The New Way to Create with IoT eSIMs

IoT innovation is reaching a turning point—one that transforms complexity into opportunity. For years, the adoption of IoT at scale has been hindered by fragmented solutions and barriers to accessibility.

Device makers often found themselves lost in the maze of managing network connectivity, regional compliance, and the operational challenge of creating multiple Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) for each soldered device’s pre-determined destination network.

But now, there is a new way to create. The game-changing rise of IoT eSIMs brings a simplified, scalable approach to connectivity access and management. And it’s not just about gaining better control over how devices connect—it’s about redefining how we build IoT solutions for the future.

A SIMPLIFIED IOT ECOSYSTEM WITH ESIM

The advantage of how eSIM connectivity is managed, elected, or assigned has opened new possibilities for OEMs, network providers, and consumers alike. In the context of the demand for AI integration and delivering more enriching experiences, eSIMs bring a license to play in new revenue streams for OEMs, even where devices have limited resources themselves.

From connected cars to smart meters and wearables, eSIMs— especially when aligned with GSMA’s SGP.32 standard for IoT remote SIM provisioning—offer the freedom from complex integration with operators, scale easily, and securely allow remote management for any eUICC in a fleet.

DRIVING THE ESIM REVOLUTION: WHY IT MATTERS

At the heart of IoT innovation is the need for scalability, security, and simplified deployment. The ability to manage connectivity without being locked into specific network configurations has become essential as enterprises aim to meet global market demands. Interoperability is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity.

eSIM technology, particularly with the introduction of GSMA’s SGP.32 standard, represents a key milestone in this journey. This standardization ensures that devices can operate across multiple networks while benefiting from a simplified and secure provisioning architecture. The result? Faster time to market, effortless global scalability, and significantly reduced complexity in managing connectivity at scale.

For OEMs and service providers, the challenge lies in balancing the flexibility of eSIM with the assurance of reliability and compliance. Testing, validating, and certifying solutions that align with these new standards will be critical. With SGP.32-compliant solutions imminent, the industry can now test, validate, and certify products to meet the latest standards. Kigen has been actively supporting OEMs in this journey, ensuring their adoption of eSIM solutions is seamless and scalable.

WHERE TO BEGIN: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Adopting eSIM for IoT requires a clear strategy, starting with understanding the business requirements for connectivity. Key considerations for OEMs include:

Which network providers can support the specific needs of your devices across different regions?
How does your remote SIM provisioning scale without compromising security or performance?
What tools and approaches are available to simplify and accelerate certification?
What decisions at the design phase help you better control your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) throughout your devices’ lifetime?

Partnering with network operators and module vendors that are pre-tested and validated for interoperability can help remove much of the guesswork. The most effective solutions combine flexibility with proven reliability, ensuring that you can focus on building your product, not navigating connectivity hurdles. It is important to know if your eSIM provider has a GSMA SAS-certified site and SGP.32-compliant eIM that has been thoroughly tested. Additionally, the eIM should be capable of supporting secure profile downloads to constrained networks, not directly able to access public internet, and be able to utilize existing SM-DP+ infrastructure for the widest selection of connectivity profiles.

Global carriers like AT&T, Vodafone IoT, and innovative connectivity providers such as BICS, floLIVE, KORE, and ZARIOT are joining Kigen with a shared vision to enable the next wave of eSIM adoption, with more joining soon. Look beyond traditional players, IoT-first partners may be better suited: for instance, at Kigen, we have tested with over 250+ networks so that enterprises have the flexibility to bring their own connectivity provider of choice.

SIMPLIFYING DEVICE INTEGRATION AND CERTIFICATION

For OEMs, starting with pre-integrated modules that support eSIM standards like SGP.32 can be a smart first step. Kigen’s eUICC-based IoT Profile Assistant (IPAe) brings SGP.32-compliant eIM capability to over 15 leading modules and evaluation platforms. This pre-tested compatibility streamlines device certification processes, allowing OEMs to leverage existing certifications and reduce time to market.

For those already invested in multiple vendors and platforms, orchestration through a cross-carrier platform like Simetric that pre-integrates certified solutions, such as Kigen’s eIM, offers a practical solution.

The most effective solutions combine flexibility with proven reliability, ensuring that you can focus on building your product, not navigating connectivity hurdles

THE FUTURE IS NOW

The future of IoT innovation lies in this new paradigm of connectivity.

By embracing eSIM and SGP.32 standards, OEMs and enterprises can unlock the full potential of connected devices while enjoying the benefits of simplification and reduced operational complexity.

The connected future is here—and it’s more accessible than ever before. The journey doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re exploring your first connected product or scaling an existing IoT service, there’s help at hand. Together with Kigen’s ecosystem of partners, you can start building the future today.

The new way to create is here. And it’s ready for you.