eSIM and iSIM unlock new IoT opportunities as operators scale 5G
2022 has been a landmark year for eSIM technology, with significant adoption from OEMs and CSPs across consumer and IoT devices. iSIM, the integrated SIM – which moves eSIM functionality into silicon, is following fast with innovative products in volume production. RCR Wireless News recently interviewed Loic Bonvarlet, VP of product and marketing at Kigen to understand how CSPs can monetize 5G opportunities with eSIM and iSIM technologies.
“With eSIM, I think we see an evolution towards products that were not cellular before, that can be cellular now. I think because of the stronger integration inside the device, because of the free definition of a SIM fit for purpose inside a product, we are able to reach integration level that is unseen so far,” he said.
“A concrete example of that would be in smart logistics. We’ve been having a product that’s coming to market for several years now, which are smart labels. They have the ability to track an actual package or asset individually, rather than in a truck or in a container,” he added.
He also noted that there are products coming to market in the consumer space such as the dog collar. “It’s been kind of an IoT pipe dream for many years. But now, it’s actually becoming to a form factor that is usable. Its long battery life can detect movement in a pretty efficient way. We are getting some really interesting traction on this type of product,” Bonvarlet added.
The executive also highlighted that another innovation that the company is seeing this year is the convergence between cellular and satellite. He noted that satellite NTN functionality requires also a SIM card authentication.
Earlier this year, Kigen and Skylo, a satellite network or non-terrestrial network (NTN) operator announced a partnership to make satellite connectivity integration frictionless for device makers, allowing for seamless transitions between cellular and satellite connectivity via Skylo’s SIM profile. This combination is particularly attractive for devices used in challenging environments, where relying on terrestrial cellular networks alone can be problematic.
“When you’re out of coverage with your family on a camping trip you can have this type of connectivity when you need it, especially for an emergency situation. “It’s great to see this kind of innovation fueling the market.”
Commenting on the development of iSIM technology, Bonvarlet said that Kigen had announced iSIM technology as a concept in 2018. “After these initial years of seeding and educating, now it’s about having the total ecosystem with cellular module players and chipset makers who can enable this concept of ready-to-connect hardware. Now we are in the phase of accelerating the number of connectivity service provider, whether they are MNOs or MVNOs, to be enabled on eSIM and iSIM bandwagon really. We see a strong adoption within the IoT CSP specialists.”
Regarding the possibilities for operators to monetize these emerging technologies, Bonvarlet said that the firm is starting to see the desire by CSPs to invest in the applicative territory, notably on security. “So far we have a product called IOT Safe, which is a standard but it allows the provision of applicative security on the basis of a SIM, eSIM or iSIM, as an example. That allows you to basically offer additional service as a CSP to your customers.”
“ In general, I think CSPs are ready to take a step at thinking how do I provide more services to my customers whether it’s by a portfolio of devices or a portfolio of services relating to security, or optimizing connectivity or offering variety of profiles.”About Kigen: We are making the future of securing connectivity simple. As simple as can be. Together with our partners and customers, we are unlocking new opportunities as Integrated SIM (iSIM) and eSIM become the mainstream choice for connected device security. Our industry-leading SIM OS products enable over 2 billion SIMs. Our GSMA-certified remote SIM provisioning and eSIM services drive this momentum further placing us among top 5 eSIM vendors globally. As an Arm-founded company, we bring an ecosystem approach to driving innovation and collaboration. Find out more on @Kigen_Ltd on Twitter and LinkedIn about #futureofSIM.
