GSMA EXPERT PREDICTS POST-PANDEMIC ESIM BOOST

INTERVIEW: The GSMA’s head of eSIM, Jean-Christophe Tisseuil (pictured), tipped uptake of the technology to accelerate in the wake of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, as the crisis illustrated the benefit of being able to activate devices remotely.

Speaking to Mobile World Live during its 'Moving to a Future Software World' Themed Week, Tisseuil noted business issues caused by lockdown measures would likely “fasten market adoption” of the eSIM.

“It's a question of business continuity,” he said. “If you cannot go to a shop to get your SIM card, and the post doesn't work, with eSIM you can still activate your device remotely and that will be a key success factor.”

The health crisis came at a time when a growing a number of operators were already deploying remote provisioning equipment and as device manufacturers continued to increase the range of compatible devices on the market.

“Now, I think the industry is slowly ramping up,” he added. “In five years I see the technology as being the norm.”

During the interview, Tisseuil also discussed challenges standing in the way of mass market adoption and realising the technology’s full potential in IoT and consumer devices: to view it in full, click here.