The embedded sim (e-sim) is mainly known from the consumer market. This is a digital sim card that is built into devices such as smartphones and tablets. The advantage for the user is that they can switch providers or add a provider without physically replacing the sim card. The ‘provisioning’ is done remotely, which makes it easier to quickly activate devices and connect them to mobile networks.
It is expected that more and more IoT solutions will also use e-SIMs. The new technical eSIM IoT Technical Specification GSMA SGP.32 is expected in the third quarter of this year. This specification is specifically aimed at industrial IoT applications such as industrial equipment, smart meters and the automotive sector and offers more flexibility. The possibility to manage multiple profiles from different providers enables a seamless, international implementation of IoT solutions.
KPN is already preparing for this new specification together with customers and partners. Together with several important suppliers, we are testing solutions that use the new specification, with the aim of bringing them to market in the third quarter of this year. In this way, we ensure that new technology integrates seamlessly and meets the expectations of customers and partners.