WIRELESS & IoT
SIM profile. Profiles can be pre-loaded or downloaded in an OTA transaction whenever they are required later. Devices can then be shipped anywhere in the world. For manufacturers, that means reduced
supply chain costs and complexities. One SIM card for all networks means a single SIM component for all devices and one stock- keeping unit (SKU), to simplify production and distribution and save logistics, manufacturing and inventory costs. These cost savings stack up and, for large global deployments, can be significant. Device makers, meanwhile, benefit from
more control over connectivity, which they may choose to bundle or offer as part of a global data pack. They can also take advantage of potential new markets, as devices that weren’t previously connected due to SIM issues can now become part of IoT implementations. For enterprises, there are connectivity cost
savings to be had through local rates and fewer roaming charges. They will also benefit from eliminating altogether the cost of purchasing new SIM cards and paying for switch outs. eSIM technology opens up opportunities
within a broad range of industries implementing IoT, particularly those with use cases that see SIM cards embedded where they are hard to reach. That includes automotive, where SIMs may be positioned deep inside car dashboards, and finance where they may be embedded in payment terminals. Large-scale global deployments including vending machines, water stations and e-scooters also stand to benefit from eSIMs, as do machine-to-machine (M2M) implementations by oil and gas providers and in power plants, manufacturing facilities and warehouses. eSIMs within devices can be preloaded with
multiple profiles and switched seamlessly from one profile to another as they move from region to region. That makes the technology perfect for transport and logistics where devices are constantly on the move.
What is involved in an eSIM IoT implementation? When implementing eSIMs, first consider who will provide the actual cards, together with how they will be managed going forward. The eSIM ecosystem is still developing and navigating it can be tricky. Changing from one profile to another can come with its own heavy lifting and cost, which begins with selecting and contracting with a new operator and ends with managing device configuration changes such as serial (integrated circuit card identification – ICCID) numbers and IP addresses. These steps create complexity and take time to complete. You will need an understanding of the IoT
devices already deployed and how they will be managed within the new eSIM implementation. Will it be cost-effective to migrate to an all-eSIM deployment or will
traditional SIMs be maintained in the short or medium term? A hybrid deployment adds complexity but switching out embedded SIMs en masse may be unrealistic. Importantly, there must be a clear strategy
and approach for the management platforms that oversee subscriptions and the eSIMs, traditional SIMs and IoT devices. After all, the physical eSIM is just the vehicle, the value of the technology resides in the Remote SIM Provisioning Platforms (RSPs) which enable OTA network switching.
operate and maintain. Realistically, this is an option only for the largest companies. Lastly, you could contract with a third-party
eSIM service provider. That will mean allowing time to get setup, but these providers are neutral so there will be no issue switching subscriptions when the time comes.
Accelerating IoT deployments Consolidating partnerships helps keep an eSIM implementation as simple as possible. A full-service provider will orchestrate most, if not all, services from eSIM provision to integration and management. That way, companies are free to focus on their core business and reap the benefits of eSIM technology without the distraction, time and financial investment of eSIM management. Independent service providers understand
Choosing an eSIM service provider There are three options when migrating to eSIMs. You could choose to stick with your incumbent mobile network operator, if it operates an eSIM platform. This has the benefit of convenience, as there is an existing relationship, but to take advantage of network switching, you’ll need to know if your existing operator can continue to be your eSIM service provider. The second option is to manage eSIM
deployments in-house as your chosen eSIM supplier is likely to have its own management platform. With this comes complete autonomy but it will be expensive to set up,
and manage eSIM technicalities as well as relationships with operators. Look out for support that includes a global operator ecosystem, remote SIM provisioning and connectivity management platforms, and specialist technical and commercial guidance. Also, consider the level of influence the provider has because scale matters. Independent providers with scale interact with MNOs regularly; they have leverage when it comes to securing access to a wide range of major operator profiles for their ecosystem. eSIM technology is set to kick-start IoT
deployments that were previously unrealistic due to the practical considerations of SIM card swap-out. It will enhance IoT project scalability and make in-life management simpler and more cost-effective by making the best connectivity options available. The eSIM ecosystem is new and growing, but there are supported ways for manufacturers, device makers and enterprises to make the switch, and thereby accelerate IoT deployments.
Wireless Logic
www.wirelesslogic.com DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | ELECTRONICS TODAY 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42
