TRUPHONE Io 3 INTRODUCES eSIMthe COOKBOOK THE eSIM WILL FOREVER CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE, BUSINESSES AND DEVICES CONNECT TO MOBILE NETWORKS. THIS COOKBOOK IS A COLLECTION OF RECIPES THAT CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR ORGANISATION ADOPT THE eSIM AND ENJOY ITS MANY BENEFITS. TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
WHAT IS eSIM? 5 How does an eSIM get setup? 5
HOW DOES REMOTE SIM PROVISIONING WORK? 5
OVERVIEW OF INGREDIENTS 6 SM-DP / SM-DP+ 6 SM-SR 6 LPA 6 SM-DS 6 Entitlements Server 7 Websheets & OS integration 7
RECIPES 8 The connected companion 8 The traveller 10 The enterprise 12 Consumer IoT 14 The Internet of Everything 16 The connected car 18 The smartphone 20
SUMMARY 22 INTRODUCTION For three decades, it’s always been the same. If you wanted to provide cellular connectivity, you’d need a SIM card. But in a world where people can get anything they want delivered to their door at within the hour, at the touch of a button—was it ever going be enough for the customer of the 2020s?
The eSIM is the next big thing in our connected world. Networks are provisioned to devices over the air. No plastic. No lag. No paperclips. No brainer. Apple has fired the starting pistol. Its introduction of the eSIM into the iPhone is the catalyst for mass and swift adoption.
The nature of mobile connectivity has changed, and the physical SIM card has become outdated. It is no longer viable to expect device manufacturers and distributors – not to mention customers – to stay wedded to the hassle and cost of removable SIM cards, just to get their device online.
Network operators and device makers must embrace the recent standardisation of eSIM and evolve the systems and processes across the supply chain to support widespread deployment and use of eSIM- enabled devices.
At Truphone, we’re at the forefront of the eSIM revolution. We’re publishing this cookbook to share some simple recipes on how to create new customer experiences and smooth the journey for the next generation of devices to get connected. WHAT IS AN eSIM? Let’s start at the beginning. The eSIM is the new standard in SIM technology. It was developed by the GSMA and has already become widely accepted by the telecoms market. Sometimes it’s called the embedded SIM, and occasionally you’ll see the initials eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card).
It differs from traditional SIM cards in several essential ways. For one thing, the eSIM is activated using remote SIM provisioning—the capability to configure the SIM for any mobile operator remotely or through the use of an application on the device. This means the SIM ‘card’ can be embedded inside a connected device, for the lifespan of the hardware.
How does an eSIM get set up? Simply put – with a remote SIM provisioning (RSP) platform – the process of installing an operator’s connectivity credentials, known as an eSIM profile, is simplified by using a standardised, secure and remote ‘over the air’ process.
Crucially, it’s widely considered to be as secure as existing traditional SIM technology. Secure data centres are used to host the connectivity profiles from the mobile network operator, ready to be installed into the eSIM. And, the GSMA has established a certification for companies which provide remote SIM provisioning platform services according to the same security requirements that exist for the production of physical SIM cards.
HOW DOES REMOTE SIM PROVISIONING WORK?
Two standards for remote SIM provisioning currently exist to support machine to machine (M2M) and consumer use cases. Both standards share similar infrastructure components and are often supported by the same platform.
Remote SIM provisioning unlocks the flexibility of an eSIM to allow mobile connectivity, so that a device can be configured once it has been manufactured and deployed. This is particularly beneficial for M2M and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, where the configuration process is performed remotely from the device itself.
For consumer devices, mobile connectivity can be enabled by simply scanning a QR code, or through an application installed on the device.
Bac end Bac end Infrastructure Infrastructure
M2M - designed for M2M devices such as sensors, Consumer - designed for consumer devices, such as industrial devices or vehicles tablets, phones, watches or wearables OVERVIEW OF INGREDIENTS What you’ll need to get started.
