What You Need to Know about the GSMA SGP.32 Specification
By Telit Cinterion
September 24, 2024
Connectivity
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The GSMA SGP.32 eSIM IoT technical specification1 is a new remote SIM provisioning (RSP) standard. The GSMA created it for Internet of Things (IoT) devices using constrained networks or resources.
There are two standardized eSIM remote provisioning specifications already in use:
- Machine-to-machine (M2M) eSIM standard (SGP.02)
- Consumer eSIM standard (SGP.22)
Amélie Huart
Jose Sanchez
Eyal Yasmin
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While the GSMA SGP.32 eSIM specification reuses most of the consumer architecture of RSP, it introduces a new server component. Unlike the consumer model, the user no longer triggers a profile change. Instead, a platform — called the eSIM IoT remote manager or eIM — can remotely initiate a profile download. It can also delete, enable or disable profiles.
We can consider this specification as combining the best of the M2M and consumer worlds.
What Makes SGP.32 Different from Previous Specifications?
The GSMA developed the SGP.32 specification for two main reasons: simplicity and efficiency. Previous solutions were too complex and inefficient to address certain classes of resource-constrained IoT devices (e.g., battery, memory, processing power, etc.).
Applications that wanted to adopt eSIM could not. The solution was too cumbersome and complicated to enable seamless deployments worldwide. However, the new SGP.32 specification simplifies the architecture and makes the solution more efficient.
Advantages of SGP.32
Below are some advantages of SGP.32 that help users overcome the shortcomings of prior specifications.
Push vs. Pull
With the consumer model, someone would use a pull mechanism to initiate a profile download, such as scanning a barcode. In the case of SGP.32, the change is initiated at the server level, eliminating the need for a local user interface.
SM-DP+
SGP.32 allows you to reuse SGP.22 SM-DP+, which is already widely deployed for the consumer market.
SMS Traffic
Previously, in the M2M model, technical SMS traffic, like binary SMS, was needed to trigger device activation, which allowed the device to trigger the server. SGP.32 does not require SMS traffic to trigger the SIM card.
Resource Efficiency
SGP.32 uses a light profile template for download optimization. It requires less data to send the profile to the device.
How Will SGP.32 and RSP Affect the IoT Device Life Cycle?
The GSMA SGP.32 specification will profoundly impact the device life cycle. For example, eSIM technology allows one to reprogram SIMs and test operational subscriptions. It will also make manufacturing easier.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will only need to build one device with one SIM, which they can then personalize. As a result, OEMs can make fewer stock-keeping units (SKUs), which will result in fewer hardware variants.
For most devices, the installation process requires manual effort, with people needing to insert SIMs physically. Changing operators was impossible for certain use cases, such as those with devices installed in remote locations.
Sometimes, one would have to replace the whole device. Nevertheless, eSIM technology will transform the installation process. It will allow users to change operators at any point in the device’s lifetime.
Other benefits include:
- Global mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) can install new SIM profiles over the air to extend coverage and technology access and bypass roaming restrictions
- Better resilience through fallback to a pre-installed backup profile if cellular network service degrades
Discover Why Telit Cinterion Is an IoT Enablement Pioneer
Telit Cinterion is the ultimate IoT enabler, helping customers with every aspect of their deployment. We have strong experience in RSP technology, benefiting from its past M2M standard adoption for embedded connectivity. We were also among the first to implement an advanced RSP solution based on SGP.22 (SGP.32 pre-standard).
For the GSMA SGP.32 specification, Telit Cinterion is working on a stand-alone IoT eSIM. This solution will come with preloaded NExT™ profiles for global connectivity and a strong bootstrap. In addition, Telit Cinterion is also looking at launching embedded connectivity modules with the NExT IoT eSIM.
We manage our SM-DP+. You can download our profiles onto any eSIM GSMA-compliant device or product and use them with our connectivity. Telit Cinterion is also providing eSIM provisioning services covering in-factory and in-field activation and life cycle management. Service migration to SGP.32 is planned for 2025. Speak to our experts about our connectivity services and solutions with SGP.32.
1 The GSMA eSIM IoT specification is still being finalized. It will not be available until the end of this year.
