One of the barriers, that stops IoT device makers from adapting cellular connectivity, is the physical SIM card, which locks the devices to a single mobile carrier. 1oT has solved this problem with its carrier-switchable SIM solution (read more about it here). However, things get even easier with eSIMs (eUICC). With that technology, we will see devices that have never been connected to internet, become "smart" within the next three years.
eUICC solution (eSIM) can be regarded as one possible future SIM technology and it has already been deployed in a few smart devices (e.g. Samsung Gear 2 watch). The solution is in compliance with GSM Association (GSMA) specifications and therefore, approved by all world’s largest operators. It is now up to device makers to find new business opportunities from the solution to take the next step.What makes eSIM different from its predecessors is the new standard it follows. It makes mobile carrier switching easy, wherever the device ends up being at. eSIM carrier profiles can be managed remotely over the air (OTA), meaning that the SIM never needs to be removed or replaced. Therefore, the solution can be deployed once and modified remotely for up to 20 years without any compromise on security.
It is important to point out that, according to GSMA, connectivity (data) revenues represent typically only 5–10% of the overall revenue opportunity that connectivity solutions are bringing to device makers. It will be interesting to see which market players and how will they actually gain from offering connectivity services to end users in the future.
eSIM compared to other SIMs?
Please read about other types of SIM from here.
1oT will soon launch eSIM compatibility with our API. Stay tuned!