Bertrand Moussel, Chair of the Trusted Connectivity Alliance Board
As the IoT continues to expand to encompass new industries and verticals, there is growing demand for eSIM technology to enable simplified global connectivity and advanced security. In fact, GSMA Intelligence reports that 83% of organisations identify eSIM as important to the success of future IoT deployments.
GSMA’s eSIM IoT Specification (SGP.32) aims to harness this emerging demand. Building upon proven elements of the existing Consumer Remote SIM Provisioning Specifications (SGP.22), SGP.32 offers a new, dedicated Remote SIM Provisioning model tailored for the unique requirements of IoT devices.
What’s New with SGP.32
The introduction of two new ecosystem components – the eSIM IoT remote Manager (eIM) and IoT Profile Assistant (IPA) – solves a fundamental IoT challenge by enabling the remote management of network, user interface and power constrained devices at massive scale.
In addition, SGP.32 incorporates various other enhancements to address the unique requirements of managing constrained devices across IoT use-cases. This includes support for lightweight communication protocols like the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) and Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) as alternatives to HTTPS and Transport Layer Security (TLS). Device and profile management is also streamlined through the use of protocols such as LightweightM2M (LwM2M) and MQTT.
SGP.32 also leverages the IoT minimal profile as defined in Version 3.3.1 of TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification. This makes it possible to provision a profile even when bandwidth is very limited, as profiles can be developed using only a few hundred bytes – compared to tens of kilobytes previously.
And while SGP.32 can be seen mainly as an evolution of the Consumer Specification, it also includes features from the M2M Specification (SGP.02) to enable more reliable and resilient connectivity to meet the demands of IoT use-cases. This includes rollback, fallback and emergency profile operation mechanisms in case of a loss of connectivity, as well as the ability to retrieve connectivity parameters from the eUICC.
SGP.32 also reuses the advanced, proven security infrastructure defined within the M2M and Consumer Specifications.
Exploring the Benefits of SGP.32
When taken together, these new components and features have the potential to deliver various benefits across new and emerging IoT use-cases that leverage constrained devices. Here are just some examples of the benefits and how they could be realised:
- Increased scalability and flexibility – logistic operators deploying asset trackers in shipping containers can seamlessly connect to multiple network providers across jurisdictions, enabling efficient and uninterrupted operations on global routes.
- Increased network coverage, reliability and resiliency – the inclusion of fallback, rollback and emergency profile mechanisms enables an automotive manufacturer to access a wider number of connectivity options, with less bilateral integration efforts.
- Use of constrained protocols – a utility provider deploying network-constrained smart meters to monitor electricity flows across its offshore windfarms can ensure continuous connectivity over the full lifespan of the device.
- State-of-the art security – a municipality deploying IoT sensors for critical infrastructure such as a traffic management system can ensure that data is not compromised by bad actors, as the confidentiality, accuracy and integrity of the data received and transmitted by IoT devices are assured.
- Real-time monitoring – seamless and reliable connectivity enables the use of real-time data. In healthcare, for instance, this can help support the timely interventions that improve patient outcomes – alleviating the strain on healthcare practitioners and facilities.
- Optimised device production – an IoT device manufacturer deploying products globally does not need to select an operator during production, removing the need for multiple production lines to address different geographies.
How eSIM can Transform the IoT
As we look ahead, GSMA anticipates there will be 6 billion licensed cellular IoT connections by 2030 across all SIM form factors – with eSIM representing a growing share of the market. This is expected to be bolstered by the arrival of new enabling technologies such as 5G RedCap and satellite non-terrestrial networks. Adoption will also be shaped by broader macro-economic trends, such as the global push towards sustainability.
To fully realise the benefits of SGP.32, it is crucial that there is a consistent baseline of interoperability across all deployments to prevent complexity and fragmentation. As adoption builds, TCA is committed to promoting the sustained collaboration that is required across entire secure connectivity ecosystem. This includes continuing its work with GSMA to further guide and support the development of eSIM-related specifications and testing processes.
To learn more about realising the benefits of SGP.32, watch TCA’s exclusive webinar with GSMA here and download the white paper.