What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a ‘digital SIM’ that can store multiple operator profiles (the combination of subscriber data and applications that provide secure connectivity to cellular networks) and be remotely managed in accordance with GSMA’s Remote SIM Provisioning Specifications.
Trusted Connectivity Alliance has been tracking the development of the eSIM market since its nascent phase. In 2023, TCA estimates that the total available market for eSIM was 390 million units. The latest figures collectively reported by TCA members showed that consumer eSIM adoption doubled in 2023, with consumer eSIM profile downloads increasing 109% year-on-year, and deployment of consumer eSIM SM platforms rising by 25%.
The data also demonstrates a strong foundation for growing eSIM adoption across automotive and IoT verticals. M2M eSIM adoption – predominantly focused across automotive use-cases – was supported by a 12% increase in the deployment of M2M eSIM SM platforms.
Looking ahead, global standardisation efforts such as GSMA’s eSIM for IoT Specifications (SGP.31 and SGP.32) will play an important role in promoting increased eSIM adoption across IoT verticals.
What are the Benefits of eSIM Technology?
Globally reliable, flexible connectivity
Enabled by GSMA’s Remote SIM Provisioning specifications, eSIM technology brings additional flexibility to consumer, enterprise, IoT and M2M devices by removing the need to physically change out a SIM card when switching to a different mobile operator. This instantly solves the prohibitive costs and logistical challenges associated with deploying and managing devices globally, delivering the flexibility and scalability required to unlock emerging cellular use-cases spanning the connected ecosystem, anywhere in the world.
Advanced, dynamic security
An eSIM shares the cryptographic features of the SIM, including a securely designed central processing unit and dedicated secure memory to store operating system programmes, keys, and certificate data, protect devices from various hacking scenarios, such as cloning, physical attacks to a single device, and remote attacks. eSIM functionality also enables remote upgrades to sensitive data, apps and subscriptions according to GSMA and GlobalPlatform specifications so that a device can immediately respond to emerging threats and attacks once it is live in the field.
End-to-end digitalisation
eSIM technology enables full end-to-end digitalisation, which delivers various advantages. For operators, customer acquisition and onboarding is streamlined, and a direct channel is established to enable the delivery of new value-added services to enhance the overall user experience. Digitalisation also enables operators and device manufacturers to simplify supply chains and production flows, significantly reducing manufacturing, distribution and transportation costs.
Directly Influence the Evolution of eSIM Technology
By becoming an eSIM Member, your organisation can support the evolution of TCA’s recently launched eSIM Interoperability Service, alongside access to discounted fees and relevant test data. You can also participate in TCA’s eUICC and IoT Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) Working Groups.
Related Specifications
TCA’s new guidance addresses emerging interoperability considerations presented by the growing adoption of eSIM technology. It provides an analysis of key recent Java Card technology updates, along with the impact of broader ecosystem developments from 3GPP, ETSI and GSMA. A series of best practices and security recommendations are also detailed to maximise interoperability and ensure applet assets are sufficiently protected. For developers seeking practical guidance, recommendations are collated into a comprehensive ‘interoperability checklist’ to help address common challenges and deliver high-quality applets.
Version 1.0 April 2024
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The eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Test Specification version 3.3.1 has the objective of testing if a profile is correctly interpreted and correctly loaded on an eUICC. It includes tests for eUICCs supporting IoT minimal profile. It provides a globally standardised means of testing products which implement Version 3.3, Version 3.2, Version 3.1, Version 2.3.1, Version 2.2, or Version 2.1 of the eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Technical Specification.
The Profile Elements defined in the test specification are provided separately in ASN1 format. It is mandatory to use the ASN1 files for the creation of the DER codes.
The Specific_ASN1_definitions shall be used when creating the DER code for Test Case 8.2.11.4 (check unknown tag in Profile Package) at least for the DF-CUSTOM-by-Generic-File-Management-4 profile element.
The Test Applets used in the Profile Packages are provided as an informative attachment of the specification.
Version 3.3.1 September 2023
DownloadVersion 3.2.3 July 2023
DownloadVersion 3.2.2 Version 3.2.2
DownloadVersion 3.2.1 December 2022
DownloadVersion 3.2 August 2022
DownloadVersion 3.1.1 February 2022
DownloadVersion 3.1 September 2021
DownloadVersion 2.3.1 September 2020
DownloadVersion 2.3 March 2020
DownloadVersion 2.2.2 October 2019
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DownloadVersion 2.1.2 July 2018
DownloadVersion 2.1.1 January 2018
DownloadVersion 2.1 May 2017
DownloadVersion 2 July 2016
DownloadVersion 1 July 2016
DownloadThe new TCALoader tool enables mobile operators and application developers to download, install and manage applications on the UICC / eUICC to test interoperability across different deployments. This supports increasing industry demand for the delivery of various services through eSIM technology. The TCALoader is an evolution of the CAT Loader tool. This was first released by SIMalliance in 2007 (which became the TCA in 2020) and has been widely used by mobile operators and application developers to test and implement new services. The TCALoader introduces enhanced features to support different SIM form factors such as eSIM and integrated SIM, meet latest industry standards, support new protocols and increase security.
