Jola Cloud Solutions' Blog

What is eSIM?

eSIM is a standard set by the GSMA, the association representing mobile network operators worldwide. It is a new technology which means that a SIM can hold multiple mobile profiles simultaneously and can be re-configured ‘over the air’ (OTA) with new profiles or profile selection rules.  Jola’s use of this technology means that resellers can choose whether to deliver mobile data solutions that are optimised for best coverage or for best cost, whilst retaining the flexibility to change this preference in the future.

What problem does eSIM solve?

An issue for manufacturers selling their products in different countries has been the need to maintain multiple SKUs. This is because they have had to use SIMs from different operators, based on the territory they are to be sold in. No single mobile network operator can provide the optimal solution for all countries and eSIM solves this problem.

What are the key features of eSIM?

They are configurable OTA (Over The Air). Network providers can be changed without swapping out the SIMs.

They are cost effective. You can pick the tariff required based on the amount of data the customer needs and the country (or countries) that the SIM will operate in. Therefore, there are no more unexpected roaming charges to worry about.

There are many exciting new mobile technologies being developed all the time. For example, currently 5G, LTE-M and NB-IoT are being rolled out in various countries around the world. Some of these technologies are enabling new applications, not possible before. As and when these new technologies are made available to roaming partners then the Jola eSIM will support them.  There is no faster way to gain access to these technologies, across multiple networks, than by using eSIM due to its inherent ability to be reprogrammed to support new networks and new technologies.

With the public demanding immediate 24/7 news, broadcasters need nimble mobile solutions. Until recently they have had to rely upon inflexible, expensive satellites or low-bandwidth, low quality mobile data networks. However, with new multi-SIM cameras and managed 4G networks they can now deploy lightly-equipped news teams immediately, anywhere in the world. This lower cost of transmission and transmitting equipment is lowering the barriers to entry into this market allowing smaller news agencies to challenge the dominance of traditional broadcasters.

The challenges

Broadcasters are looking for cost-effective mobile data packages, easily managed within a portal, to avoid the hassle of contracting with multiple, global operators and the high cost of unexpected overages. MSPs are partnering with Jola for mobile data to address this issue.

Jola’s solution

Jola provides a wide range of 4G data packages including cost-effective multi-network roaming packages, controlled within Mobile Manager. Our multi-network SIMs roam to the strongest signal in each area and usage is monitored.

Unlimited voice and data SIMs are available in the channel but can only be used in mobile phones. Jola is first to market with an unlimited data SIM fit for purpose, without speed restrictions, on 30-day contracts. These SIMs will work on 5G, where available.

Extremely keenly priced, Jola’s new packages are designed to work in routers and M2M devices in the UK, offering unlimited data for business users.

Retailers are not always sure which network is best in each location, when the 4G back-up will be needed and how much data they will use. Sending survey engineers to site to establish the strongest signal is a timely and expensive exercise. In addition, they regularly receive high data overage bills, which can be tens of thousands of pounds a month. When a service fails, they often won’t know if it’s the network or the device and are forced to send an engineer to site.

Managed Service Providers are experienced at designing, rolling out and managing solutions however have struggled with the 4G element, managing multiple in-country suppliers, with multiple manual ordering processes and a lack of visibility across the SIM estate. They have had no direct control over SIM assets and no way to aggregate data usage across countries.

Public sector services in healthcare and blue light services are being encouraged to ‘go digital’ to become more efficient and get the most out of their budgets. MSPs are helping to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions such as;

Smart Devices

Ambulance crews are using tablets containing 4G SIM cards to access online information about medical and traumatic conditions and treatment on the move. They are completing incident forms online and accessing ePCRs and information about healthcare providers and plans.

Police Officers are able to record arrests on body cameras and send content in a live stream to officers nearby for assessment and support.

Smart Communications

Ambulance crews can electronically send details about the patient to the emergency department including appropriate photographs from the scene of the incident e.g. road traffic collision or electrocardiogram readings, to help doctors determine the extent of injury that may have been sustained. This allows staff in the hospital to prepare and be ready to act when the patient arrives.

Mobile forensics

Police are now using mobile fingerprinting systems that allow them to check the identity of an unknown person against a database of 12 million records in less than a minute. Many officers carry hand-held scanners connected to their 4G smartphone, allowing them to scan fingertips. The scans are checked against the database.

Digital interviewing

Many police forces are using digital audio-visual interview equipment and touch screens for custodial interviews. These provide improved access to recording for police, legal representatives and suspects.

