TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification – used in every eSIM in the field – standardises the format used for the remote loading of mobile subscriptions onto eSIMs across deployed devices
Trusted Connectivity Alliance (TCA) has released Version 3.4 of its eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Technical Specification (Interoperable Profile Package Specification). The latest version includes major updates to support full alignment with 3GPP Release 18 to enable advanced 5G functionality and secure authentication in 5G network slicing, as well as enabling the remote management of eSIM profiles on low-power and network-constrained devices. Additional updates and clarifications to promote security and interoperability have also been made.
TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification – which is used in every eSIM deployed in the field – standardises the format used for the remote loading of subscriptions onto eSIMs across deployed devices. This enables mobile operators to load interoperable connectivity profiles in an eSIM, regardless of the SIM vendor.
Key updates in Version 3.4 include:
- Full alignment with 3GPP Release 18 – this includes support of Slice SIM (SSIM), allowing operators to utilise the proven security capabilities of eUICC / eSIM to authenticate subscribers and enable secure access to 5G network slices. This will help to enhance the security of 5G networks and protect subscriber privacy.
- Support for GlobalPlatform’s standardised Secure Channel Protocol Amendment M– which enables remote application and file management on constrained IoT devices that could not previously be updated or patched due to the absence of SMS support. This addresses an immediate interoperability challenge by making it easier to remotely provision and manage eSIM profiles on constrained NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) devices.
Denis Praca, Chair of the TCA eUICC Working Group, comments: “Since it was first published 10 years ago, TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification has played a foundational role in promoting trust, consistency and reliability across the eSIM ecosystem. These latest enhancements stand to further extend the capabilities and benefits of eSIM technology, bringing seamless connectivity and advanced security to new and established use-cases.”
The publication of the new specification follows the release of the latest TCA eSIM market data, which revealed that 2024 was a landmark year of growth across the eSIM ecosystem. eSIM shipment volumes collectively reported by TCA members in 2024 surpassed half a billion units, increasing 35% year-on-year to reach 503 million. TCA also estimates that the total available market for eSIM was 514 million units. The growing availability of eSIM-enabled devices was matched by increasing consumer adoption, with consumer eSIM profile downloads* rising by 56%.
Bertrand Moussel, Chair of the TCA Board, adds: “As the eSIM ecosystem continues to expand, TCA is committed to shaping the continued standardisation and enhancement of eSIM technology in close collaboration with leading industry stakeholders.”
TCA has also published Version 3.3.1.2 of eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Test Specification, which provides a globally standardised means of testing products to ensure the eSIM profile is correctly loaded. Version 3.3.1.2 is a GlobalPlatform-approved test suite, which is part of the GSMA Consumer and IoT eSIM compliance programmes and referenced in GSMA’s eSIM Test Specifications (SGP.23 and SGP.33) – the dedicated, globally-backed remote SIM test specifications for Consumer and IoT. Work is currently ongoing in TCA to develop the test specification for Interoperable Profile Package Technical Specification v3.4.
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For further TCA media information, please contact Yash Raveendra – Tel: +44(0)113 3501922 or email: yash@iseepr.co.uk
Notes to Editors
* eSIM profile downloads, also known as eSIM profile transactions, refers to the number of times a mobile operator profile was downloaded.
About Trusted Connectivity Alliance
Trusted Connectivity Alliance (TCA) is a global industry association working to enable trust in a connected future.
The organisation evolved from the SIMalliance, reflecting the continued expansion of the global SIM industry and the need for broader collaboration. Its members are leading providers of secure connectivity solutions for consumer, IoT and M2M devices. This spans Tamper Resistant Element (TRE) technologies including SIM, eSIM, integrated SIM, embedded Secure Element (eSE) and integrated Secure Element (iSE), as well as hardware and software provisioning and other personalisation services.
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