Key features
Remote SIM Provisioning
Download, enable and disable profiles over the air with no physical intervention on the device.
OTA operator switching
Swap the active profile without replacing hardware. Ideal for international deployments and long lifecycle assets.
Multi-IMSI
Multiple operator profiles on a single eSIM, activating the right one based on country or coverage.
GSMA SGP.02 / SGP.22 / SGP.32
Compliant with M2M (SGP.02), consumer (SGP.22) and the new IoT-optimized SGP.32 framework.
MFF2 and removable
Solderable WLCSP for manufacturing, or removable form factors when socket flexibility matters.
Profile REST API
Provision, enable or disable profiles from your platform. API + event webhooks.
Technical specifications
Use cases
- International logistics and tracking
- Connected vehicles and OEM telematics
- Connected consumer electronics
- Portable medical devices
- Smart meters with long lifecycle
- Industrial equipment with global rollout
eSIM vs physical SIM
When to choose eSIM (eUICC) and when a removable SIM is enough.
| Criterion | Physical SIM | eSIM (eUICC) |
|---|---|---|
| Operator switching | Physical swap required | OTA via RSP (SGP.02 / SGP.32) |
| Multi-IMSI | Limited to stored profile | Multiple profiles on the same chip |
| OEM integration | 2FF/3FF/4FF in socket | Solderable MFF2 or removable |
| International rollout | Per-country manual management | Remote provisioning |
| Device lifecycle | Short to medium | Long (>5 years) |
| Hardware requirements | Standard socket | eUICC-capable module + LPA |
Which standard to pick
Server-initiated RSP push (SM-DP). Proven at scale in large M2M rollouts.
Device-initiated pull flow via LPA. Designed for smartphones and wearables.
IoT-optimized framework: lightweight profiles, server-initiated flow with no UI required on the device.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between eSIM and eUICC?
- eSIM is the commercial term; eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is the underlying GSMA-standardized component. An eSIM contains an eUICC chip that holds multiple operator profiles and manages them via Remote SIM Provisioning.
- When should I pick SGP.32 over SGP.02?
- SGP.32 is the modern IoT framework: lightweight profiles, server-initiated flow with no UI required on the device, no SM-SR. SGP.02 is still valid for already-deployed M2M fleets. For new IoT deployments with compatible modules, SGP.32 cuts provisioning cycles. Details at /resources/comparisons/sgp22-vs-sgp32.
- Can I switch operators without replacing the device?
- Yes. That is the key benefit of eSIM/eUICC. Profile switching is done OTA from the portal or the API. Useful when a device crosses borders or regulatory regions, or when an operator stops offering service.
- How many profiles fit on an eSIM?
- Up to 10 simultaneous profiles depending on the eUICC variant. Only one is active at any time; the rest stay installed and can be activated OTA.
- Does the iot.cards eSIM work with any module?
- It works with any cellular module compliant with the eUICC standard and with LPA (Local Profile Assistant) when required. We validate module-by-module compatibility during onboarding.
- Is there a coverage difference vs the physical SIM?
- Same coverage: 190+ countries, 750+ networks. The difference is operational (profile management, OTA operator switching), not network footprint.
- Does it support multi-IMSI?
- Yes. An eSIM can hold several profiles with different IMSIs and switch between them based on country, coverage or cost. More at /resources/glosario-iot/multi-imsi and /resources/blog/multi-imsi-explicado.
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