Subscription Manager Data Preparation Entitlements Server (SM-DP / SM-DP+)
Subscription Manager Secure Routing (SM-SR) Websheets & OS integration
Local Profile Assistant (LPA) Mobile Network Operator (MNO)
Subscription Manager Discovery Service (SM-DS) Embedded SIM (eSIM or eUICC)
SM-DP / SM-DP+ LPA The initials stand for Subscription Manager Data An LPA is a Local Profile Assistant, typically provided as Preparation (the regular SM-DP is for M2M devices part of the device operating system or as an application. and the SM-DP+ is for consumer devices). Both are It provides the ability to install operator profiles to the the components responsible for preparing, storing and eSIM in a device as well as to manage the activation or protecting operator profiles for installation to an eSIM. deactivation of an operator profile on a device.
SM-SR SM-DS An SM-SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing) is The SM-DS (Subscription Management Root-Discovery the component responsible for remotely managing the Service) is a service that allows a device to receive status of operator profiles on an eSIM. This is used for notifications about tasks that need to be actioned on M2M use cases where no user interaction for a device an eSIM—for example, if there is a new operator profile may be possible. available to download and install.
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 08 Entitlements Server For many mobile devices, you need more than just a SIM to successfully connect to a mobile network for the first time. Various other configuration data are needed, such as APNs, network access rules, data usage policies around roaming, tethering, and support for services such as voice over Wi-Fi (VoWifi), voice over LTE (VoLTE) and mobile switching service (MSS).
Right now, many devices are produced without the manufacturer knowing which mobile operator will be used to get the hardware online. This makes it hard to manage the configuration data and policies needed for that device to successfully connect to a network the first time. The integration of an entitlements server with a mobile network simplifies this process dramatically. Device configuration can be set up remotely and managed over a secure channel.
Anything else? In eSIM-enabled consumer devices, mobile subscriptions are activated differently. While it’s possible to allow some devices to scan a QR code corresponding to a specific eSIM operator profile, other activation procedures may be more desirable for customers using devices such as tablets, laptops and wearables.
Therefore, many manufactuers allow operators to embed specially-designed websheets (simplified access to a mobile operator website) onto the device. These allow for plans to be displayed, purchased, and activated while appearing native to the device operating system. Support for this integration often requires the operator to repurpose their existing e-commerce platforms to support the APIs and display requirements of different devices.
Support for this websheets integration requires some changes by the mobile network operator to support the APIs and display requirements of certain devices whilst re-using existing e-commerce platforms.
For the new eSIM-enabled iPhone and Android phones, it is also possible for mobile operators to include eSIM activation support in their existing mobile applications. This is achieved through specific eSIM APIs built into the operating system and in coordination with the remote SIM provisioning platform. THE CONNECTED Companion devices: COMPANION Wearables, partnered devices, smart watches.
New devices such as the Apple Watch 4, Samsung Gear S3, Huawei Watch 2 are being designed and released with cellular connectivity support. The engineering effort to support high speed LTE and excellent battery life is to be applauded. For mobile operators, this offers a great new opportunity.
METHOD
01 The remote SIM provisioning platform (SM- 04 Business Support Systems (BSS) need to be 1DP+) provides network operators with secure adapted to allow adding another device to an storage of eSIM profiles and allows them to be existing subscription. installed onto a device. 05 The mobile network or home subscriber service 02 An app on the customer’s primary device (HSS) needs to support authentication, based on (smartphone) allows a companion device to be the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP- set up and configured. AKA) that allows a device to authenticate with the network over any connection (mobile or Wifi) 03 The Entitlements Server provides the ability for to setup network configuration on the device. a device to connect and download the network configuration data for a device to behave 06 Integrating the BSS and Operations Support correctly. System (OSS) to the SM-DP+ allows the linking of a new subscription with an eSIM profile securely stored in the platform. INGREDIENTS
Consumer remote SIM provisioning Carrier Sign up / Activation Cellular Setup (SM-DP+) Carrier Se Ordering / tt ing Activation s S et Set up Cellular up eSIM SS Integration Entitlements Server Skip this step P ro i le
In s MNO ta l la Pro ile t n io Order io Websheets Integration n t ra Trigger eSIM g te Installation BSS/OSS In
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 10 These new wearables are designed to act as companion devices—a perfect match to a customer’s primary mobile service and smartphone. They support features like Multi-SIM – which means the wearable can share the same number and subscription from an existing plan – as well as advanced mobile network features such as VoWifi and VoLTE.
