A new technical specification is set to shake up remote SIM provisioning. SGP.32 shifts the control of network profile downloads away from networks into devices, simplifying the interconnection arrangements that connectivity providers must manage with mobile network operators (MNOs). Companies planning IoT deployments, particularly those designed to be multi-region, can prepare to reap the benefits of the new standard, supported by their cellular connectivity provider.
Remote SIM provisioning is a convenient way for companies to gain flexibility over which MNO they connect to, and when. A traditional SIM card is locked into an MNO, which can be inconvenient for companies wishing to switch network operator. They may want to do this for commercial or operational reasons, but they would have to physically access the SIM cards in their deployed devices, which can be inconvenient.
Remote SIM provisioning addresses this issue. It enables SIM profiles to be switched, added or deleted by reprogramming eSIMs over-the-air (OTA), without the need to physically change SIM cards. This means MNO profiles can be deployed when required, which could be during manufacture, at the time products go-live, or even years later.
This is useful for multi-region IoT deployments as once devices are deployed, they can pick up relevant local networks. It supports single stock keeping units (SKUs) for devices which is ideal for streamlined manufacturing processes and to minimise costs. Markets that companies wouldn’t otherwise have entered also become available, because it helps overcome SIM connectivity issues.
What is SGP.32 and when is it available?
SGP.32 is GSMA’s new technical specification, or standard, for remote SIM provisioning. It converges the previously different consumer and machine-to-machine (M2M) approaches, for a single industry approach.
Up until SGP.32, remote SIM provisioning has involved a bootstrap profile that connects to a home network so the network can identify which profile to download. This has meant MNOs and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) have had to maintain extensive interconnections to offer remote SIM provisioning, which has added input costs and complexity.
SGP 32 still uses a bootstrap profile but it puts more of the intelligence around operational profile selection into the SIM. The new standard provides for an IoT Profile Assistant (IPA) in the SIM, or on the device, which contacts a remote connectivity manager to kick off the chain of command to download the relevant profile.
SGP.32 is was released in May of 2023, although device and SIM certification on the new standard is likely to take some time.
What does SGP.32 mean for businesses and the IoT?
SGP.32 will benefit remote SIM provisioning for the IoT. It gives companies deploying IoT devices more control by shifting business intelligence away from the network and into the device and the SIM. It simplifies how profile switching is achieved, which will remove cost, and should help reduce time-to-market.
Those benefits include minimising total cost of ownership because devices can be reprogrammed to pick up local networks at local rates. That could be soon after devices are deployed, or years into their lifetime when new commercial options, or new operators, enter the market.
By minimising the required number of SKUs, companies can simplify production and distribution to save on logistics, manufacturing and inventory costs.
All these benefits are felt particularly by companies that deploy IoT devices to be in place for an extended time, as well as those that manufacture in one country and export to many others, and those with devices that transmit high data volumes in more than one country. For these, and other IoT installations, network profile switching can help future-proof deployments over time.
How can companies optimise remote SIM provisioning?
Companies planning to take advantage of remote SIM provisioning should ask how their connectivity provider is preparing for this new standard.
Wireless Logic has extensive MNO relationships, a global infrastructure and the expertise to help companies optimise their IoT solution.
Conexa, from Wireless Logic, supports profile download and switching. It is a carrier-grade mobile network that provides resilient and flexible multi-national connectivity. Conexa was built to be a single integration point to an eco-system of leading networks partners, to resolve challenges in IoT procurement, manufacturing and logistics processes and to provide in-life management and security.
For more information, take a look at Conexa, eSIM and our guide to remote SIM provisioning. You can also contact us to discuss.
