So we know the equation, then: eSIM = MFF2 + eUICC. We now want to know what the left-hand side expression means for smart meters – so that, by extension, because metering is the biggest story in IoT-town, we can know what it means for the whole of the IoT industry. But where to start? Why is eSIM tech so important? Why not let Telit Cinterion, the biggest IoT module maker in the west (and an IoT MVNO and SIM specialist, to boot) count the ways?
Neil Bosworth, head of vertical segments and IoT products at the firm, responds: “The introduction of eSIM technology marks a significant leap forward for the entire metering industry, particularly in the realm of smart metering. Operating in a high-volume industrial electronics market with stringent cost constraints, smart metering faces the additional challenge of ensuring long-lasting reliability and robust security measures.”
The key aspects, here, to gauge the impact of eSIM on smart metering, are to do with its “high-volume” production and deployment, and also its demands for long service and robust security. The point, as Bosworth explains, is that eSIM technology will save costs on IoT production and distribution, because a single-SKU eSIM can be integrated into the hardware as a matter of course, and also on installation and management, because an eSIM can be provisioned (and reprovisioned) remotely in the field.
Below, Bosworth outlines how these enhanced SIM capabilities will impact on manufacturing, logistics, and continuity, plus also security and reliability. But he warns, first, on a couple of points: that not all IoT designs are the same, when it comes to getting the most of eSIM technology, and also that eSIM functionality, by its very nature, is liable to drain power in IoT devices as over-the-air changes are administered – which is a difficult pill to swallow in low-power IoT, if your meter is running on a coin cell battery on a constrained schedule (as with gas and water meters).
He explains: “While there is a proliferation of tenders for eSIM in smart metering, not all designs harness the full potential of dynamic provisioning, which stands as the primary use case for eSIM. And eSIMs present meter manufacturers and solution providers with a myriad of new opportunities across various aspects… [but it is also] important to consider the limitations of the technology, particularly in the context of gas and water meters relying on batteries with a 10-year lifespan.”
He adds: “OTA profile provisioning may impact battery performance, necessitating careful management. Also… the frequency bands utilised by mobile operators can vary – affecting penetration through walls, [and] potentially leading to unexpected behaviour during the active lifetime of a meter. [But] in the context of water and gas meters, the use case for in-factory provisioning remains valid, underscoring the importance of standardised approaches and the need for robust partnerships.”
Bosworth also comments, as an aside, that eSIMs enable the utilisation of secure containers, allowing applications to leverage enhanced security measures. IoT SAFE is an example of a commercialised solution running in secure containers, he notes. But the rest of this article is his; below, he sets out six ways eSIM will change smart metering (and the whole of IoT) forever.
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1 | Logistics
“The traditional process of ordering, handling, and installing plastic SIMs is both costly and prone to errors. With multiple profiles required from different operators, meter manufacturers must manage deliveries from various sources, including network operators or customer supply. This logistical burden can be alleviated with the adoption of eSIM technology.”
2 | Manufacturing
“One of the most immediate advantages lies in manufacturing processes. Loading a profile at the end of the manufacturing line offers significant cost savings for meter manufacturers. The GSMA is actively addressing this through initiatives like SGP4.x, which focuses on in-factory provisioning. While use cases are currently being assessed, a standardised approach is yet to be established. In the interim, smart meter manufacturers explore non-standardised or semi-proprietary approaches or work within existing GSMA standards such as SGP.32.”
3 | Installation
“Meter service providers employ varying approaches to installation. Historically, network services with roaming or network surveys before installation were used to mitigate potential issues stemming from low network coverage. However, with eSIM technology, meters can autonomously scan networks and download the most suitable network operator service profile. This reduces installation time and eliminates the need for extensive network surveys.”
4 | Continuity
“Smart meters have an operational lifespan of 10 to 15 years, during which the network environment is likely to evolve. Factors like operator mergers, base station refarming, or urban developments impacting cell tower coverage can disrupt service agreements or fail to meet service level agreements (SLAs). Remote subscription management enables seamless switching to alternative operators, ensuring continuity and competitive options for superior services.”
5 | Security
“Where eSIM may not inherently possess security features, the ability to solder SIMs directly onto the host PCB eliminates physical removal, enhancing security measures. The enhanced features of embedded SIMs provided by eUICC make them an attractive choice in terms of security. An additional security measure is inherent in the ability to switch mobile network operator in case of a wider issue.”
6 | Reliability
“Unlike traditional swappable SIM cards, the 2MFF form factor used in eSIM technology does not require connectors. Directly soldering the SIM onto the PCB significantly improves reliability. Although meters may require maintenance and refurbishment over time, utilising eSIM technology allows for the benefits of a removable SIM while leveraging the advantages of a fixed form factor.”
For more on this subject, in the context of smart metering, and to hear more from Telit Cinterion, join RCR’s smart-metering webinar on October 19 – with Kigen, Transforma Insights, and Ubiik, alongside Telit Cinterion; sign up here, or by clicking on the image below.
