Embedded SIM (eSIM) technology has become a hot topic in the telecommunications industry. The recent surge in the adoption of the eSIM Consumer Use Case (SG.22) promises significant growth opportunities and invites new players into the ecosystem.
Why is eSIM considered a game changer?
The reasons are diverse, but its impact on end-user experience is substantial. eSIM simplifies the entire process from contract acquisition to network connection, regardless of geographical location, allowing anyone to connect to a wireless network within minutes.
Before diving into the details of its functionality, let's highlight the key benefits of eSIM:
How does it work in practice?
The eSIM workflow can be divided into three main stages:
1. Commercial Offering: Users acquire profiles through QR codes containing all necessary onboarding information. These profiles can be purchased from various websites and mobile apps, similar to any e-commerce transaction. Users select the desired country or region, data package size, validity period, and complete the purchase with standard payment methods like credit cards.
2. Profile Installation: The QR code includes an activation code (unique voucher ID) and the URL of the Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP+) platform. Users can scan the QR code or manually enter the data into a specific app (Local Profile Assistant) on their eSIM-capable device. The app communicates with the eSIM platform, downloads the profile, and stores the data in the physical eUICC (repository).
3. Service Utilization: After successful profile installation and activation, users can utilize mobile services as usual.
While eSIM presents numerous advantages for both users and suppliers, it also comes with new challenges. Continuous monitoring and assurance are necessary. Suppliers, including legacy MNOs, MVNOs, and Over-the-Top resellers, must prioritize Quality of Experience (QoE) to ensure business success.
Operationally, suppliers must focus on two critical stages: profile download provisioning and service utilization. The first stage must ensure a smooth profile download via any available connection (Wi-Fi, mobile network) and from any capable device. The second stage, QoE, involves monitoring mobile service usage, particularly in roaming scenarios where new entrants might lack visibility into subscriber performance due to reliance on sponsor operators and roaming agreements.
Advanced testing solutions have evolved to address these challenges. These solutions enable proactive monitoring of subscriber behavior in domestic and roaming scenarios and include the ability to test eSIM profile downloads independently of commercial handset specifics. This approach provides suppliers with comprehensive visibility into their eSIM implementations, allowing for consistent growth with a focus on quality as a differentiator in their offerings.
At Mobileum, we are experts in this field. Let's discuss how we can help.