By adding this new device to their existing mobile Customers generally pay a small monthly fee to add subscription, customers have the freedom to go for these devices to an existing subscription, increasing a run, stream music, take calls, and make payments ARPU for mobile operators and reducing the number of without taking their smartphone with them. mobile contracts a customer needs to manage.
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 11 THE Standalone devices: TRAVELLER PCs, tablets, iPads, Surface Pro.
A new breed of portable devices – from Microsoft’s Always Connected PC range to the iPad Pro – are being created with mobility in mind. While Wifi might be sufficient at the office, when on theoad r – or in front of a client – staying constantly connected is a must. That’s why Microsoft and Apple have equipped these products with embedded SIMs and the ability to purchase connectivity directly on the device.
METHOD
201 Device OS integration provided enables a 03 BSS/OSS integration provides linkage with any customer to sign up and manage subscriptions existing subscriptions the customer may have. directly on the device. 04 An entitlements server allows the device to 02 SM-DP+ provides the platform to install the instantly configure the latest network settings eSIM profile on the device and activate mobile based on the operator selection. connectivity.
INGREDIENTS
Consumer remote SIM provisioning (SM-DP+) p Marketplace integration BSS/OSS ign Int S eg r ra ie r ti r o a n Entitlements Server C Pro ile Order Allocation
ration teg In Websheets SS O S/ eSIM Pro ile BS MNO Installation
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 12 The mobile data usage for these travelling devices varies significantly from that of a smartphone or smart watch. They require high-speed, large, flexible data-only allowances.
As such, these eSIM-enabled devices present new A market for powerful, continuously-connected devices opportunities for mobile operators to connect is emerging to support the demands of both consumers customers and tailor specific packages based on and enterprise customers. A hardened, secure, and customer usage and mobility requirements. constantly connected computing platform that can be remotely managed and configured is sure to be attractive to many large enterprises.
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 13 THE Enterprise mobility management: ENTERPRISE Large-scale mobile devices.
Being a communications manager in the IT department of a large organisation is a tough job. The purchase, distribution, and ongoing management of mobile equipment for all employees is demanding, even with the various mobile device management (MDM) solutions on the market.
But, with new smartphones such as the Google Pixel 3 and the iPhone XS supporting eSIM, there’s an opportunity for mobile operators to simplify how their enterprise customers get devices connected and managed.
3METHOD
01 The mobile device management platform 03 The employee is free to use their personal provides the ability to configure and deploy SIM card in the same device if they wish (if applications when a device is powered on supported). according to corporate policy. 04 Remote SIM provisioning (SM-DP+) provides 02 A bespoke carrier app (which can be distributed the ability to install eSIM profiles remotely on through the MDM) facilitates the install and an employee’s device. setup of an eSIM for an employee’s new device.
INGREDIENTS
Consumer remote SIM provisioning con igure device on setup lly ca ti (SM-DP+) a o t u
A Entitlements Server n la P r a u ll e C Pro ile order Carrier application Activate Allocation eSIM Installation Mobile device management platform
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 14 Through tight integration with MDM platforms and eSIM subscription management, SIM profiles can be distributed through an app and employees can activate their mobile subscription when a device is unboxed. For mobile operators, this new opportunity to connect directly with employees not only creates cross-selling opportunities for personal plans, but also grants them a much greater understanding of their customer bases.
