guidelines

5.1 API usage cost

All customers can use the API free of charge. Please be aware that some API calls trigger events, like sending an SMS, that bear costs. The SMS message is billed according to the rate plan assigned to your SIM card.

Furthermore, Simbase reserves the right to introduce charges for future use of or access to our APIs. In the event that we decide to implement fees for the use of our APIs, we will ensure that you are provided with reasonable advance notice. Upon receiving this notice, you have the full freedom to discontinue your use of our APIs at any time.

5.2 Authentication

To execute a successful API call, you need your account's unique API key. This key can be acquired and reset through the Simbase dashboard. Simply log in, navigate to 'Settings', and select 'API Key'. Please note that API keys are accessible exclusively to users with Admin privileges.

The API key is personal and confidential. Users must ensure its security and prevent unauthorized use. Any misuse of the API key may result in suspension or termination of access.

5.3 Permissible use

Users are authorized to use the API for lawful purposes only, in accordance with these Terms and any applicable laws and regulations. The API should be integrated into applications or systems that adhere to our usage policies.

5.4 Prohibited use

Users must not use the API in a way that could harm the API, our services, or other users. This includes overloading, impairing, or attempting to gain unauthorized access to the API. The API must not be used for any fraudulent, misleading, or illegal activities.

5.5 Rate limiting and fair usage

To ensure optimal service and fair access for all users, rate limits apply to API calls:

  1. Maximum 10 calls per second, and

  2. Maximum 1000 calls per day.

Users are expected to respect these limits and not attempt to circumvent them. 

Simbase reserves the right to modify usage limits at any time, without prior notice. This may include implementing technical measures to prevent over-usage of the API services.

5.6 Data use and restrictions

Any data retrieved through the API must be used in compliance with data protection laws and must not infringe on the rights of third parties. Users are prohibited from using the API for data mining, scraping, or similar activities without explicit permission from Simbase.

5.7 Feedback and improvements

Simbase continuously adds more APIs and features. If you have questions or have any requests for future APIs, just raise a support ticket via our webform (https://www.simbase.com/support-request) or create a feature request at https://feedback.simbase.com.

6. Security and privacy

You, and any person acting on behalf of you:

  1. Are responsible for the security of their API keys and any confidential information accessed through the API.

  2. Must ensure compliance with applicable data privacy laws when using the API.

  3. Are required to promptly report any security breaches or vulnerabilities related to the API to Simbase via security@simbase.com.

  4. Will cooperate in resolving any security issues to maintain the integrity and security of the API.

  5. Will adhere to the prescribed rate limits as outlined in these Terms and refrain from making requests or calls to our APIs that (i) surpass these specified rate limits, or (ii) utilize our APIs in a way that adversely affects the stability of Simbase's servers or influences the performance of other applications interfacing with our APIs.

  6. Commit to refraining from any activities that (i) compromise, disrupt, or circumvent any technical processes or security measures associated with our APIs or the Service, or (ii) create a security vulnerability that could potentially impact other users.

  7. Refrain from taking any actions that would subject the Service to third-party terms, including but not limited to any terms associated with "open source" software licenses.

  8. Abstain from monitoring, creating, or disclosing any form of statistical, benchmarking analysis, or other metrics related to the availability, performance, or functionality of our APIs without express authorization from Simbase.

  9. Avoid selling, renting, or sharing any User Content, information, or data acquired through our APIs, either directly or indirectly, with any third parties.

  10. Refrain from utilizing our APIs in association with activities that involve or promote: (i) the use of spyware, malicious programs, or harmful code, or (ii) any activities that, in Simbase's sole judgment, are offensive or could potentially harm Simbase's business or reputation.

7. Intellectual property rights

Simbase maintains full ownership rights over the API and its content. When using the API, users are provided with a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and limited right to access and utilize it, strictly adhering to these Terms. It's important to note that users are not authorized to duplicate, disseminate, or exploit any data acquired through the API for commercial purposes without obtaining explicit permission from Simbase. Additionally, when interacting with the API, users must also respect the intellectual property rights of third parties, ensuring that their use of the API is in compliance with these legal obligations.

8. Liability and disclaimer

8.1 Disclaimer of warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Simbase provides its APIs and marks on an "as is" basis, without any warranties of any kind. Simbase and its third-party licensors explicitly disclaim all representations, warranties, conditions, and guarantees, including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, availability, security, title, and non-infringement. Simbase does not guarantee the reliability, accuracy, or completeness of its APIs, the service, nor does it commit to continuous provision of the service or that the use of our APIs will be secure, timely, uninterrupted, error-free, or meet your specific requirements or expectations. 

Your use of our APIs is at your own discretion and risk. You will be solely responsible for any resultant damage, including but not limited to, damage to your computer system or loss of data. You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for the content, development, operation, support, and maintenance of your application, and Simbase bears no responsibility or liability of any kind for these aspects of your application.

8.2 Limitation of liability

Under no circumstances shall Simbase or its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, suppliers, or licensors be liable to you or any third party for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to, loss of profits, sales, business, data, or goodwill, or business interruption, arising out of or in connection with the use of our APIs. 

This applies regardless of whether the cause of action is based on breach of contract, warranty, tort (including negligence and product liability), or any other pecuniary loss, even if Simbase has been informed of the possibility of such damages. In any event, Simbase's total liability arising from or related to these Terms, whether in contract, tort, or under any other theory of liability, shall not exceed $100.

It is important to note that some jurisdictions do not permit the exclusion of certain warranties or the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages. Therefore, some of the limitations in these Terms may not apply to you. In such jurisdictions, Simbase's liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law.

8.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Simbase and its subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, agents, licensors, co-branders or other partners, and employees harmless against any and all claims brought by a third party against Simbase arising from or related to your use of the Simbase APIs or your breach of any obligation, representation, warranty, covenant, or other provision contained in these Terms, your user agreement with users, or your privacy policy. 

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding sentence, (a) Simbase retains the right to select its own counsel for such matters at its own expense, and (b) you may not enter into any settlement without our express written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld. This consent is particularly required if (i) the third party asserting the claim is a government agency, (ii) the settlement suggests an admission of any fact or fault, (iii) the settlement does not include a complete release of liability, or (iv) the settlement contains terms other than a complete release of liability and the payment of money.

9. Updates and modification to these Terms

We may modify these Terms periodically to reflect the evolution of our business, including any related policies, terms, or their URLs. You are encouraged to review the most recent version of these Terms at any time by visiting this page.

As Simbase continues to evolve, we need the flexibility to make changes to our APIs, some of which may not be backwards compatible. We will strive to provide notice of these changes through direct communications or by postings on the Service. However, you acknowledge and agree that such modifications may be implemented at any time, potentially without prior notice to you. Additionally, you understand that certain aspects of our APIs may remain undocumented.

For questions about these or any Simbase Terms or policies, raise a support ticket via our webform: https://www.simbase.com/support-request.