diff --git a/src/TinyGsmClientSequansMonarch.h b/src/TinyGsmClientSequansMonarch.h
index 53ac2a5..7065f9b 100644
--- a/src/TinyGsmClientSequansMonarch.h
+++ b/src/TinyGsmClientSequansMonarch.h
@@ -210,6 +210,13 @@ public:
 
     DBG(GF("### Modem:"), getModemName());
 
+    // Make sure the module is enabled. Unlike others, the VZN20Q powers on
+    // with CFUN=0 not CFUN=1 (that is, at minimum functionality instead of full functionality
+    // The module cannot even detect the sim card if the cellular functionality is disabled so
+    // unless we explicitly enable the functionality the init will fail.
+    sendAT(GF("+CFUN=1"));  // turn off error codes
+    waitResponse();
+
     int ret = getSimStatus();
     // if the sim isn't ready and a pin has been provided, try to unlock the sim
     if (ret != SIM_READY && pin != NULL && strlen(pin) > 0) {