Through the use of eSIM, users can remotely provision their devices to switch between supported carrier profiles via Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The eSIM represents a revolutionary change in the ways that cellular services are managed - eliminating the need for SIM swaps or even physical access to the device to change service providers.
Although eSIM solutions have technically been available for several years now, it has mostly been in
proprietary solutions for very specific use cases. In 2012, GSMA became involved in eSIM specifications and standardization to ensure SIM cards, provisioning systems, and equipment – regardless of manufacturer – will function together. As these standards continue to be defined, cellular carriers, SIM card manufacturers, and other members of the eSIM ecosystem are already leveraging GSMA specifications to define their future eSIM offerings. The impact of eSIM on the world of IoT is expected to be significant, as GSMA predicts that half of all SIM card deployments will use the eSIM format by 2024.
Today, while the technology is advancing in its capabilities, the majority of cellular carriers are still making the necessary changes to network infrastructure, systems, and processes to prepare them for widespread eSIM adoption. With that said, eSIM is very much a near-future solution for IoT organizations to be aware of.
Want to learn more? In this episode of IoT Time Podcast, Ken Briodagh (IoT Evolution) sits down with Marco Bijvelds, SVP, EAP, KORE to talk about eSIM and why it matters to the IoT market.
If you want to get more detail on the subject, join our upcoming webinar on August 20th at 4pm GMT where industry experts discuss the key considerations to global IoT deployment. Register Today!