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The latest version of the Remote Provisioning Architecture for Embedded UICC specification dictates compatibility between wireless modules, SIM cards and the remote provisioning of subscriptions. This GSMA embedded SIM specification promises to unlock the flexibility many IoT use cases demand.
The reality is that customers must take on the responsibility to ensure compatibility between their module vendor, eUICC/eSIM vendor and their connectivity operator vendors.
Sierra Wireless simplifies this ecosystem with eSIM/eUICC compliant modules, SIM cards and remote provisioning services.
Our eUICC compatible SIM cards are available in all form factors and grades.
Standard 2FF, 3FF and 4FF cards are available in consumer and industrial grades for devices requiring traditional plug-in SIM cards yet desire the flexibility of eSIM remote provisioning.
For added security and ruggedness, solder down eUICC compatible SIMs are available in MFF2 form factors in both industrial and automotive grade.
In cellular-connected devices, the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) contains the credentials or subscription needed to access the service of a particular MNO (Mobile Network Operator) or MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). Since the beginning of GSM, the SIM has been the property of the MNO or the MVNO, creating a lock-in effect. There is a permanent relationship with the network carrier, since the SIM won’t work with the subscriptions of other carriers. If you want to change your carrier, you have to change the SIM, too.
However, this is changing. A new kind of SIM, which can be remotely provisioned to work with a new subscription, gives the customer ownership of the SIM. The SIM becomes just another part of the device, like the power source or the user interface, and is controlled by the user.
This new kind of SIM, referred to either as an eSIM (Embedded SIM) or an eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card), works with any operator subscription in any part of the world, supports multiple subscriptions, and can be programmed to change subscriptions, as required, with an OTA (Over-The-Air) update. The eSIM is a significant shift in how you manage cellular connectivity, because it lets you change service providers without swapping out the SIM or having any other physical access to the device.
The terms “eSIM” and “eUICC” are used interchangeably in the market, however “eSIM” can refer to the entire solution for permanently deploying a reprogrammable SIM card, including the hardware, software and management platform needed for deployment. The term “eUICC” can refer only to the specific technology on the SIM itself. This can be an important distinction, because eUICC technology can be placed in a SIM that is soldered into the system (for a truly embedded SIM) or made part of the more traditional plastic form factor SIM. Remote provisioning capabilities, enabled by eUICC technology, can be added to any SIM form factor (2FF, 3FF, 4FF, MFF2), and can be used in any operating environment, fromautomotive and industrial to consumer.
According to GSM standard, eSIM and eUICC are interchangeable. The term eSIM refers to the physical form of the SIM that can be soldered into your solution. Whereas, eUICC is the software component of the SIM that enables Remote SIM Provisioning across multiple networks, while also enabling the ability to have multiple SIM profiles on a single SIM.
eUICC is an acronym that stands for Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card. It is a component of a SIM card that enables switching Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) over-the-air.
eUICC will allow for better management of a device fleet. It enables the ability to remotely manage and secure devices, which can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Additionally, it allows for greater flexibility for the enterprise to switch between MNOs to take advantage of different pricing plans and network coverage, providing cost savings and the ability to easily manage and secure their devices remotely. With eUICC you are future proofing your solution.
eUICC simplifies your IoT deployment by enabling the ability to switch to a different MNO profile by a simple Over the Air (OTA) provisioning update.
The benefits of eUICC to your organization include the ability to remotely manage and secure their device fleets, as well as the ability to easily switch between mobile network operators to take advantage of different pricing plans and network coverage. This allows for greater cost savings and flexibility for the enterprise, as well as the ability to easily manage and secure their devices remotely.
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