Demand for 4G SIM cards is increasing and channel partners have been quick to market with propositions from 4G routers in rural areas to tracking and monitoring devices globally, but few are involved in rolling out large scale IoT solutions. Outside of the channel, global manufacturers, distributors, mobile networks and specialists, have been considering how to scale the Internet of Things and increase adoption.
Scale is both the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge, as the cost of changing SIMs in millions of devices can be prohibitively expensive. Some say the need for scalable IoT solutions has led to the development of eSIM technology, a network-agnostic white label plastic or embedded mobile data SIM.
These SIMs can be embedded into devices or sold separately and operator profiles on the eUICC can be securely and remotely updated over-the-air. Instead of swapping plastic SIM cards, profiles are downloaded and managed on a device as needed. In the eSIM model, a device is ready to deploy anywhere network coverage exists. If a device moves and crosses networks, its profile can be updated quickly and securely.
Yes, eSIMs could really help IoT adoption and encourage channel partners, who couldn’t previously see how they could make money from IoT, start generating profitable, recurring revenues.
Jola is the channel’s leading mobile data specialist. If you have an interest in providing unique 4G solutions using the widest range of cost-effective data SIMs in the channel, request our Partner Pack.