The deployment of eSIM technology in the workplace functionality is enabled, it may also reduce the need also has potential to simplify bring-your-own-device to have separate personal and work devices whereby (BYOD) policies for employees, whose personal enterprise connectivity can be enabled via an eSIM and device can be easily enabled with connectivity by the employee’s personal subscription activated via a installing a specific carrier application. Where dual-SIM removable SIM or eSIM.
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 15 CONSUMER INTERNET Consumer devices: OF THINGS Smart cameras, speakers, trackers, sensors.
Consumer IoT devices are emerging in the market as the growing power of mobile connectivity is creating new experiences and services. Connected cameras, pet monitors, security solutions, trackers and fitness products are using mobile connectivity in new, tightly integrated ways. Due to space, power, and environmental factors, these new products often come equipped with eSIM technology.
METHOD
401 The eSIM discovery service (SM-DS) provides 03 The consumer remote SIM provisioning (SM- the ability for a device to discover and DP+) platform provides the mechanism to automatically install eSIM profiles that may be host and install eSIM profiles to these new associated with the device. This can be enabled consumer IoT devices. as soon as the device is powered on.
02 The carrier app enables a customer to manage and configure all of their devices and install eSIM profiles on new devices (if required) using their existing smartphone.
INGREDIENTS
Consumer remote SIM provisioning Pro ile Ordering BSS/OS S I nt Activation eg (SM-DP+) ra t io n eSIM A c t iv at Carrier application ion BSS/O SS I nt eg ration
n o i eSIM Discovery Service (SM-DS) t a l l MNO a t s n I y M r I ve eS o c is D e il Pro
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 16 These connected devices are wrapped with a managed service where the actual mobile operator is less important to the user—as long as it works. This is changing. Due to the complexity of selecting the right operator for the customer before shipment, in practice, many devices either come shipped without connectivity, or are only distributed through a specific mobile operator.
For mobile operators, these emerging consumer distribution channels and to establish new retail IoT devices provide opportunities to connect more partnerships where a new kind of connected device can customers and build loyalty. Furthermore, they create be sold. opportunities to sell additional products via operator
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 17 THE INTERNET M2M connectivity: OF EVERYTHING Trackers, smart meters, intercoms.
New connected IoT products such as pallet trackers, smart meters, parking machines, point of sale (POS) terminals and emergency intercoms require connectivity to be selected and included during manufacturing prior to distribution and installation.
It is clearly untenable for many of these long-term installations to be locked to a specific connectivity provider. Assurances are therefore required so that alternative providers can connect these devices in the future. By using eSIM, M2M customers have the flexibility to select a contract with their preferred suppliers with the confidence that their devices will remain operational – without the hassle of an onsite callout – even if the connectivity contract 5expires or fails. METHOD
01 Devices are manufactured with a standardised 03 SM-DP provides mechanism to install MFF2 eSIM with a specific operator profile. alternative eSIM profiles to the device if ever needed. 02 SM-SR provides the capability to manage all eSIMs manufactured and deployed in the field.
INGREDIENTS
M2M remote SIM provisioning: SM-DP
eSIM M an SM-SR ag e ent BSS/O SS I nt eg t ra n tion
e
MFF2 eSIM e
g a MNO n
a
M SMS Integration
M I S e
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 18 The volume of these devices and wide distribution and subscription management platform providers, it is creates a very lucrative market for mobile operators in possible to provide customers with a complete secure supporting manufacturers to create a single SKU that connectivity solution that they can trust. can work globally. In partnership with eSIM suppliers
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 19 THE Connected vehicles: CONNECTED CAR New and existing cars.
The connected car, and the integration of mobile connectivity to improve the driving experience, is of intense interest to many mobile operators.
From the collection and transmission of telematics data for vehicle servicing, to driver behaviour monitoring for insurance purposes, the mobile connected car is fast becoming mainstream. 6METHOD 01 Cars are manufactured with intelligent units 03 SM-DP provides the mechanism to install that include an MFF2 eSIM with a specific alternative eSIM profiles to the vehicle in operator profile. specific geographies.
