8 April 2026
The IoT connectivity market is entering a new phase. For many years, aggregator-led models helped simplify access to global connectivity by bringing multiple networks under a single commercial and operational layer.
This approach reduced complexity and accelerated adoption, particularly in the early stages of IoT growth.
As deployments scale, expectations are changing. Enterprises are placing greater emphasis on performance, visibility and long-term control. In response, operators are evolving their approach to connectivity delivery.
The introduction of IoT eSIM offerings such as the one recently launched by melita.io reflects this shift towards more flexible and software-driven connectivity models.
The role of eSIM in modern connectivity
eSIM is often associated with convenience, but its role in IoT goes further.
By enabling remote SIM provisioning, eSIM allows connectivity profiles to be delivered and managed over the air. This removes the dependency on physical SIM handling and introduces a more dynamic way to manage connectivity.
- Profiles can be activated remotely
- Connectivity can be updated without accessing the device
- Operator profiles can be adjusted based on deployment needs
This creates a more adaptable model that supports long-term lifecycle management.
Evolving expectations at scale
As IoT deployments grow, so does the complexity of managing connectivity across regions and networks.
Organisations are looking for:
- Greater transparency in how connectivity is delivered
- More control over network selection and performance
- Flexible commercial models that scale with usage
- Reliable long-term management of deployed devices
These requirements are shaping how operators design their connectivity platforms and services.
Implications for MVNO and MNO strategies
For MVNOs and MNOs, eSIM represents an opportunity to move towards more integrated and service-oriented models.
Connectivity is no longer just about providing access. It is about enabling control, visibility and adaptability across the full device lifecycle.
This requires:
- Stronger integration between connectivity platforms and enterprise systems
- API driven provisioning and automation
- Unified management of physical SIMs and eSIMs
- Clear accountability for performance and service delivery
Operators that can deliver this combination are better positioned to support large-scale deployments across industries such as logistics, utilities, mobility and industrial IoT.
Alignment with high-growth IoT use cases
The advantages of eSIM align closely with the needs of high-growth IoT sectors.
- In logistics and asset tracking, remote provisioning supports cross-border deployments without manual SIM changes
- In utilities and smart metering, long-term lifecycle management reduces operational overhead
- In industrial environments, remote monitoring and automation require consistent connectivity
- In mobility and automotive use cases, flexible network access supports deployments across multiple regions
Across these use cases, the focus is shifting towards connectivity that can adapt over time rather than remain fixed.
Standardisation and the evolution towards SGP.32
The development of IoT eSIM is guided by GSMA specifications that ensure interoperability across devices and networks.
SGP.22 remains the current standard for IoT eSIM deployments, providing a stable and widely adopted framework for remote SIM provisioning.
Looking ahead, SGP.32 is being developed to introduce a more streamlined architecture, particularly suited to large-scale and low-power deployments. It is not intended to replace SGP.22, but to complement it, with both standards expected to coexist.
melita.io is planning to introduce SGP.32 later this year, reflecting the direction of travel across the operator ecosystem.
A shift towards more adaptable connectivity
The IoT connectivity market continues to evolve towards more software-defined models.
Provisioning, management and optimisation are increasingly handled remotely, allowing connectivity to adapt to changing operational and commercial requirements.
For operators, this shift creates new opportunities to deliver more flexible and scalable services. For enterprises, it provides greater control and visibility across deployments.
Connectivity is no longer only about access to a network. It is about how that connectivity is managed, adapted and sustained over time. eSIM is playing a central role in this transition, supporting a more resilient and future-ready approach to global IoT connectivity.