As IoT capabilities and mobile connectivity requirements have changed in recent years, the eSIM has been the ultimate answer. While it can certainly help avoid many of the current challenges that IoT providers are facing, there are still a few more misconceptions that need to be cleared up. The first step in implementing a new technology is to understand its capabilities as well as the ideal use cases. In this article, we discuss four well-known myths and facts about the eSIM.
While the term “eSIM” stands for “embedded SIM cards”, e-SIM cards are also available in removable form factors. eSIM technology provides remote SIM provisioning capabilities that allow the user to remotely provide their SIM cards with the required profile without ever changing the physical SIM card. The physical SIM card can be built in or removed. The main difference between traditional SIM technology and the current eSIM card is the ability to switch provider profiles remotely.
Fact: eSIM cards can be any form factor - embedded or removable.
Yes, with both technologies, provider profiles can be set up and managed remotely. However, the way in which the profile is requested differs. For consumers, it is the end user who chooses and applies for the desired provider. This is usually arranged per device, so a central overview of several devices and their profiles is not necessary.
IoT devices are managed differently. These are managed remotely by the end user of the enterprise. It is essential that they have a remote way to push and manage the required provider profile to their IoT device / SIM card.
Fact: Consumer and IoT eSIM specifications are different and therefore these product / SIM cards are not the same.
With the increased functionality of eSIM cards, there are also slightly higher initial costs compared to traditional SIM cards. However, those costs are marginally higher, and cannot be compared to the cost savings it provides on the road.
Traditional SIM cards are tied to a single carrier. To switch providers due to commercial reasons or network outages, end users are forced to physically swap or upgrade their existing SIM cards. The real cost of purchasing and deploying these new devices or SIM cards is complicated by the fact that devices are often located at a great distance from each other in the field. For that reason, e-SIM cards are a better long-term investment.
Fact: The eSIM costs a little more upfront, but can even save time and money in the long run.
Multi-IMSI connectivity solutions are similar to the eSIM; they are able to switch to multiple provider networks. But with a multi-IMSI solution, this is achieved by replacing or updating the IMSI within the profile instead of downloading a new profile in case of an eSIM. Unlike eSIMS, multi-IMSI solutions are proprietary, without interoperability between carriers and service providers.
Fact: Multi-IMSI is a proprietary technology with no defined standards or specifications. eSIM has a GSMA-defined Remote SIM technology where interoperability between carriers and service providers is possible.
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