Transforming IoT Connectivity with eUICC & eSIM

At Pelion, we are always looking for new ways to advance our IoT connectivity solutions. We are committed to innovation and excellence driving us to adopt new technologies that have tangible benefits for our customers. One of the technologies that is key to our strategic vision is the use of the GSMA’s SGP.32 specification for the IoT Remote Provisioning Architecture for eSIM and eUICC. With this standard, we can remotely manage subscriber profiles, changing operators or updating their connectivity service profiles without having to physically access or swap SIM cards.

This is not a new capability for us, but it is a major step forward for our and our customers’ operations. SIM provisioning is one of the most crucial parts of a cellular-based IoT connectivity. SGP.32 represents a significant advance in flexibility for the industry; IoT Connectivity Providers, enterprises, and OEMs. This latest standard streamlines the process of Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP), which will eliminate some of the complexities in today’s RSP services, both technical and commercial, and harmonizes the different approaches under one standard.

The SGP.32 standard offers significant advantages over the M2M eSIM standard. SGP.32 simplifies the eSIM architecture for IoT devices, allowing seamless provider switching, accelerating time to market, and supporting a broader range of services and players within the IoT ecosystem. It introduces the eSIM IoT Remote Manager, a standardized eSIM provisioning tool that streamlines mass deployment of eSIM-enabled IoT devices, enabling features like single SKU for OEMs, better scalability, and support for standalone Consumer IoT devices.

In contrast, the M2M eSIM standard requires technical and commercial integration between the eUICC RSP (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card Remote SIM Provisioning) and each operator, leading to vendor lock-in and complexity in profile changes. SGP.32 eliminates these challenges by offering standards-based interoperability with any operator’s “Consumer” eSIM profiles without requiring user interaction for profile changes, thus enhancing flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in IoT deployments.

Global IoT Deployments benefit from eSIM & eUICC

Our vision is to make global connectivity as open and available as the solutions it enables. By using eUICC, we can expand your market access, providing international yet local solutions and services that overcome geographical barriers. Our global connectivity provides unmatched IoT connectivity solutions that ensures our customers’ businesses can run across borders, accessing new markets and opportunities with ease.

Build once, Deploy anywhere

One of the most immediate benefits of embracing eUICC technology is the substantial reduction in logistical and operational costs. By minimising the physical handling, shipping, and swapping of SIM card this simplifies global procurement allowing for supply chain flexibility and the ability to rationalise SKUs, accelerating time to market.

Enhancing the Customer Experience

To us, great customer experience is vital. The ability to remotely manage and update SIM profiles not only streamlines the activation and switching process but also significantly enhances service convenience and resilience. Imagine upgrading a plan or switching networks without the physical constraints of traditional SIM cards. This level of service flexibility and convenience is a reality today, thanks to eUICC.

Resolving challenges around dynamic nature of supplier relationships

While commercial agreements between suppliers across the industry still need to be made, in the context of managing multi-supplier access to fixed assets like commercial smart meters, EV charge stations, and other long-lifecycle equipment, eUICC-enabled connectivity will resolve some of the physical aspects of SIM profile swapping, removing the need for maintenance visits, reducing downtime and minimizing operational costs.

Enhancing Security and Compliance

As connectivity providers change or systems are updated, maintaining the security of the transmitted data remains a top priority. eUICC supports secure authentication and encryption protocols for eSIMs, ensuring that data from any connected device – smart meters to EV charge stations and industrial monitoring to retail POS – is protected against unauthorised access or tampering, even as supplier relationships evolve.

Our Promise to You

Adopting eUICC is more than a strategic move; it’s a commitment to being at the forefront of the connectivity ecosystem. This standard opens doors to new partnerships and collaborations with device manufacturers, application providers, and network operators, fostering an environment of innovation and growth. We’re ready.

This standard is a cornerstone of our strategy to empower your business, enhance our customers’ operations, and ensure that together, we can embrace the future of connectivity. The journey ahead is exciting, and we are thrilled to have you with us.

As we evolve our services to leverage the standards, our promise remains to provide well-connected, efficient, and reliable connectivity solutions, by design.

About the Author

Dave Weidner is Pelion’s CEO. With deep expertise in technology, telecoms, M&A, Venture Capital, and PE, Dave is recognised for driving innovation and fostering growth. He champions a culture of creativity through his challenging yet considerate leadership style. His strategic vision and commitment to technology, sustainability and profitability is guiding Pelion towards new heights. Dave excels in pushing boundaries, ensuring Pelion delivers on its core promises.