Pelion logo
Pelion

eSIM: Boosting Flexible and Scalable IoT Connectivity

eSIM overview

eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are a digital alternative to traditional IoT SIM cards, enabling remote activation and management of IoT devices without physical swaps. Offering benefits like global connectivity, enhanced security, and flexible network switching, eSIMs simplify device deployment, reduce operational costs, and provide seamless, reliable connections across diverse industries.

What are eSIMs?

An eUICC SIM (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is an embedded SIM card that can be updated remotely over the air (OTA), enabling IoT devices to switch carriers or update network profiles without needing to physically swap SIMs.

Traditionally, switching carriers involved replacing the SIM card, which was relatively simple for consumer devices like smartphones and tablets – but for IoT devices, especially those with embedded SIMs (soldered directly into the device), swapping out SIMs was a logistical challenge.

The remote SIM provisioning standards were developed to address this challenge, allowing SIM manufacturers to create SIMs that could be updated remotely, which is where the term eSIM (and more specifically, eUICC) comes into play

Key benefits of eSIMs

  • Global connectivity
    Seamless support for cellular networks worldwide, enabling IoT devices to stay connected anytime, anywhere.

  • Over-the-air activation (OTA)
    Remote provisioning and management, reducing the need for physical SIM card installations and simplifying device deployment.

  • Multi-network support
    Supports multiple mobile network operators (MNOs), giving users the ability to choose and switch between operators based on network coverage, cost, and data requirements.

  • Data security
    Advanced encryption and security features, including secure provisioning, storage, and data transmission to ensure the integrity of your IoT devices.

  • Remote management
    Full lifecycle management of IoT connectivity, including real-time monitoring, updates, and troubleshooting through the Pelion Portal, our centralized Connectivity Management Platform (CMP), the Pelion Portal.

eSIM form factors

eSIMs for IoT are available in various form factors to suit different device requirements. They can be embedded in the device (MFF2 form factor) or in traditional plastic SIM cards that are removable.

Form Factor

Description

Plastic SIM (Standard)

Removable SIM card, compatible with most devices.

3FF (Micro SIM), 2FF (Nano SIM), Embedded

(MFF2), 4FF

Smaller, soldered directly into the device.

Additionally, newer form factors like the iSIM (integrated SIM) are even more compact, further reducing the need for dedicated SIM slots.

Key use cases for eSIMs

  • Global IoT Deployments
    Ideal for smart cities, automotive, agriculture, logistics, and remote monitoring applications.

  • Smart meters & utilities
    Enables connectivity for smart grid systems, energy meters, and water distribution sensors.

  • Asset Tracking
    Perfect for tracking high-value goods and vehicles across regions.

  • Health & medical devices
    Ensures reliable data transmission for IoT health monitoring devices, including wearables and diagnostic tools.

Consumer eSIM vs. IoT eSIM

When compared to IoT eSIMS, consumer eSIMs have several key differences in functionality and use cases, making them ill-suited for IoT deployments.

Feature

Consumer eSIM

IoT eSIM

Target use

Smartphones, tablets, consumer devices

IoT devices, remote assets

Provisioning model

"Pull" model: User selects carrier or scans QR code for activation

"Push" model: Operator remotely pushes profiles to the device

Deployment Environment

Devices with user interaction (e.g., mobile phones)

Devices deployed in the field without direct user intervention

Profile Switching

Easy, user-initiated (via app or QR code)

More complex, requires integration across platforms for seamless migration

Update Frequency

Low frequency, typically changes when switching providers

Regular updates, adapting to network changes or regional regulations

IoT eSIMs provide critical advantages over traditional SIM cards. By allowing remote provisioning and over-the-air updates, eSIMs improve cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and device maintenance. As IoT continues to grow, eSIMs will play an essential role in enabling scalable, secure, and efficient device management worldwide.

Unlock effortless connectivity with the Pelion eSIM.

Get in touch