Cellular connectivity is one of the most common and dependable connectivity methods for your Internet of Things (IoT) devices. To connect these devices to a carrier, it needs a Subscriber Identity Module – otherwise known as a SIM. However, SIM cards for IoT devices have historically created limitations in where a device can connect and how long connectivity may last for the device’s lifecycle. Several years ago, the GSMA launched its eSIM initiative as a means to tackle roadblocks typically associated with a traditional SIM.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, which stands for embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card, is an embedded or removable SIM card that uses a software approach to connectivity to allow for zero-touch provisioning. This permits a single-SKU approach to IoT connectivity so that a device can be provisioned remotely, in bulk, and removes the need to physically place or swap carrier-specific SIMs.
What is a Global eSIM?
A single eSIM provides global, robust connectivity with access to multiple carriers and network technologies, including 2G, 3G, LTE, and more. KORE eSIM allows for even more control and secure access via VPNs and private APNs, as well as single data bundles via Multi-iMSI capabilities.
Benefits of a Global eSIM for IoT
Future-proofed connectivity: IoT devices that are deployed over a long period of time are protected from the impact of evolving network technologies, sunsets, or service terminations, by eliminating technical or carrier lock-ins with a single SIM.
Eliminate SIM switching costs: Remote provisioning to different carrier profiles or network technologies enables organizations to eliminate the need to purchase new SIM cards and physically replace legacy SIMs.
Streamline logistics: With no need to physically replace legacy SIMs, organizations eliminate the process of managing costly and time-consuming truck rolls.
Maximize returns on IoT investments: By reducing costs and improving operational and logistical efficiencies, organizations are empowered to minimize total cost of ownership of connected devices and maximize returns on IoT investments.
Industries that can benefit from Global eSIM
The benefits of eSIM carries through many different industries, including the following:
Automotive – Video telematics and Location-Based Services are great examples of solutions that eSIM can bring to the fleet market. Protection from evolving networks, sunsets, and more yields greater operational efficiency and lower monetary spending so businesses can focus on the safety of fleet managers and customer satisfaction.
Agriculture – eSIM for IoT has made precision farming for harvesters more efficient across the globe. GPS navigation, sensors, and control systems all play a part in smart agriculture and the growing market for eSIM in farming. IoT helps track feed bin levels and sensors help monitor cleanliness levels, resulting in real-time monitoring reports that are transmitted to farmers’ cloud data.
Smart cities – eSIM technology executes smart resources to produce smarter, more sustainable solutions in cities. Smart monitoring systems that track electricity usage, waste collection, and traffic patterns are all examples of how IoT improves quality of living in large cities.
Connected Health – Connected medical devices pair sensors with connectivity in a variety of applications, such as smart weight scales, thermometers, and pulse oximeters – all of which are powered by IoT. This kind of technology sends quick, accurate readings to cloud-based platforms to be examined by a healthcare professional. This type of technology infrastructure is what helps make remote patient monitoring and decentralized clinical trials possible.
Assets and logistics – Quality control and extensive tracking are important when monitoring your supply chain. eSIM for IoT provides proactive, visible solutions such as cold chain monitoring – technology that supports temperature-controlled containers that sustain goods from point A to point B without becoming spoiled.
Read More: 5 Use Cases for eSIM in Different Verticals
Simplified IoT Connectivity
For companies looking to boost their IoT connectivity with future-proof, flexible eSIM technology, selecting the right platform, provider, and tools is critical. Simon IoT’s partner, KORE, offers a full suite of coverage and eSIM technology solutions to ensure success with any IoT solutions.
KORE provides expertise and resources so organizations can feel confident in their deployments, like a self-service eSIM device validation tool. This allows users to validate devices in less than 15 minutes, eliminating shipping hassle and weeks of waiting to ensure a device can operate in an eSIM environment.
KORE handles the complexity of IoT, simplifying the process of connecting and deploying devices around the globe. If your business can benefit from single-SIM IoT connectivity, KORE offers a complimentary eSIM starter kit to meet your needs.
