What is MEP – and why is it more than just another eSIM feature?

In this article, GSMA Member Comprion explores how MEP (Multiple Enabled Profiles) is far more than just a technical extension of eSIM – it represents a significant step toward true flexibility in mobile connectivity.

An MEP-capable eSIM in a compatible device allows two eSIM profiles to be active simultaneously. This enables a device to connect to two mobile networks in parallel – similar to dual-SIM devices, but now also for multiple eSIM profiles at the same time and without physical SIM cards.

This technical capability opens up new degrees of freedom in usage: users can precisely control which services run over which network – whether for data or for voice and SMS. What is particularly noteworthy is the level of granularity: for voice and SMS, assignments can even be made per contact or phone number.

From a standards perspective, MEP is defined in the current GSMA specification for consumer devices (SGP.22 V3.1). At the same time, its market relevance is evident in the fact that manufacturers had already implemented the feature as an enhancement in eUICCs based on specification SGP.22 V2 – even before standardization – a clear signal of market demand.

What specific value does MEP deliver – and why is the feature relevant now?

At first glance, the key use cases are not new – they already exist in the traditional dual-SIM world. What is new, however, is the fully digital and significantly more flexible implementation via eSIM – particularly when it comes to setup and switching between profiles.

At its core, three central application scenarios can be identified:

• Using a single device for both personal and business purposes
  Two profiles on one device enable clear organizational separation without the need for additional hardware.
• Targeted cost optimization
  Users can combine different plans – for example, pairing an optimal data plan with a separate plan for voice and SMS.
• Optimized connectivity while traveling
  Users remain reachable via their familiar phone number and continue to use voice and SMS via roaming – even if this involves higher costs. For data, however, network selection remains flexible, allowing users to choose a cost-effective local provider.

What becomes clear is that MEP is not a niche feature – it addresses everyday, economically relevant use cases, which is precisely what makes its widespread adoption likely.

What challenges exist in MEP testing?

A key challenge lies in the lack of harmonization: the industry has not agreed on a single, unified implementation. Instead, several variants exist:

• MEP-A1 and A2 (eUICC-driven multi-port model)
• MEP-B (device-driven multi-port model)

In practice, this means that test solutions must support multiple variants simultaneously.

This not only increases technical complexity but also significantly raises development and validation efforts. MEP thus becomes a classic example of how the pace of innovation and standardization do not always progress in sync.

In the full article, you’ll also find detailed answers to the following questions:

• How is MEP tested – and what role does conformance testing play?
• How can MEP already be tested during development? 
• Who is MEP testing particularly relevant for?
• Where is MEP heading – and what new use cases are emerging?

Find out more about MEP in the full article.

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