eSIM Journey: Advancing Telecom Connectivity

Introduction

Remote provisioning technologies have been changing the way we connect and link devices to cellular networks. The need for space efficiency, reduced energy consumption, enhanced environmental sustainability, global connectivity for IoT and other factors have driven the industry from traditional plastic SIM cards toward the evolution of embedded SIMs (eSIM) and integrated SIMs (iSIM).

To address the management challenges posed by these technologies, the GSMA develops architectures and standards called SGP (Secure Global Platform) that standardize the actors within this ecosystem into a harmonious and integrated path.

Over the past 10 years, there has been significant evolution in this area, and it is easy to get lost in the vast number of jargons and standards. This article aims to explain the technologies and motivations simply so that your decision to adopt or seek opportunities becomes easier.

SGP.02 – Machine to Machine (M2M) Standard

The journey of the eSIM (Embedded SIM) began in the early 2010s due to the necessity of connecting vehicles. Traditional SIM cards were not suitable for application in vehicles, which face challenges like heat, cold, vibration, humidity, and other physical aspects that could damage contact with the SIM card and cause connectivity problems over time.

The solution to these difficulties was the development of a SIM integrated into the car’s electronics to eliminate contact parts. However, the ability to switch operators was hindered because swapping out the integrated SIM was unfeasible. Thus, the GSMA began working on developing an architecture that would allow for the remote delivery, installation, provisioning, and removal of an operator. Consequently, the SGP.02 standard was born in 2014.

Known as the “Machine to Machine” architecture, this standard requires implementing some software components to allow for the integration and routing of profiles among the system’s players to achieve the final goal. A bottleneck in this architecture is the need for integration with key elements of telecommunications operators.

In the Machine to Machine standard, the network pushes the profile to the device based on commands programmed on a platform called RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning). The prepared profile is stored in the SM-DP (Subscription Management Data Preparation) and routed through the SM-SR (Subscription Management Data Routing) to the device.

SGP.22 – Consumer Standard

The need to reduce the space occupied by SIM modules in mobile phones and for energy savings led GSMA to develop another standard. In 2016, the development of the SGP.22 standard began—an architecture focusing on devices with a user interface, such as phones and tablets. The SGP.22 architecture, known as “Consumer,” is much simpler than the Machine-to-Machine architecture.

In this standard, the user connects to the data network via Wi-Fi or another existing carrier, scans a QR code, and starts the process of downloading and installing the profile on the device through an on-screen guided process.

There is no need for integration between operators or interaction with the operator in this architecture. In this standard, the profile is stored inside the SM-DP+. An internet address is assigned to one or more profiles stored in the SM-DP+. The generated address contains an activation code, which acts as a token to allow profile download. The address is converted into a QR code that can be read by the user’s device.

Therefore, in the Consumer standard, the user requests the operator’s profile. This mode is known as the PULL mode of the profile.

The SGP.22 standard significantly simplified the process of enabling connectivity, but it requires an interface and interaction with the user for its operation. Thus, there are restrictions for IoT devices, which can be very limited.

SGP.32 – Internet of Things (IoT) Standard

To address these challenges, in 2023, GSMA launched the SGP.32 standard. This standard is as simple as the SGP.22 standard and introduced an intelligent process to handle the location and hardware limitations of IoT devices.

In the SGP.32 standard, the device or SIM possesses a module called IPA (IoT Profile Assistant) that communicates with a platform called eIM (eSIM IoT Management). The user can program parameters for one or more devices from the eIM. The device communicates with the eIM from time to time to inform its operational status and to check if there is any update to be made. If there is an update, the instructions are sent to the device, which executes the informed operation.

For example, we can inform the eIM that device A needs to connect to a new operator. When device A queries the eIM, an activation code is provided to the device along with the command to download and install the new profile. With the code and address, the device connects to the operator’s SM-DP+ and initiates the process.

Therefore, there is no need for SMS message exchanges, direct user interaction on the device, or the integrations and protocols needed in the M2M standard.

SGP.42 – In-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP) Standard

Currently, GSMA is working on the SGP.42 standard architecture. This will be a complementary standard aimed at further expediting the provisioning process. In the SGP.42 standard, module manufacturers will be able to record the operator profile directly on the production line. This standard, called IFPP (In-Factory Profile Provisioning), avoids the process of downloading and installing the profile at a later time.

OEM manufacturers can benefit from this model as they won’t need to manage different eSIM stocks. In the current model, the eSIM manufacturer can send the CHIP with a pre-recorded profile to the OEM, speeding up their process. The problem arises when the OEM has to manage several stocks with different profiles. With IFPP, the OEM can download and install the desired operator’s profile at the IoT device’s manufacturing line.

Takeaways

➜ Evolution of eSIMs: The eSIM journey, initiated to meet the connectivity needs in automotive applications, highlights significant technological advancements from traditional SIM cards to embedded solutions.

➜ Diverse Standards for Varied Needs: Understanding the different standards—SGP.02 for Machine to Machine, SGP.22 for consumer devices, and the newly introduced SGP.32 for IoT—illustrates how the industry adapts to accommodate diverse technological and user requirements.

➜ Simplification and Accessibility: The development of user-friendly architectures like SGP.22, which simplifies profile management through QR codes, highlights the push toward making eSIM technology more accessible to everyday consumers.

➜ Optimizations for IoT: The introduction of SGP.32 and SGP.42 focuses on overcoming IoT device limitations, emphasizing the need for efficient profile management in devices with minimal user interfaces.

➜ Strategic Future with IFPP: The new IFPP standard aims to streamline and expedite the factory provisioning process, reflecting industry goals to reduce inventory complexity and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

➜ Continuous Innovation: The GSMA’s ongoing efforts to refine eSIM standards underline an industry-wide commitment to innovation and operational efficiency, ensuring readiness for future connectivity challenges.