Helping customers harness the power of eSIM to add value and deliver measurable results.
KORE Wireless
Organisations are increasingly seeking a seamless, reliable loT connectivity solution to avoid challenges associated with achieving global coverage, managing continuously evolving cellular technologies, and navigating complex manufacturing and logistical processes – among others. With remote SIM card management capabilities, including secure OTA provisioning, eSIM technologies can deliver this solution.
GSMA’s standards have helped significantly in the area of inoperability, enabling eSIM-powered devices to work across multiple carriers, however despite the fact that some major cellular carriers are beginning to introduce eSIM solutions, the value is restricted to carrier-specific capabilities as they relate to areas such as coverage and technology compatibility (2G, 3G, LTE, etc.). This is why organisations are increasingly turning to KORE to take advantage of the multi-carrier and multi-profile capabilities our eSIM offerings deliver.
We expect to see fully mature eSIM adoption over the next two to five years, however today organisations are actively seeking these types of IoT connectivity solutions to alleviate challenges associated with carrier roaming restrictions, managing multiple carrier relationships, 2G/3G network shutdowns, and logistical and supply chain inefficiencies.
“Our focus throughout our eSIM journey has been developing a rich ecosystem of carriers, which is critical to leveraging eSIM technology. But more than switching technology and partnerships, success in eSIM is about realising tangible business benefits. We help our customers understand how to use eSIM to add value and deliver measurable results.” – Marco Bijvelds, Vice President, Product Management International.
Stedin is a large regional grid operator in the Netherlands that is responsible for delivering electricity and gas services to more than 2.2 million commercial and residential properties.
Stedin leverages IoT-enabled smart metering solutions for Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and smart grid purposes to scale their operations, increase efficiencies, improve quality of service, and more effectively allocate internal resources.
Stedin’s smart meter devices are typically deployed for long periods of time, with some designed to be in the field for up to fifteen years. This lengthy lifecycle put Stedin at risk of cellular technology changes or commercial disagreements that would give rise to their need to change networks or connectivity providers during the device lifetime.
Given the high cost of a smart meter or SIM replacement, the organisation required a connectivity solution that would eliminate technology and carrier “lock-in” without having to physically change the SIM or replace the device.
In addition, the Stedin smart metering solution needed to be compliant with Dutch Smart Metering standards and emerging telecom legislation for the utilities sector.
To alleviate these challenges, KORE worked with Stedin to deliver a multi-faceted advanced connectivity eSIM solution. KORE provided a carrier-independent OTA platform that guaranteed the ability to fully transfer services without physical SIM swaps, facilitated by eSIM technology.
The OTA platform was configured with a Stedin-specific carrier profile enabling Stedin to host its own specific IMSI range to essentially act as an independent carrier to meet regulatory compliance, provide greater support for large scale roll-outs, enhance SIM management capabilities, and ultimately protect the longevity of their connected meters.
