A Year in the Journey: SGP.31/.32 Standards and Their Evolution in IoT

In August 2023, we explored the SGP.31/.32 standards in our blog, "SGP.31/.32 Specification – What is it and What Does it Mean for My Business?” At the time, the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association), had recently published the SGP.32 specification, marking an important step toward unifying “Consumer” and “IoT” eSIM standards. While this development hinted at a unified path forward, the journey is still in its early stages. The impact on the IoT connectivity landscape is unfolding more gradually than anticipated. As we look toward 2025, let’s dive into what has happened over the past year, the current state of these standards, and how KORE is preparing for their adoption. 

SGP.31/.32: A Quick Recap

SGP.31/.32 is designed to create a more flexible and efficient Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) model that bridges Consumer and IoT use cases. Traditionally, Consumer and IoT eSIM standards operated separately, each addressing different connectivity requirements. SGP.31/.32 changes that by introducing a hybrid approach, bringing a wider choice of connectivity typically associated with Consumer eSIM into the IoT space, while still allowing customers to remotely initiate profile downloads – an option not available with the Consumer (SGP.22) standard.

This approach includes key innovations such as the IoT Profile Assistant (IPA) and the eSIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM), which enhance interoperability and simplify large-scale deployments.

Adoption Delays and Industry Challenges

Since SGP.32's release, the roadmap for bringing this technology to market has been more gradual than initially expected. Due to the extensive testing, alignment of infrastructure, and collaborative efforts required to launch fully SGP.32-compliant products, the technology impact has yet to be felt widely in 2024. For most connectivity providers, including KORE, 2025 is now looking like the year when SGP.32 will begin making a tangible impact.

In the meantime, KORE and other providers continue to deliver reliable connectivity solutions through established standards like SGP.02 for RSP, as well as roaming SIMs and multi-IMSI options, ensuring that businesses can maintain robust connectivity today while preparing for the future transition to SGP.32.

KORE’s Role and Preparations

At KORE, we are actively engaged in the evolution of the SGP.31 and SGP.32 standards, preparing to incorporate these advancements as they become market-ready. Our focus is on positioning ourselves as a trusted partner for enterprises looking to transition smoothly to these standards once they are fully adopted by the industry. Although no products based on SGP.31/.32 are commercially available yet, our early involvement allows us to stay at the forefront, ready to offer seamless interoperability and scalability when the standards mature.

In the meantime, we continue to provide robust IoT solutions that meet current connectivity needs, setting the foundation for an eventual transition to SGP.32.

Why Partnering with KORE Simplifies SGP.32 Adoption

As enterprises consider SGP.32 adoption, a common question arises: “Can’t we manage this transition ourselves?” While technically possible, taking on SGP.32 internally comes with significant complexities and challenges that make a strong case for managed services.

Enterprises would need to handle a range of critical tasks, including:

• Running the infrastructure necessary to support SGP.32-enabled IoT devices. 
• Negotiating contracts with multiple connectivity providers and technology vendors. 
• Managing complex back-end integration to ensure seamless connectivity and interoperability. 
• Planning and executing a transition to SGP.32, a process that involves extensive testing, compliance, and support for legacy systems.

Taking on these tasks can strain resources and detract from core objectives. By choosing KORE as a managed services partner, enterprises can offload these complexities and focus on strategic priorities.

The Benefits of a Managed Services Approach with KORE

KORE is preparing to deliver a comprehensive managed services approach for future SGP.32 adoption, offering:

1. A Continuum of Connectivity Solutions – With our expertise across IoT connectivity solutions, including other Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) standards, KORE will be ready to support diverse connectivity needs as your IoT deployment scales.
2. End-to-End Orchestration – KORE manages every aspect of IoT deployment, from device provisioning to security and analytics. This complete oversight reduces the need for multiple vendors, simplifying complex orchestration.
3. A Clear Migration Roadmap – As SGP.32 reaches commercial readiness, KORE plans to provide a structured migration path, guiding enterprises from existing standards like SGP.02 and offering hybrid solutions to minimise disruptions.

Why Now is the Time to Partner with KORE

While SGP.32 is still in its early phases and is expected to impact the market in 2025, KORE’s early engagement positions us to handle the complexities of this transition when the time comes. By partnering with KORE, enterprises can rely on our expertise to navigate the future of IoT connectivity, avoiding the need to build their own infrastructure and expertise. Let KORE carry the burden of this transition, enabling you to focus on maximising the benefits of IoT without the technical and operational challenges.

What Lies Ahead

The development of SGP.31 and SGP.32 is ongoing, and KORE is closely monitoring how these standards will impact IoT. As we continue to prepare for their adoption, we’ll align our offerings with industry advancements to ensure a seamless transition. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we’ll explore recent RSP updates and discuss the future of SGP.31 and SGP.32. In the meantime, connect with our team to discuss how KORE can support your IoT goals today and in the future.