New eSIM standard simplifies remote IoT provisioning
Despite their advantages—portability, access to cellular networks, and simple storage—SIM cards bind a user to a contract with a service provider. They also require a physical interface and associated hardware, and the installer must be present at the device location, which complicates remote deployment and operation. All this is set to be addressed by eSIMs and a new spec, GSMA SGP.32.
eSIMs are delivered via firmware without a connector or other interface and can be activated, provisioned, and updated remotely.
SGP.32 defines the new eSIM remote provisioning standard for IoT devices. Its aim is to simplify integration, ensure seamless provider switching, and accelerate time-to-market for IoT deployments. Key benefits include:
- Remote provisioning of SIM profiles resulting in easier and more flexible IoT device connectivity, and simplifying the process of addressing different regional or application specifications.
- Fewer ties to carriers: SGP.32 eliminates the need to physically swap SIM cards, offering greater freedom in IoT deployments.
- A simplified architecture improves efficiency, which is especially valuable for resource-constrained IoT devices.
While the specification was published two years ago, the technology is just now becoming commercially available. SIMCom’s key LTE Cat 1 bis modules with integrated SGP.32 firmware include the A7672 series, SIM7672 series, and A7683E.
Based on the ASR1603 platform, the A7672 series supports LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, GSM, GPRS, and EDGE communication modes. With a comprehensive certification portfolio—including RoHS, REACH, CE-RED, RCM, FCC, Anatel, and Deutsche Telekom—this series ensures compliance with global regulations and facilitates smooth deployment across international markets.
Powered by the QCX216 chipset, the SIM7672 series supports LTE-FDD and LTE-TDD communication. It boasts a wide range of certifications, including CE-RED, RoHS, REACH, FCC, TELEC, JATE, GCF, PTCRB, IC, KC, CCC, AT&T, and T-Mobile, ensuring reliability in diverse regions. A key feature of the SIM7672 series is its support for 3GPP Rel-14 Power Saving Mode (PSM), which reduces power consumption to as low as 3µA, making it an excellent choice for battery-sensitive applications. The A7683E module is designed for LTE-FDD applications and holds certifications including RoHS, REACH, CE-RED, and Anatel. All three modules offer a 10 Mbps (maximum ) downlink rate and a 5 Mbps uplink rate.
With global certifications and ultra-low power consumption, these modules deliver reliable, energy-efficient performance and long-term deployment stability, making them the ideal choice for massive IoT applications.
By Mads Fischer, Sales Director at SIMCom
www.simcom.com