eSIM

What is eSIM and why does it matter in IoT?

Q: Are eSIM and MFF2 the same?

No. MFF2 is the physical form factor (soldered chip). eSIM is the capability of reprogramming the operator profile. You can have non-eSIM MFF2 or eSIM in other form factors. In IoT, eSIM-MFF2 is most common.

Q: What is RSP or remote provisioning?

Remote SIM Provisioning: a server (SM-DP+) sends a signed operator profile to the eSIM. The eSIM installs and activates it. All without touching the device.

Q: Does every eSIM work in every country?

Technically yes, but commercial profile availability depends on local operator agreements. A good IoT provider has ready-to-use profiles for the countries that matter to you.

Short answer

An eSIM is an embedded SIM (MFF2 chip or integrated into the SoC) that stores the operator profile in software. Instead of swapping a card, you download a new profile remotely (RSP). For IoT, that means one SKU for the whole world and changing operator without touching the device.

SGP.22 vs SGP.32: why IoT waits for the second

SGP.22 is consumer eSIM (phones, wearables): it needs a UI to scan QR. SGP.32 is the IoT-native spec: the profile is downloaded from a central platform without interaction. For a meter or a tracker with no screen, only SGP.32 makes sense.

Real benefits for an IoT project

A single global SKU, operator swap without field visits, yearly price negotiation without penalty, and automatic per-country optimization. At scale (thousands of SIMs), the operational savings justify the design investment.

When NOT to migrate yet

Small deployments (<500 SIMs) in a single country where your current operator is fine. Profile logistics, MDM, and RSP platform don't pay off. For those, a traditional multi-operator IoT SIM is still cheaper.

SGP.32 for headless IoT
One global SKU
Operator change via software
RSP = Remote SIM Provisioning

Tailored offer

Does eSIM fit your project?

Free analysis: volume, countries, use cases, and roadmap. We tell you whether eSIM (SGP.32) makes sense now or if waiting is smarter.

Frequently asked questions

Are eSIM and MFF2 the same?+

No. MFF2 is the physical form factor (soldered chip). eSIM is the capability of reprogramming the operator profile. You can have non-eSIM MFF2 or eSIM in other form factors. In IoT, eSIM-MFF2 is most common.

What is RSP or remote provisioning?+

Remote SIM Provisioning: a server (SM-DP+) sends a signed operator profile to the eSIM. The eSIM installs and activates it. All without touching the device.

Does every eSIM work in every country?+

Technically yes, but commercial profile availability depends on local operator agreements. A good IoT provider has ready-to-use profiles for the countries that matter to you.