TCALoader September 2023
DownloadThe objective of the Interoperable Format Technical Specification v3.3.1 is to define the technical specification of a standard format to be used for the loading and installation of an interoperable Profile Package in any compliant eUICC. Note that v3.3 is deprecated and is replaced by v3.3.1.
This specification is based on the following Trusted Connectivity Alliance document: eUICC Profile Package: Interoperability Functional Requirements. Major updates have been made to the specification to support the remote loading of eSIM profiles onto network-constrained IoT devices, as well as full alignment with 3GPP Release 17 to enable enhanced 5G functionality and emerging use-cases. It also includes clarifications and guidance to further promote eSIM interoperability.
The embedded UICC (eUICC), and the subsequent requirement for remote provisioning, has introduced the need for a number of operations, previously carried out in personalisation centres by individual UICC vendors, to be performed remotely in an open ecosystem.
This document specifies the structure and coding required to build, remotely load and install a profile in an eUICC.
It is intended primarily for Profile Creator providers, Profile Creator users (i.e. Mobile Network Operators or MNOs) and eUICC vendors in order for them to elaborate and exchange profiles with guaranteed interoperability.
The Profile Package, as technically specified in this document, represents the structure of data to be built by the Profile Creator and to be loaded in the eUICC in order for the eUICC to be personalised according to the content of the Profile Package.
Version 3.3.1 August 2023
DownloadVersion 3.2 and ASN Module May 2022
DownloadVersion 3.1 and ASN Module July 2021
DownloadVersion 3.0 and ASN Module (Deprecated)
DownloadVersion 2.3.1 and ASN Module
DownloadVersion 2.3 and ASN Module
DownloadVersion 2.2 and ASN Module
DownloadVersion 2.1 and ASN Module
DownloadVersion 2 and ASN Module
DownloadVersion 1.1 and ASN Module
DownloadThe objective of this document is to guide implementers of versions 2.3 and version 2.3.1 of the eUICC Profile Package Technical Specification in case it is used in an eUICC developed according to version 2.2.1 or earlier of the GSMA Specification SGP.22 (RSP technical specification).
Early Deployment of Version 2.3 for 5G Support
DownloadRelated Educational Resources
Publications
Realising the Benefits of GSMA’s eSIM IoT Specification (SGP.32)
September 13, 2024
To help the industry prepare for the adoption of GSMA’s new eSIM IoT Specification, TCA’s paper explains the features, benefits, use-cases and testing and compliance implications of SGP.32.
Presentations & Infographics
Trusted Connectivity Alliance: SIM & eSIM Industry Insights 2023
April 29, 2024
Download this infographic for an exclusive ‘at-a-glance’ overview of TCA’s market monitoring data for 2023.
Publications
Introduction to: eSIM for IoT
December 11, 2023
In TCA’s eBook, learn why a dedicated standard for remotely provisioning and managing IoT devices is a game-changing development that promises to accelerate the adoption of eSIM technology and unlock the full, transformative potential of the IoT across established and emerging use-cases.
Publications
Introduction to eSIM
November 3, 2022
This ebook explains the role of eSIM technology in managing and securing an increasingly connected world, including how to unlock its potential across consumer, enterprise and M2M and IoT markets and the importance of accelerating eSIM adoption through standardisation.
News and Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the eUICC and eSIM?
A UICC is the platform, specified by ETSI, that can be used to run multiple security applications. These applications include the SIM for 2G networks, USIM for 3G, 4G and 5G networks, CSIM for CDMA, and ISIM (not to be confused with integrated SIM) for IP multimedia services.
An eUICC (which originates from the term embedded UICC) is a UICC which enables the remote and/or local management of profiles in a secure way that meets GSMA requirements for Remote SIM Provisioning and is certified in accordance with the GSMA compliance programme.
eSIM is the generic term applied to eUICCs that support Remote SIM Provisioning as defined by GSMA.
What is Remote SIM Provisioning?
Remote SIM Provisioning refers to the process of downloading, installing, enabling, disabling,and deleting a profile on an eSIM. Remote SIM Provisioning is enabled by specialised secure servers called eSIM Subscription Manager (SM) platforms.
Over recent years, the industry has invested heavily in establishing a global infrastructure of eSIM SM platforms. This infrastructure allows users to connect to more than one operator and offers the freedom to seamlessly switch mobile operators without changing the SIM card on the device.
Is an eSIM always embedded into devices?
eSIM originates from the term ‘embedded SIM’ and it can be soldered directly onto the device to realise various benefits. However, eSIM also includes removable form factors that can store multiple operator profiles. The eSIM can also be integrated within a secure enclave on a System-on-Chip (SoC) – known as an integrated eUICC or integrated SIM.