eSIM (embedded SIM)

​​​What is an eSIM?

• The embedded SIM (also called eSIM or eUICC) is a new secure element designed to remotely ​manage multiple mobile network operator subscriptions and be compliant​ with GSMA's Remote SIM Provisioning specifications​.
• Available in various form factors, either plugged-in or soldered, the eSIM is easy to integrate with any device.
• ​Thales has developed a full range of subscription eSIM management services to handle the embedded SIM during the entire life cycle of the device.
• The main devices that support eSIM are Apple's iPad Pro, Apple Watch (Series 3, 4, 5), iPhone (XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, Pro Max), Google's Pixel 2, 3, 3 XL, 4 & 4 XL versions), Samsung S20 series, Motorola razr, Oppo Watch, as well as Windows 10-powered, connected PCs.
• To date, 200 mobile carriers in more than 80 countries offer eSIM consumer services.
• The embedded UICC is expected to reach over 875 million shipments by 2024 for both Consumer and M2M markets (source: ABI Research, January 2020).

​Thales, the world's leader in eSIM connectivity management  

In July 2019, independent global industry analysis firm Counterpoint recognized Gemalto (now Thales) as the world's leading provider in both hardware-based eSIM (i.e., eUICC) and eSIM management solutions.

This is made possible thanks to key tangible elements:

1. Largest research and development teams for SIM and eSIM-related technologies
2. Leading contributor to the eSIM standardization & interoperability (e.g., GSMA's Remote Provisioning Architecture for Embedded UICC specifications)
3. 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 Octobre 2019):

• 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)

• 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.

• A large number of customers and partners

• Largest eSIM customer and eSIM partner footprint: 190+ eSIM management platforms 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

• Paving the way to iSIM / integrated SIM, in particular, 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 the deployment of critical business solutions worldwide (e.g., worldwide datacenter policy, high availability and high scalability, etc.)​​​

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