What is a 5G SIM?
The SIM / eSIM is the only platform which can be used to secure 5G network access according to 3GPP – the 5G standardisation body.
Trusted Connectivity Alliance first defined the Recommended 5G SIM in December 2018 to outline which technical features of SIM / eSIM technology address the challenges mobile operators face, beyond network access, when migrating from 4G to 5G.
Subsequently, Trusted Connectivity Alliance enhanced the Recommended 5G SIM to align with new use cases introduced by 3GPP’s Release 16 for Phase 2 5G deployments. The Recommended 5G SIM has now been updated to align with new features defined in 3GPP Release 17.
TCA members reported a 33% year-on-year growth in deployments of the Recommended 5G SIM, showing that the technology continues to expand in a rapidly growing eSIM market. North America remained the second largest 5G market, while Europe saw a robust increase amid the continued rollout of 5G SA deployments. The MEA region saw the most impressive percentage growth globally, demonstrating that 5G demand is still increasing across emerging markets.
What are the Benefits of 5G SIM Technology?
Advanced Security and Privacy
The Recommended 5G SIM incorporates various advanced features to promote the highest levels of security and user privacy.
Optimised Functionality and Performance
The Recommended 5G SIM helps mobile operators maximise investment in core infrastructure and unlock value-added services across new use cases, helping to unlock the full potential of 5G networks.
Globally Interoperable and Flexible
The Recommended 5G SIM is flexible to support various use-cases and network configurations. It is also fully backwards compatible.
Related Educational Resources
Presentations & Infographics
Trusted Connectivity Alliance: SIM & eSIM Industry Insights 2025
March 2, 2026
Download this infographic for an exclusive ‘at-a-glance’ overview of TCA’s monitoring data for 2025.
Presentations & Infographics
Trusted Connectivity Alliance: SIM & eSIM Industry Insights 2024
March 3, 2025
Download this infographic for an exclusive ‘at-a-glance’ overview of TCA’s market monitoring data for 2024.
Publications
Recommended 5G SIM Technical Definition: Enhanced for 3GPP Release 17
December 14, 2022
TCA’s Recommended 5G SIM helps MNOs maximise investments in core 5G network infrastructure by selecting the right choice of SIM technology at 5G launch. This enhanced definition includes updates to help MNOs realise the latest benefits and opportunities offered by 3GPPP Release 17 service architecture, with the highest levels of security, privacy and functionality.
Presentations & Infographics
Presentation: Recommended 5G SIM for 3GPP Release 17
Download TCA’s presentation to learn about the latest updates to the TCA ‘Recommended 5G SIM’ technical definition that will help operators realise the latest benefits and opportunities offered by 5G Release 17 service architecture, with the highest levels of security, privacy and functionality.