Connectivity
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, organizations need flexible and resilient future-proof connectivity. NExT eSIM Flex is Telit Cinterion’s flagship IoT connectivity solution. It replaces traditional multi-IMSI roaming solutions that provide global coverage but face challenges related to:
- Cost
- Flexibilty
- User experience
eSIM Flex adds capabilities that go beyond classic IoT roaming services and reduces operating complexity. It improves scalability for global deployments. Dynamic profile management delivers cost optimization. Seamless provisioning and compliance across markets enhance the user experience.
NExT eSIM Flex is powered by:
- Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) technology
- eProfile (digital profiles)
- GSMA’s newest standards (SGP.22 and SGP.32)
Activate the Future of Resilient, Always-On Connectivity
Table of Contents
Market Overview: IoT and eSIM Growth
According to Berg Insight, by the end of 2024, the global number of cellular IoT subscribers had reached 3.8 billion. This count represents around 30% of all mobile subscribers. The IoT connectivity market was valued at $3.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand at an 11% CAGR through 2028.
This growth is driven by the:
- Increase in IoT-connected devices
- Adoption of smart infrastructure
- Need for resilient, scalable connectivity solutions
eSIM usage is expanding rapidly. About 10% (368 million) of the global installed base of cellular IoT devices utilized an eSIM at the end of 2024. Connected cars account for more than half of total IoT eSIM connections. By 2029, IoT eSIM connections are forecast to reach 1.6 billion, with a CAGR of 34%.
Key market trends include:
- Expanded eSIM and GSMA localization
- Demand for resilient solutions
- Cloudification and flexibility
- New mission-critical applications driven by 5G and artificial intelligence (AI)
Use Cases: Solutions for Every Industry
Asset tracking: Continuous global connectivity for logistics and supply chain
Remote health monitoring: Reliable connectivity for health care wearables and telemedicine
Smart utilities: Secure provisioning and management for energy and critical infrastructure
Enterprise networking: 5G routers and gateways for business continuity
Security and surveillance: High-performance, always-on connections for mission-critical systems
Core Features of eSIM Flex
NExT eSIM Flex uses remote SIM provisioning (RSP) and a connectivity management platform (CMP) for zero-touch deployments. Profiles can be managed remotely, and business rules define switching based on:
- Coverage
- Cost
- Quality of Service
Multiprofile support enables seamless switching between global roaming and local profiles, ensuring resilience and compliance. GSMA-aligned encryption and life cycle management guarantees security.
NExT eSIM Flex provides:
- Remote adjustment of connectivity subscriptions (profiles):
Devices automatically switch between the profiles based on coverage and business rules - Localization to avoid permanent roaming restrictions (PRR):
Essential for regulated markets and critical national utilities - Bring your own connectivity integration:
Use your own carrier agreements for maximum flexibility and cost control - One SKU for global coverage:
Simplify logistics and reduce operating complexity
How Does It Work? Technical Overview
SIM Technology Evolution
SIM technology has advanced through several stages:
- Single-IMSI roaming SIMs
- Dual-SIM redundancy
- Multi-IMSI solutions
- Multiprofile eSIMs
eSIM Flex is the latest stage in this evolution. It enables true global reach with easy life cycle management and multivendor deployments.
The GSMA eSIM specifications define a global standard for secure, remote provisioning and management of mobile profiles on eUICCs. Starting with SGP.02 for M2M, they evolved to SGP.21 and SGP.22 for consumer devices. Now, SGP.32 for IoT introduces new components, like the eIM manager, to enable flexible, secure life cycle management and interoperability across all device types.
Inside the Technology: eUICC and eProfile
eUICC
eUICC is the software heart of an eSIM platform. Unlike traditional SIMs, eUICC allows IoT device managers to provision and manage mobile connection profiles over the air via RSP. Mobile operators worldwide embrace this GSMA-standardized technology. It supports:
- Remote profile management
- Multiple profiles per SIM
- All SIM form factors
- Future-proofing for evolving technologies
eProfile
NExT eProfile is a digital connectivity subscription delivery service. It leverages the latest GSMA specification, enabling IoT devices in the field to remotely download NExT global eProfiles.
This solution eliminates manual SIM card switching. This feature saves time and reduces costs associated with replacing SIMs in each device. End users can quickly change connectivity profiles without touching the device to take advantage of:
- Network coverage improvements
- Performance
- Tariffs
Leading the Next Wave of IoT
NExT eSIM Flex is the future-ready solution for global IoT connectivity. It combines:
- eUICC
- Multiprofile support
- Advanced remote management
With these capabilities, it empowers organizations worldwide to:
- Deploy IoT devices
- Scale efficiently
- Manage connectivity securely
As the market accelerates, eSIM Flex positions Telit Cinterion and its customers at the forefront of the next wave of IoT innovation. As an end-to-end provider, we provide the following advantages to our customers:
- Full hardware interoperability for seamless deployment
- Intelligence in the platform with smart, tailored rules for local and global profile management
- A smooth transition from SGP.22 to SGP.32 on the same platform, aligned with GSMA eSIM standards
Contact us to get your free NExT starter kit and accelerate your path to IoT success.
Key Takeaways
- Cellular IoT and eSIM adoption are growing quickly, with IoT eSIM connections expected to grow sharply through 2029.
- Remote SIM provisioning helps organizations manage connectivity without physically replacing SIMs.
- Multiprofile eSIM approaches can improve resilience and support compliance in regulated markets.
- A single hardware SKU can simplify global deployments.
