Matthew Boyle
The rapid advancement in eSIM technology is set to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity landscape. With a projected growth of 260% by 2030, eSIM’s embedded SIM technology is driving a new era in IoT device management and network flexibility. This evolution is further propelled by the introduction of 5G-based RedCap, Massive IoT modules, and LTE-based Cat-1bis units, enhancing cellular IoT capabilities. The shift towards eSIM technology offers significant benefits for IoT enterprises, enabling over-the-air provisioning, reducing vendor lock-in, and allowing for more competitive connectivity tariffs. The latest GSMASGP 31/32 specifications play a crucial role in simplifying the deployment and management of eSIM-enabled devices, promising mass adoption within the IoT industry. With the ability to support multiple network operator profiles and ensure enhanced security, eSIM technology is not only facilitating easier network switching but also driving enterprise demand for more reliable and comprehensive IoT networks.
According to analyst house Omdia, the installed base of IoT devices using embedded SIM ( SIM ) technology will reach 3. 6 billion by 2030, up from just over one billion in 2023. Growth, which will reach 260 percent over the course of the period, will be fueled by eSIM technology advancements, most prominently the most recent GSMASGP. With the sale of 5G-based RedCap and” Massive IoT” modules, according to Omdia, as well as the increase in LTE based Cat- 1bis units, the 31/32 specifications have even seen a general growth in cellular Internet of Things.
A cellular-based subscriber identity module ( SIM ) is integrated into a device circuit board by incoming eSim technology, which also combines it with remote provisioning software. The common SIM has changed over the years, going from a credit-card-sized first-generation form factor ( 1FF ) in the early 1990s to mini-sims ( 2FF), micro-SIMs ( MF) ( Middle 2000s ), and nano-SMDs ( 4FF). Parallel to this, a new family of M2M/IoT SIMs has appeared.eSIM makes use of the second-generation machine-form ( MFF2 ), which can be soldered into an IoTo device.
The second element in an eSIM solution is this MFF2SIM. To enable dynamic control of the SIM’s carrier functions as well as some security features, the universal integrated circuit card ( UICC ) is the other component. It is based on software and is embedded in SIM. An eUICC can host multiple profiles, so it does not need to be changed as part of a full SIM swap in order to change operators. A traditional UICC only has one mobile network operator ( MNO ) profile, which contains the data the MNO needs to enable connectivity.
New standards for ESim : better eSIM regulation
The architecture and requirements (SGP ) are outlined in the 31/32 standard. In order to make it easier to deploy and manage eSIM-enabled IoT devices at scale, it introduces a new component known as the “eIM” ( assim IiT Remote Manager ). Omdia makes a SGP note. Enterprise IoT is “primed for mass adoption” of 31/32 level eSIMs, which offer simpler network switching and device management.
According to the article, “eSIM technology has been extensively used in consumer markets, especially with smartphones and smartwatches.” The ability of IoT businesses to fully utilize this technology has been hampered by limitations on power, computing, and end user intervention. These obstacles are starting to disappear as solutions enter the market. In addition to advancements in eSIM technology, the market is even being driven by other important IoT adoption trends, such as 5G RedCap, 6G Massive, and 4G LTE Cat- 1bis modules, as well as enterprise demand.
It should be noted that the curious classification “5G Massive IoT” refers in formal 3GPP documentation to LTE-based Internet-of-Trend technologies like NB-IoTh and LPE-M on 5G networks. According to Omdia’s survey of 700 international IoT companies, 90 % of them intend to use eSIM/iSim technology within the next two years. In addition to the improved security, businesses prioritize the advantages of eSIMs in order to build more comprehensive/reliable networks, control costs, and… abide by regional regulations. You can access a report around.
eSIM technology has long been seen as an essential form factor for IoT devices, but now we are seeing the technology improve in ways that help enterprises provision over-the-air in resource-constrained I ot devices. As IoT businesses are less subject to vendor lock-in by the CSPs and are better positioned to renegotiate connectivity tariffs, this will increase competition between communication service providers.
The 32 eSIM specification, which has been created especially for IoT, was greatly needed. It eventually starts to close the gap between conventional consumer device provisioning and more conventional IoT devices by providing significant cost, flexibility, and longevity advantages for hardwareOEMs. This will aid in hastening adoption in important sectors, including many others as well as those that have long desired eSIM standardization, quite as mechanical.
