eSIM makes it easier to change carriers

eSIM frees up space in IoT devices and can be programmed remotely, making connecting devices and changing carriers easier.

By Steve Taranovich Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards

add cost, take up valuable space inside devices, and can be troublesome to handle. eSIM devices eliminate such cards. For IoT devices, users can switch carriers without sending a person to a remote site to swap a card. How did eSIM evolve from SIM cards, and why? Let’s explore.

What is a SIM card?

A removable SIM card is a small chip contained in nearly all cell phones and cellular-connected IoT devices. The SIM card’s function is to store information that enables a cell phone to communicate with its carrier’s cell towers. If the SIM card is removed from a phone, the ability to text, call, or access information on the internet would not be possible.

Enter eSIM

An eSIM takes the chip out of its card. It’s usually soldered directly to a device’s PC board. That saves precious space, enabling such things as increasing battery sizes. The eSIM can be programmed and re-programmed remotely through software when a user wants to change carriers for phone numbers.

One example of SIM use is an Apple eSIM on the iPhone 14, which lets users activate any cellular plan, provided the eSIM isn’t locked on a single network. Users can program eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and switch between two phone numbers at the same time.

GSMA and eSIM

eSIM is a global specification issued by the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) that enables remote SIM provisioning of any mobile device. The GSMA announced the first eSIM Security Certification on July 19, 2022. Moving from removable SIM to eSIM provides many benefits:

• eSIM has the same level of security as the removable SIM.

• Device end users benefit from easy management of subscriptions and connections. There is no longer a need to manage multiple SIM cards.

• eSIM allows remote management of subscriptions for organizations.

• Distributors now have simplified logistics and reduced customization for regional areas and specific operators.

• Operators can now simplify the expansion of their businesses in emerging markets, such as consumer electronics, wearables, and automotive.

• Manufacturers of devices can benefit from the reduced space in their product designs, leading to smaller devices. Devices can also now be made airtight to resist dampness, vibration, and temperature.

The IoT was one of the reasons that the eSIM card was ushered into existence. The eSIM was small and did not need a slot in devices because it is an embedded chip, hence the name “eSIM.” Thales, an eSIM solution provider, reports that by 2025, approximately 4 to 5 billion smartphone connections will be using eSIM cards from the M2M/B2B IoT and consumer markets.

eSIM applications Mobile phones

The newest iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Oppo, and Pixel smartphones are just a few examples of devices with eSIM capability. eSIMs have many benefits, including highly e cient subscription management and seamless remote connectivity over a product’s lifecycle. This greatly benefits fastgrowing product sectors in large IoT deployments, such as smart meters. eSIM benefits include easier changing of service providers without swapping phones or SIM cards because they can be reprogrammed through the phone. International travel with a smartphone with an eSIM no longer requires replacing the eSIM as the original SIM devices did.

IoT

The IoT is continuing a digital transformation that is enabling more device connectivity. This is leading to the job of interfacing with many Connectivity Service Providers (CSPs) who need roaming agreements to connect their devices in a multitude of countries. Such businesses need

SIM card sizes have shrunk, and that trend continues with eSIM.