Global IoT is on a steady upward trajectory as this technology becomes an integral part of business. According to Gartner, IoT isn’t simply a technology initiative anymore, but rather a key component of business – with 61 percent of enterprises showing a high level of IoT maturity.
A large driver in the adoption of IoT is agile connectivity that is reliable, future-proofed, and allows for zero-touch provisioning. These benefits can easily be found in eSIM, and this technology is on the rise.
Adoption of eSIM is projected to be more than 2.4 billion connected devices in 2025 compared to the 36 million in 2019, with an eSIM-compatible device projection of 45 percent between 2020 and 2025, according to a report by Kaleido Intelligence.
With this technology becoming more widespread, it’s important to understand what the true eSIM is amongst other connectivity technologies which may tout similar benefits, without actually providing to the fullest degree global, future-proofed technology.
A true eSIM is going to be designed leveraging eUICC technology that has been defined by the GSMA. The true eSIM will allow for zero-touch, or remote, provisioning. This is the ability to switch networks or carriers over-the-air (OTA) whether in deploying in bulk from the manufacturing floor or switching networks or carriers in the field after deployment.
Remote provisioning and the ability to host multiple carrier profiles is what makes eSIM global and future proofed against carrier changes, restrictions, or network shutdowns. There are a few technologies that might appear to offer the same global, future-guarded features, but simply do not measure up:
Dual SIM: Some mobile devices support the use of two SIM cards, which is described as a dual SIM operation. With two SIMs, users can switch between the separate mobile network services manually or there can be hardware support to keep both connections in a standby state for automatic switching. This solution does not fit the remote or zero-touch provisioning of eSIM, and many IoT devices can’t support two SIMs, either due to size, complexity, or cost restraints.
Multi-IMSI: This stands for Multiple International Mobile Subscriber Identities. A SIM typically has an IMSI that is a unique number that lets Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) authenticate their subscribers to the network, including the roaming networks established by the MNO. With Multi-IMSI, it allows a SIM to connect to more than one network. While this is a strong multi-networked SIM choice, it still isn’t eUICC standard.
Permanent roaming: With a SIM being given “permission” to roam longer than the standard 30 to 90 days, devices can operate outside of their home network indefinitely. The problem with this solution is that permanent roaming agreements can be tenuous and are subject to change, which means an IoT device infrastructure may need to be upended after deployment if permanent roaming is suddenly restricted by an MNO.
Soft SIMs: Soft SIMs do not have a hardware component, but rather are software-based. An embedded or removable eSIM is a hardware component that can offer more security and are standardized.
KORE has developed eSIM solutions that tackle the greatest challenges in global and high-usage IoT use cases. The KORE OmniSIM™ simplifies the complexity of achieving network access for truly global resilient coverage, navigating evolving network technologies, and managing complex logistical processes for your IoT deployments with a single eSIM.
The KORE OmniSIM offering comes in two packages:
OmniSIM Reach™ provides global connectivity across 500 networks in 215 countries with resilient coverage through multiple available networks per country. Powered by centralized Multi-IMSI technology, you can deploy a single SIM SKU globally that supports failover connectivity by switching to another network when one is unreachable.
OmniSIM Rush™ provides resilient connectivity across 61 networks in 34 countries in the U.S. and Europe. This is a cost-effective solution for those Io T use cases that require higher data usage plans from 100MB and up and there’s no permanent roaming restriction for IoT deployments using the 901 IMSI.
When you’re ready to learn how to find the true eSIM and weed out the impersonators, you’re ready for our upcoming webinar, “Unmasking the Pretenders: Understanding True eSIM Design and Next-Generation Connectivity” on December 15.
KORE expert Marco Bijvelds and James Brehm and Associates analyst Andy Castonguay will discuss the key differentiators in SIM solutions, down to the very architecture of the eSIM in how it supports global and future-proof deployments. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions so you’re getting the technology and reliable connectivity you need.
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