eSIM to go from Vision to Reality Following Release of Universal Hallmark

Every now and then in the tech world, as industries modernise, something which seemed a permanent fixture starts to disappear.  This month we note definitive signs of that process taking place again, as detachable SIM cards start to go the way of the external antenna. eSIM allows users to select the operator of their choice and securely download a SIM application to their device, via an embedded SIM soldered into that device. It eliminates the need to order and replace physical SIM cards, in a faster and easier process for all concerned.

The release of the eSIM logo signals the maturity of the specification: eSIM is now supported by more than 80 leading global operators, manufacturers and service providers.  It is already available on some of the world’s state of the art consumer devices, including the latest tablets and smart watches: the Apple Watch Series 3, Samsung Gear S2 and Huawei 2 Pro smart watches, and Microsoft Surface Pro LTE tablet all support eSIM.  The logo is ready for use on device packaging and casings, marketing materials, event publicity and in-box literature to let users know that the product in question capable of remote provisioning via eSIM.

It’s a significant development for the industry, and will require analysis in depth at the Mobile World Congress later this month. The GSMA is therefore pleased to convene The eSIM Challenges Seminar on Wednesday 28th February between 17.00 and 18.30, at the Fira Gran Via Hotel in Barcelona.  The seminar brings together some of the industry’s most authoritative voices, including those from leading operators, manufacturers and telcom security.  The GSMA’s Head of eSIM Jean-Christophe Tisseuil will open the session, providing the context from which more granular discussions can proceed.  He will then chair our first panel on When the Industry goes Digital –  The Strategic Challenges of Transition Management.  He will be joined by Frederic Vasnier, Executive Vice President at Gemalto, Carsten Ahrens, CEO at G&G, Yves Portalier General Manager at Idemia, and Carlos Affonso d’Abuquerque, CEO at Valid.  The panel will focus on the technical challenges involved – how, for example, to make progress on harmonisation between manufacturers at this relatively early stage.

We will then move on to our second session, which will consider e-SIM’s Transition from Vision to Implementation and Deployment.  Ovum’s Principal Analyst Dario Talmesio will moderate discussion between Remy Cricco, Director of Technical Marketing and Standardization at Idemia, Phillipe Lucas, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Architecture & Standardisation at Orange, and Per Lindsberg, Senior Business Developer at Volvo.  Panellists will consider how to address market needs for remote SIM provisioning, as use cases extend beyond handheld devices and rollout begins in earnest across sectors like the automotive industry.

Remote SIM provisioning is a much-anticipated change, and demand for places will be high – we urge all those with an interest in attending to register.  We hope to see many of you there for what promises to be a highly illuminating series of discussions.