From Telit: Why You Should be Using Module-Embedded SIM Technology

The ways in which we connect to our world are rapidly evolving, with technological capabilities driving us beyond manual human-to-machine communication and into a world where IoT enables devices to recognize, anticipate, and react to users’ needs without a physical button push. Current estimates put the number of devices connected through the Internet of Things (IoT) likely to reach beyond 20 billion by the year 2020.

Though traditional SIM cards are still pervasive in the IoT sphere due to their mobile phone heritage, they are no longer the most effective technology for IoT ‘things,’ which come in a variety of shapes and forms and with a vast array of implementation options and connectivity needs over their lifetime. Take for example, IoT-enabled sensors that are installed in hardened outdoor enclosures and may even be pole-mounted or in difficult to access locations. Once these sensors are installed, it becomes inconvenient and costly to pay a field technician to access and change out a SIM card if you need to change the wireless connectivity plan for a better mobile network operator (MNO) plan or for quality of service improvements.

New module-embedded SIM technology represents a significant step forward in overcoming this challenge. This technology has the potential to increase the speed and efficiency of IoT deployments while reducing costs over the lifetime of your ‘things’.

What are the differences between new module-embedded SIM technology, like Telit simWISE, and traditional SIM cards as IoT expands globally? Let’s explore.

How is Module-Embedded SIM Technology Changing the Game?

It will take some time before conventional SIM technology is fully phased out as many mobile devices still feature IoT-ready cards that transfer IoT data to upstream platforms and systems. However, there are clear limitations: the bulky form factors they use take up valuable space inside connected devices; they are another part item for manufacturers to deal with; and they require customization to work with a pre-selected MNO, depending on where the product is being geographically deployed. Because module-embedded SIM technology improves on these shortcomings, it is expected to become much more pervasive in the coming years.

“The module-software embedded SIM technology is expected to contribute to the mass-rollout of Cellular IoT technology, in particular LPWA offerings such as LTE-M and NB-IoT,” - eeNews Europe correspondent, Julien Happich.

With new rollouts, the technology is expected to improve four major areas lacking in current SIM technology:

1. Reduce Ordering and Manufacturing Costs

Your mobile connected products no longer need to be customized in the factory for their destination. Ordering, building in and testing MNO specific SIM cards in the factory is no longer required, resulting in a lower bill of material (BOM) and lower production costs.

2. Real-Time Subscription Changes

Never replace another SIM card again. Remote provisioning reduces the complexity of physically removing your SIM card. Instead, you can remotely change your network carrier profile for your device, over-the-air and securely from the cloud. This capability keeps your SIM solutions more flexible and sustainable.

3. Constant, Consistent Security

IoT security vulnerability continues to be a major concern for most undergoing digital transformation, especially when it comes to cyber-attacks of connected things. Advanced module-embedded SIM technology, like Telit simWISE, employs cyber-security technology covering the entire life-cycle chain from MNO provisioning to manufacturing and end-point provisioning.

4. Eliminate Costly Truck Rolls

Once your connected product is deployed, you no longer need to worry about sending a technician to change SIM cards if you decide to change mobile plans during the lifetime of the device, equipment, or product. Eliminating costly truck rolls can result in savings of up to €150 per device!

Access Module-Embedded SIM Technology with Telit

With over 100 million devices and 7,000 customers worldwide, Telit connects businesses around the globe from the inside out with their comprehensive portfolio of IoT modules, connectivity services, and IoT platforms. Whether you want to displace SIM cards in your current IoT offers or forge your own path into the future with simWISE module-embedded SIM technology, Telit is here to help.