What are eSIMs?

Quick summary

IoT 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.

With the ability to switch networks over-the-air (OTA) and manage profiles centrally, eSIMs offer a flexible, future-proof solution ideal for industries like automotive, logistics, healthcare, utilities, and smart cities.

What is an IoT eSIM?

An IoT eSIM is an embedded SIM card designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Unlike consumer SIMs, which are often managed by the user, IoT eSIMs are remotely controlled through a centralized platform, making them ideal for devices deployed in the field without user access.

Built on Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) standards, an IoT eSIM uses an eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) to securely download, store, and manage multiple mobile network profiles over-the-air. This enables connected devices such as sensors, smart meters, or vehicles to switch carriers, update profiles, or maintain global roaming without the need for manual intervention or physical SIM replacement.

IoT eSIMs are available in various form factors, including removable plastic SIMs (like 2FF, 3FF, and 4FF) and soldered embedded modules (MFF2). More advanced solutions like iSIMs (integrated SIMs) are emerging, which embed SIM functionality directly into the device’s chipset.

How IoT eSIMs work

Traditionally, switching mobile network operators (MNOs) required replacing the SIM card. While simple for consumer devices, this was a major challenge for IoT devices deployed in remote or sealed environments. eSIMs solve this by using Remote SIM Provisioning to manage and update SIM profiles over-the-air.

The eUICC is the heart of this system. It securely stores multiple operator profiles, which can be downloaded, activated, or deactivated remotely, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps.

Core components of eSIM technology

To fully understand eSIMs, it’s important to explore the technologies behind them:

• eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card): The hardware that stores and manages multiple operator profiles, enabling OTA updates.

• SM-DP (Subscription Manager Data Preparation): Prepares and securely stores encrypted profiles, ready for delivery.

• SM-SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing): Handles secure, over-the-air transmission of eSIM profiles to the eUICC.

• Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP): The process by which network profiles are downloaded, activated, or removed remotely, enabling full lifecycle management of the SIM.

eSIM profile types

There are two main types of profiles used in eSIMs:

• Bootstrap Profile: A preloaded profile that allows the device to establish an initial network connection. It serves as a fallback for global roaming when the main profile is unavailable.

• Operational Profile: A full network subscription with a specific MNO. Once provisioned, it provides regular connectivity and typically replaces the bootstrap profile for day-to-day use. While multiple operational profiles can be stored, only one can be active at any time.

Key benefits of IoT 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.

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.

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.

eSIM as-a-Service: streamlining IoT connectivity

eSIM technology is not just about replacing physical SIMs - it’s a foundational shift in how devices connect and operate across networks. With eSIM-as-a-Service, businesses can outsource the complexities of managing network operator relationships, profile provisioning, security, and compliance.

• Rapid time-to-market by eliminating the need to build internal RSP capabilities.

• End-to-end lifecycle management via the Pelion Portal.

• Secure, scalable, and cost-effective connectivity.

• Simplified integration with a single vendor managing a global network footprint.

This model allows companies to focus on their core operations while benefiting from a fully managed, future-proofed connectivity infrastructure.

Ready to unlock effortless connectivity with the Pelion eSIM?