SIM vs eSIM: Why is eSIM so innovative?
There is no need to place or replace the SIM card.
The eSIM card, aka MFF2 UICC or eUICC, is embedded directly into the mobile device.
The information on an eSIM is rewritable and can be updated over the air.
The result?
eSIM means more flexibility for users, and remote SIM provisioning is easy for operators.
In other words, mobile operators can sign up new customers without having them visit a branch and sell family bundles where a single contract can manage several eSIM-enabled devices.
The embedded SIM is a new secure element designed to remotely manage multiple mobile network operator subscriptions and be compliant with GSMA's Remote SIM Provisioning.
Available in various form factors, either plugged-in or soldered, the eSIM is easy to integrate with any device and offers many benefits.
eSIM technology: Key for users and IoT devices
According to a recent Gartner research, the eSIM is among the nine technologies to watch for consumer and IoT devices.
The embedded UICC is expected to reach over 1 billion shipped every year by 2025 for both Consumer and M2M markets (source: ABI Research, Counterpoint, and Thales Market Intelligence, 2021).
The good news?
Thales, the leading supplier of eSIM connectivity, has developed a full range of subscription eSIM management services to handle the embedded SIM during the entire life cycle of the device.
eSIM-ready devices in the market
Some examples of devices that support eSIM are:
- Apple's iPad Pro, Apple Watch (Series 3, 4, 5), iPhone (XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 12, 13, Pro Max until the latest models),
- Google's Pixel 2, 3, 3 XL, 4, 4 XL, 5, 5a, 6 versions),
- Samsung S20 series, Samsung S21, Galaxy Z flip 3, Z fold 3, Galaxy (2,3, 4)
- Motorola Razr, Oppo Watch, Huawei P40, Huawei mate 40 Pro, Huawei watch 2, 3,
- as well as Windows 10-powered, connected PCs.
More than 250 mobile carriers in more than 80 countries offer eSIM consumer services.
Thales, the world's leader in eSIM connectivity management
Independent global industry analysis firm Counterpoint recognized Thales as the world's leading provider in hardware-based eSIM (i.e. eUICC) and eSIM management solutions.
This is made possible thanks to crucial tangible elements:
- Largest research and development teams for SIM and eSIM-related technologies
- Leading contributor to the eSIM standardization & interoperability (e.g. GSMA's Remote Provisioning Architecture for Embedded UICC specifications)
- Broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art GSMA-compliant eSIM solutions -and the only company with full certification with live operation for all eSIM solutions (as of October 2021):
- Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP)
- Subscription Manager Secure Routing (SM-SR)
- Subscription Manager Data Preparation for Consumer (SM-DP+)
- Subscription Manager (Root) Discovery Service (SM-DS)
- Data Centre Operation & Management (DCO&M)
- eSIM orchestration
- Effortless initial mobile connectivity (Thales Instant Connect)
- A most significant number of GSMA security accredited sites for eSIM production and eSIM management (i.e., 9 SAS accredited sites, as of October 2019)
- The GSMA's Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS) enables mobile operators to assess the security of their UICC / SIM and eUICC / eSIM suppliers, as well as of their eUICC subscription management service providers.
- The largest number of customers and partners:
- Largest eSIM customer and eSIM partner footprint: 200 eSIM management platforms and counting, awarded by mobile operators, operator alliances, MVNOs, automotive markers, and OEMs across all continents (e.g., AT&T, Huawei, Telefónica Group, Vodafone Group, Bridge Alliance, GigSky...)
- eSIM partnerships in place with chipset maker Qualcomm Technologies, BSS vendor Amdocs and computer operating system makers Microsoft
- Undisputed leader in the telecom market, working with nearly 450 MNOs worldwide: Thales has the most extensive base of SIM customers, and over-the-air MNO subscription profiles (300+ references worldwide) and device management (100 references worldwide)
- Leading the eSIM innovation landscape
- Deploying the world's first single chip combining eSIM-based mobile connectivity and eSE-based (embedded Secure Element) trusted contactless services. In 2021, this innovation has been selected as the winner of the "IoT Semiconductor Product of the Year" award in the 5th annual IoT Breakthrough award. We are paving the way to iSIM / integrated SIM, mainly thanks to a partnership with Qualcomm.
- Paving the way to disruptive bootstrap eSIM connectivity thanks to multi-awarded Thales Instant Connect innovation - - Building a chain of trust in 5G networks thanks to the launch of the world's first 5G SIM and 5G eSIM.
- Strong local support and testing capabilities with a global footprint of technical consultants
- Highly secure products to protect mobile network operator assets and prevent fraud on devices
- Unique expertise on the market in deploying critical business solutions worldwide (e.g., worldwide datacenter policy, high availability and high scalability, etc.)
Documents
Infographic on connecting tablets on-the-go
A panel of consumers assessed a connected tablet with flexible on-demand subscription management.
Download the infographic to discover the key findings.