4G CCTV for Palm Oil Plantations: A Surveillance Solution Without a Ca

Managing a palm oil plantation is no easy feat. Besides the vast areas, which can span hundreds to thousands of hectares, the biggest challenge is maintaining security against theft of fresh fruit bunches (FFB), equipment, and potential sabotage. Unfortunately, many palm oil plantations are far from cities and lack wired internet or Wi-Fi access.

This is where a 4G SIM card CCTV camera comes in as a smart solution. By utilizing cellular networks, this CCTV can be monitored directly from a smartphone without the need for wired internet.

What is 4G CCTV and How Does It Work?

A 4G SIM Card CCTV is a surveillance camera that uses a 4G SIM card to connect to the internet. How it works is simple:

The camera is installed with a SIM card containing a data package.
Video recordings are sent via the cellular network to a cloud server or app.
Garden owners or managers can monitor directly via smartphone.

The difference with ordinary CCTV:

Cable CCTV requires a fiber/LAN internet network.
WiFi CCTV requires a router and a home network.
4G CCTV only requires a cellular signal and can be installed in remote locations.

Security Challenges in Oil Palm Plantations

The large area of the plantation is difficult to monitor only with manual patrols.
Remote locations do not have cable or WiFi network available.
The risk of TBS theft is often a target, as are machines and heavy equipment.
Human patrol workforce efficiency is costly and not always effective.

Advantages of 4G CCTV for Oil Palm Plantations

1. No need for cable or WiFi network

With just a SIM card, 4G CCTV can be used immediately. It's an ideal solution for palm oil plantations far from internet infrastructure.

2. Remote Monitoring Via Smartphone

Owners or managers can access real-time footage through the app. Even when they're in town or abroad, they can still monitor the situation.

3. Flexible and Portable

4G CCTV can easily be moved to new vulnerable points, such as harvest areas, fertilizer warehouses, or access points in and out of the garden.

4. Weather Resistant and Outdoor Ready

Most outdoor 4G CCTVs have IP65–IP67 certification, resistant to heavy rain and scorching heat, suitable for tropical plantation conditions.

5. Save Operational Costs

With 4G CCTV, the need for manual patrols is drastically reduced. Only a small team is needed to verify camera alerts.

Tips for Choosing 4G CCTV for Palm Oil Plantations

Select a minimum camera resolution of 1080p so that faces and vehicles are clearly visible.
Storage Capacity use large microSD (64GB–256GB) or cloud storage.
Resources choose CCTV with battery + solar panel for locations without electricity.
The Mobile App ensures it supports live streaming, real-time notifications, and video playback.
Durability: Choose products with IP66/IP67 certification for durability in the field.

Case Study of 4G CCTV Usage in Plantations

A 200-hectare oil palm plantation in Kalimantan installed 15 4G solar panel CCTV units at strategic points: the entrance, fertilizer warehouse, and distribution routes.

The result:

TBS theft cases reduced by more than 70% in 3 months.
Management can monitor the condition of the garden directly from the application on the smartphone.
Manual patrol cost efficiency up to 40%.

Recommended 4G CCTV Products for Plantations

If you're looking for a practical solution, the BIOTA Smart CCTV 4G could be the right choice. Its advantages:

High resolution (up to 2K).
Supports solar panels for non-stop operation.
Mobile app with instant notifications.
Tropical weather resistant (IP66 certification).

With this feature, plantation owners can monitor their plantation areas without worrying about WiFi limitations.

4G SIM Card CCTV is the perfect solution for oil palm plantations far from cable networks. With real-time monitoring via smartphone, outdoor durability, and installation flexibility, this system provides extra security and cost-effectiveness.

For maximum results, choose CCTV with high resolution, large storage, easy-to-use mobile applications, and solar panel support.

With this step, you not only increase security, but also increase confidence in managing your valuable assets.

Want to know the best 4G CCTV products for your palm oil plantation?
👉 Consult your needs with the Biota Smart Home team and get recommendations that best suit your field conditions.

FAQs About 4G CCTV for Palm Oil Plantations

1. Can 4G CCTV be used in oil palm plantations where there is no WiFi and electricity?

Yes, 4G CCTV is designed to work without a Wi-Fi network. This camera uses a 4G SIM card to send data to your smartphone.
If there is no electricity, choose a 4G plantation CCTV equipped with a rechargeable battery + solar panel , so it can stay on 24 hours a day.

2. How much internet quota does 4G CCTV require in a palm oil plantation?

Quota usage depends on video resolution and monitoring intensity:

1080p (Full HD): around 2–3GB per month for standard monitoring.
2K/4K: can reach 5–10GB per month if you stream or save to the cloud frequently.

Tip: use a SIM card with a large or unlimited data plan for uninterrupted security.

3. How to choose a location to install 4G CCTV in a palm oil plantation?

Choose strategic points with high risk, such as:

Garden entrance/exit.
Fertilizer and equipment warehouse.
Harvest distribution lines.
Main harvest area.

Make sure the camera is installed in a high place with a wide view and a stable 4G signal.

4. Can 4G CCTV still function during heavy rain or extreme weather?

Yes, as long as you choose CCTV with IP65–IP67 standards .

IP65: resistant to light rain and dust.
IP66: withstands heavy rain and water jets.
IP67: withstands heavy rain, dust, and can even be temporarily submerged in water.

For tropical oil palm plantations with high rainfall, it is best to choose a minimum of IP66.

5. Can 4G CCTV be monitored by more than one person?

Yes. Modern 4G CCTV applications typically support multi-user access , meaning the owner, plantation manager, and security team can monitor simultaneously from their respective smartphones.

6. Is 4G CCTV recording safe from data loss?

4G CCTV typically offers two storage options:

MicroSD: data is stored directly on the camera, but is vulnerable to loss if the camera is stolen.
Cloud storage: data is stored on an online server, safer because it can be accessed even if the camera is damaged/lost.

Tip: use MicroSD + Cloud combination for double protection.

7. Is 4G CCTV suitable for very large oil palm plantations (hundreds of hectares)?

Yes, but it requires strategy:

Use multiple 4G CCTV units at vulnerable points.
Mount the camera with a wide angle view.
Combine with drone surveillance or manual patrols for areas that cameras cannot reach.

8. How to ensure the 4G signal is strong enough in the oil palm plantation?

Use the cellular operator whose network is the most stable in the area.
Install an additional external antenna if the signal is weak.
Do a test run with your smartphone before deciding on the camera mounting point.

9. How long is the service life of 4G CCTV for outdoor?

With good quality, outdoor 4G CCTV can last 3–5 years . Factors that influence this:

Camera material quality.
Weather resistance standards (IP rating).
Routine maintenance (e.g. cleaning lenses).

10. Can 4G CCTV be used for purposes other than oil palm plantation security?

Yes. 4G CCTV is also widely used for:

Supervision of rubber, coffee, or sugar cane plantations.
Mining and construction projects in remote areas.
Large farms and pens.
Warehouses and parking lots that are far from WiFi networks.

4G CCTV for Palm Oil Plantations: A Surveillance Solution Without a Cable Internet Network