What is an embedded SIM (eSIM)?
IoT eSIMs
What is an embedded SIM (eSIM)?
An embedded SIM (embedded subscriber identity module) is a SIM card chip / that can be soldered on to a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) to provide an electronic device with a built-in sim card.
Often referred to as MFF2 (machine to machine form factor) or eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) the embedded sim card is deployed in lots of electronic devices but in particular in smartphones, mobile devices, smartwatches, wearables, industrial IoT sensors, IoT devices and circuit boards.
What’s the difference between a normal physical SIM card and an eSIM?
The difference to a traditional SIM card is that an MFF2 or UICC SIM is soldered during the manufacturing process onto the board (non-removable) where a normal plastic SIM card needs to be inserted into a SIM card slot / SIM card holder.
The soldered chip saves space on the board because its smaller in size, and the fact that it is permanent comes with more security, more reliability, functionality, and reduces the influence of shock, corrosion and other environmental factors.
Both MFF2 and eUICC eSIMs support remote SIM provisioning allowing users to switch mobile service providers without needing to change the SIM card.
What Mobile Network Operators support eSIM’s
The IoTie Embedded SIM card supports over 700 LTE networks in over 190 countries worldwide including EE, O2, Three and Vodafone’s network (multi-network) in the UK with the SIM connecting to the strongest signal in the area it is deployed in (subject to country specific roaming rates).
Activation of mobile connectivity for new SIM’s can be completed over the air using the IoTie SIM management ecosystem with authentication preconfigured to the IoTie APN.
F.A.Q’s
Do embedded SIM’s support SMS functionality?
Yes, our industrial embedded SIM’s support two-way SMS. SMS can be sent via the IoTie management portal to the eSIM and from the eSIM back to the portal. We also provide API support for integration into your own systems.
In the retail market for smartphones SMS, Voice and Data are also supported. Within IoT use cases typically it is just data and SMS.
Are you provided with a Phone number on embedded SIM’s?
Depending on the use case phone numbers can be provisioned on to eSIM’s. This is typically used for smartphones where you can have multiple SIM profiles and set-up is completed using a QR code. In IoT multi-network deployments a phone numbers are not normally provided network authentication for data and SMS is provided using the IMSI number (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) which identifies a subscriber on the network.
If you would like to find out further information on how eSIM technology can help with your connected devices, please contact our team on 01635 884170. Our SIM technology is a game changer for IoT deployments.
