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The 5 Stages to eSIM Deployment

5 minute read

The advantages of using eSIM technology for IoT solutions is the ability to deploy devices across the globe and potentially for the entire lifecycle of the device without having to worry about network or carrier lock-in. With out-of-the-box connectivity that offers zero-touch provisioning, eSIM is helping change the way IoT is deployed. KORE has identified 5 key steps to deploying eSIM to help make it simpler when considering or choosing this connectivity technology.

1. Strategy and Business Case

Like any other IoT deployment, beginning the adoption process begins with defining your strategy within your unique business case. One of the first questions to ask is what is the objective within your business case?

For example, if you are deploying a solution that will be located in a remote area for the entire device lifecycle, such as in utilities use cases, you will rely heavily on the future-proof capability of eSIM and the ability to remotely provision to a different network in the event of carrier changes or sunsets. Each deployment is different and an IoT provider can help you strategise for a custom solution that fits your unique needs.

Another question to consider is your timeline. Ordering, testing, and activating eSIMs will need to be accounted for in your time to market. Other considerations include connectivity management, product lifecycle management, deployment location, as well as scope and scale of the deployment.

2. eSIM Technology Considerations

In choosing an eSIM, there are several checkpoints to address. One of the difficult parts in global IoT connectivity is that not all SIM cards are the same, even when it comes to eSIM. Some SIM connectivity technologies might appear to have the same features as the eUICC technology that powers eSIM, but that might not always be the case. The following capabilities will help identify the true eSIM:

  • A single SKU eSIM that is globally connected
  • A carrier-agnostic platform that minimises roaming costs
  • Connectivity that has the resilience to overcome network sunsets
  • Standards-compliant RSP technology that allows remote, automatic connectivity to the optimal network
  • Device monitoring to ensure the solution is always connected and operating properly
  • Tools teams can use to manage connectivity profiles and provision data and devices
  • Security based on industry standards
  • An architecture that can scale along with your business case

3. Connectivity Requirements

As the power behind your IoT solution, it is critical to define your connectivity requirements. This complex ecosystem requires many considerations, and of those, a few include:

  • Coverage
  • Carriers and network technologies
  • Geographic location or locations
  • Roaming services
  • Rate plans and services
  • Redundancy requirements and how to execute
  • Regulations
  • Whether you will pull together the connectivity ecosystem independently and internally or bring in a connectivity partner

4. Deployment of eSIM Connected Devices

As with any product, the manufacturing and distribution logistics should be part of your strategy and business plan. A manufacturing partner can aid in selecting, procuring, and integrating the hardware to the product’s specifications. And a distribution partner can help with the tasks of packaging, inventory management, shipping, and delivery.

5. Management of Connectivity and Profiles

Activating, managing, and provisioning eSIM devices is an important aspect of an eSIM deployment. A connectivity management platform should support these items in a singular manner. A platform should allow zero-touch provisioning and re-provisioning of device and data plans and for managing eSIM profiles.

KORE ConnectivityProTM is a single, unified platform that offers device and data provisioning, eSIM profile management, and end-to-end security monitoring. KORE also offers its eSIM Device Validation Tool, which speeds the time and ease of the technical testing needed to make sure an eSIM functions properly and will allow for remote provisioning on different networks.

KORE also offers a true eUICC eSIM solution, as well as the managed services for forward and reverse logistics, as well as Connectivity-as-a-Service (CaaS) to help you deploy, manage, and scale your IoT solutions.

Learn more about how to find the true eSIM by examining the critical components and features in this eBook, “Discovering the True eSIM: Crucial Elements to Global, Future-Proofed Connectivity.”

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Topic(s): eSIM , Connectivity , Featured

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