Push to Talk Radio

Two-way walkie-talkie radio technology is being upgraded to 4G. This has created an opportunity for partners, who are already familiar with selling 4G data solutions.

Jola has become a global IoT MVNO, providing the UK’s first multi-network eSIM built for the channel. e-SIMs give MSPs and resellers ultimate choice and control, whilst solving the biggest mobile data problem facing their end users – how to automatically connect any device to any network, anywhere in the world.

GSMA-compliant eSIMs give Jola partners a truly un-steered, multi-network roaming connection, ensuring the customer is always getting the best technical and commercial solution, whatever happens in the market. Network-agnostic eSIMs offer an alternative to MNO contract lock-ins and save customers the pain and expense of swapping out SIMs.

Adrian Sunderland, Jola’s CTO commented, “eSIM or eUICC technology is the key to unlocking the IoT opportunity for the channel. eSIMs can be embedded into devices or delivered as a traditional removeable SIM. 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.”

According to a recent report by Transport Focus, passengers listed value for money, punctuality, Wi-Fi connectivity and safety, as their main priorities. These factors are driving a rise in demand for smart transport networks around the world, creating 4G data opportunities solution providers are well-placed to provide.

Smart transport networks offer significant benefits to passengers, operators and local authorities, enabling urban services to become more efficient, effective and safe. Cities from London to Singapore are already building them. Madrid is leading the way, with a central control room that receives and integrates data from 40 urban control rooms. They cover over 100 bus routes, 300 railway lines and 200,000 cameras, delivering end-to-end surveillance and security solutions.

There are many experienced providers offering end-to-end solutions to the transport industry, involving 4G routers and cameras. Trams, buses and trains are tracked, and arrival times accurately estimated and advertised, factoring in potential delays. These devices need 4G data SIMs, often with a fixed IP or delivered via a secure Private APN. On average there are seven SIMs per bus, for logging into the cameras to download relevant footage, Wi-Fi, secure card payments, passenger trackers, applications tracking hours worked, petrol levels and miles travelled.

Challenges

Service providers face a few challenges with 4G. Some networks are stronger than others in specific locations requiring relationships with multiple network providers. Secondly, they have no way of tracking data usage and if devices use more than their allocated monthly allowance, they get high data overage charges. Thirdly, they need a secure channel for transmitting financial data.

MSPs servicing the logistics industry are providing IoT solutions, which include devices containing 4G SIMs, to improve efficiency and safety records in the industry as a whole.

Fleet Management

Monitoring devices are used to provide management teams with real-time data on fuel consumption and regulatory compliance. Critical information is displayed in dashboards for management teams to monitor in real-time and analyse KPIs.

Transit Management

Devices track the exact location of a vehicle and accurately estimate arrival times. Tracking information is gathered in a central system and can be sent to relevant parties.

Smart Inventory Management

Smart inventory management systems analyse real-time data across warehouse distribution centres. By implementing sensors to track stock levels, stock management has been improved leading to more efficient distribution.

Challenges

Typically, MSPs have partnered with the mobile carriers directly for SIMs, however many have struggled with a lack of flexibility and control.

The short answer is yes. Device manufacturers may not need to provide the connectivity, but they need to ensure their devices can connect to available networks.

4G is widely available and 5G is being rolled out by all major mobile operators. Roaming options are available globally. WiFi and Bluetooth are useful for short-range, high-bandwidth communications, however 4G and 5G allow IoT devices to connect to mobile towers much further away. 4G is a cost-effective, reliable service, used by many IoT devices globally.

eSIMs can be embedded into devices or delivered as a traditional plastic SIM. 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.

Global IoT manufacturers and distributors 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. eSIMs resolve this.

A global eSIM will allow you to connect devices to the Internet in any country where it is being used. For devices that are continually changing countries, such as Pan-European coaches, trains and lorries, roaming is a must, to guarantee a seamless connection.

During the manufacturing process, it's not always known where the device will end up, so having one eSIM that will ensure connectivity globally, is essential.

eSIMs can be embedded into devices or delivered as a traditional plastic SIM. 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.

eSIMs give resellers back their edge over the retail mobile networks. They can offer a truly un-steered, multi-network connection ensuring the customer is always getting the best technical and commercial solution, whatever happens in the market. They are offering an alternative to retail mobile network contract lock-ins and saving customers the pain of swapping out SIMs.

 eSIMs will really help IoT adoption and encourage channel partners, who cannot currently see how they can make money from IoT, start generating profitable, recurring revenues.