What you need to know about the new eSIM SGP.32 standard

What you need to know about the new eSIM SGP.32 standard

Embedded Subscriber Identity modules (eSIMs or eUICC) are at the heart of today’s Internet of Things (IoT). Like traditional plastic SIM cards, they store data that uniquely identifies a device to the mobile network that the owner of the device has chosen to use.

However, eSIMs – which are typically integrated (e.g. soldered like an electronic component) within the device – allow customers to choose and switch connectivity providers over-the-air, usually without the need to physically change the SIM. This is known as remote SIM provisioning or RSP, this process is governed by a series of standards developed by the Global System for Mobile communications Association (GSMA) and SGP.32 is the latest of those standards for IoT.

For example, RSP is a key component and enabler of Vodafone IoT’s Global SIM+ solution which supports businesses in deploying their connected assets to highly regulated countries (i.e. countries with permanent roaming restrictions). This is achieved by migrating the Global SIM over-the-air to a local SIM – which enables assets to seamlessly connect to the country’s networks.

How eSIM standards have evolved

The first eSIM (or remote SIM provisioning) standard was the SGP.02 or ‘machine-to-machine’ standard, which was introduced in 2014. It relied on server-driven provisioning, often using SMS for communication. This was followed in 2016 by the SGP.22 or ‘consumer’ standard which was designed to support devices with a user interface, allowing individual users to manage and switch SIM profiles directly.

However, neither approach fully addressed the specific challenges of IoT devices.

The SGP.02 standard was complex and dependent on SMS or more heavyweight protocols – making it unsuitable for devices with limited power or no SMS capability such as sensors, meters or trackers using low power wide area (LPWA) connectivity like NB-IoT. Furthermore, switching from one mobile network to another – once an IoT device had been deployed – was complicated due to the need for integration between the donor and recipient platform.

In contrast, the SGP.22 standard allows the device user to ‘pull’ the profile directly from the donor platform without the need for integration, making switching easier. However, this process must be triggered manually making it suitable for individual consumer devices, but not for many remote or inaccessible IoT devices.

The new SGP.32 standard

Based on technical specifications released by the GSMA in May 2023, the new SGP.32 standard for RSP is an adaption of the ‘consumer’ SGP.22 approach with additional features designed for the massive multi-country deployment of IoT devices, including:

• A simplified architecture that avoids the need for platform integrations, streamlining the process of switching connectivity provider.

• A platform-based eSIM IoT Manager (eIM) that lets you switch providers without needing help from your current network or doing anything manually.

• Lighter protocols, so it's suitable for low-power IoT devices.

Whilst SGP.32 has a lot of promise; certified devices are only likely to be commercially available at the end of 2025 (at the earliest). And, even when the new standard is ready, companies will still need to consider the time and resource involved when implementing the technology – such as making agreements with new network operators, introducing new device models (with elements such as the eIM that support the new standard), upgrading customer systems and applications to be compatible with the technology, and ensuring that you have the single pane of glass to retain full visibility and control across the entire portfolio. With Vodafone IoT, customers will have a trusted provider that can help businesses with the entire SGP.32 ecosystem, enabling them to deploy secure and reliable worldwide connectivity. We will also help manufacturers and customers to strike the right balance between whether new or existing technology is more beneficial for their businesses.

Why Vodafone IoT

Vodafone IoT operates in more than 180 countries, partners with over 760 networks worldwide and has the largest global managed IoT connectivity platform with more than 200 million IoT connections – providing its customers with simple, secure and scalable connectivity. Furthermore, Vodafone IoT enables businesses to expand their operations into highly regulated markets with compliant connectivity.

Businesses who to migrate their field eSIMs to Vodafone IoT will be provided with activation codes that enable them to download Vodafone IoT’s eSIM profile over-the-air, and – from there – will be able to start using the connectivity and Managed IoT Connectivity Platform. For customers beginning a rollout, Vodafone IoT’s one-stop-shop product can provide end-to-end support and can also accommodate their own eSIM and eSIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM) – as long as the hardware is compliant with SGP.32.

As your partner, Vodafone IoT ensures seamless onboarding and lifecycle management of all your eSIM devices so you can focus on innovation rather than infrastructure. Vodafone IoT is an integral part of a core group that has defined the new SGP.32 standards for eSIM, and anticipate having GSMA certification later this summer, with the offering being commercially available to new and existing customers by the end of the year.