Despite our allegiance to technology and innovation, one area that has been lagging in terms of evolution has been the SIM card.
However, this has been rapidly changing over the last decade. This is largely due to the rapid adoption of cellular technologies and the need for easily scalable IoT deployments.
iSIM & eSIM shared features
Multiple operators – As with the eSIM, a single IoT device equipped with an eUICC enabled iSIM can connect with multiple operators. This immediately simplifies international deployment by streamlining contract management. Put the days of juggling multiple operators behind you and manage devices with a single tariff.
Remote provisioning – Again like the eSIM, transferring between carriers won’t require you to replace the SIM or device. Any information or software updates can be done over-the-air via the cellular network rather than by physically changing a card. This extends the life-cycle of the device, ensuring it has the latest software updates without having to invest in additional devices.
The new generation of iSIMs retain the best of the eSIM. But with additional security and cost saving measures, regardless of the size of your IoT deployments.
Additional iSIM Benefits
More compact – The key difference between eSIM vs iSIM is in their implementation. eSIMs are dedicated chips attached to the device processor while an iSIM at just a millimeter squared, is embedded in the main system-on-a-chip (SOC) architecture.
This eliminates one or more components like SIM trays, SIM cards or eSIM chips. That might seem like a subtle difference, but it reduces the footprint of a device. In a race to make smaller, reliable devices, every square millimeter counts.
Lowers costs – OEMs must create cost-optimized devices that are efficient in terms of bills of material (BOM) costs, data and energy consumption. Since iSIM enabled devices require fewer components and materials, they cost less to build, immediately lowering your IoT deployment costs.
Taking an organization in the supply chain as an example. Sending IoT devices around the world and across all departments is a resource consuming effort. It requires the purchase of hundreds of thousands of IoT devices where even the smallest cost reductions can result in significant savings.
The iSIM’s cost advantage becomes more important considering the growing market for inexpensive, but durable IoT devices.
Increased security – iSIMs are designed to meet and maintain the highest security standards. In 2021, the GSMA released their IoT SAFE specifications for all IoT devices. They declared the SIM to be the most secure location within a device to process and secure data exchange.
By integrating the SIM directly into the SoC, it completely prevents against hardware tampering. This integrated at the chipset level adds an additional layer of authentication, which is especially beneficial for critical infrastructure applications.
Parting thoughts
Counterpoint research expected global cellular IoT module shipments to surpass 1.2 billion units by 2030.
With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 per cent across intelligent IoT applications in industrial, retail, telematics and healthcare segments. Organizations are also looking to replace traditional 4G IoT applications with more efficient and secure means of connectivity.
If you’re looking for a seamless, cost-efficient connectivity solution, why wait?
Looking to learn more about the iSIM, read more about our ecosystem partner Kigen. Otherwise, reach out today to any of our industry experts who are on hand to help you find the ideal solution for your IoT deployments.