02 SM-SR provides the capability to manage all 04 SM-DP+ provides the ability for infotainment eSIMs manufactured and deployed in cars units to also provision mobile connectivity for around the world (often hosted by the car the driver to support live maps, traffic services, manufacturer). media streaming, and insurance products.
INGREDIENTS
M2M remote SIM provisioning: (SM-DP)
(SM-SR) eSIM Manage ent SMS Integration
t n e
e
g a BSS/OSS Integration consumer remote SIM n a
M
M I MNO provisioning (SM-SP+) S e
tall ns I IM S MFF2 eSIM e Pro ile Order Connect ivity Purchase
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 20 The connected car represents two revenue opportunities in which both the vehicle manufacturer and the end user enter into an agreement in some manner with a mobile operator.
The lifetime of the vehicle, and the longevity of the connectivity contract, need to be managed carefully. It’s essential that this is built upon eSIM standards, and it supports an open ecosystem of different connectivity providers.
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 21 THE Smartphones: SMARTPHONE iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR & Google Pixel 3.
For many operators, the introduction of eSIM creates some fear, uncertainty and doubt over how it will impact current distribution channels and customer churn. With the introduction of the eSIM in the Apple iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and Google Pixel 3, it is clear that the number of eSIM-enabled consumer smartphones is set to rise.
METHOD
017 The consumer remote SIM provisioning (SM- 03 The Entitlements Server provides a means to DP+) platform provides the ability to host and automatically configure a device for use with install eSIM profiles to the smartphone. SM- the chosen mobile network if required. DP+ can issue QR codes for the customer to scan and activate a specific eSIM profile. 04 The carrier application allows a user-friendly method of signing up or linking a new device 02 The eSIM Discovery Service (SM-DS) provides with a mobile operator. a mechanism for a device to discover if a connectivity plan is available to install.
INGREDIENTS
Activation Consumer remote SIM provisioning g BSS/O rin SS e In rd te O g (SM-SP+) r e a l i t i o o n r SS Integration P /O S S Entitlements Server (Optional) B n tio va cti eSIM A n atio gr te In eSIM Discovery Service (SM-DS) S Device Con iguration S MNO (Optional) Carrier Settings
P ro Carrier application ile Discovery
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 22 As the masses move towards eSIM-enabled devices, the pressure on mobile operators will be too high to withstand. They will soon be obliged to respond positively to customers who wish to use features such as Dual SIM and simple connectivity management.
The speed at which operators provide support for the As eSIM adoption grows, it will be increasingly viable to smartphone eSIM will be a determining factor for how include eSIM activation as part of an operator’s existing successful they are in taking advantage of this new mobile app. opportunity. Certain device ecosystems may also enable operators To start with, allowing customers to buy plans by scanning to participate in a connectivity marketplace in which a QR code will provide a convenient mechanism for subscriptions can be advertised and signed up for directly activating connectivity on an eSIM-enabled smartphone and on the device. These marketplaces provide a completely will require little integration with mobile operator support online know your customer (KYC) function, payment, systems. and activation experience just like many online services today. The implications of this may be wide-reaching for some mobile operators and the degree of support such marketplaces will receive is yet to be seen.
eSIM COOKBOOK 2019 23 CONCLUSION For mobile operators around the world, the arrival of eSIM creates several challenges and opportunities in equal measure. But there is no doubt that these developments will set the stage for how devices and customers connect to mobile networks for the foreseeable future.
Whether seeking to support the latest Apple iPhone or looking to simplify the management of connectivity for large scale IoT solutions, mobile operators who embrace eSIM will be able to offer customers a range of new growth opportunities and experiences.
At Truphone, we are pioneers in using eSIM technology. This is why we are extending our partnership with mobile operators around the world and providing access to our GSMA certified remote SIM provisioning platform, entitlements server, and Apple and Android integration services all under one simple hosted services agreement.
Our team of SIM and mobile experts, can provide all the necessary technology and expertise to help operators and customers benefit using the embedded SIM.
Find out more at: www.truphone.com
[email protected] truphone.com/Io3
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