eSIM and RSP solutions
Greater flexibility with eSIM and RSP
eSIM and RSP go hand in hand. But what are these two concepts exactly and how do they benefit you? We’re happy to help.
What are eSIM and RSP?
eSIM and RSP are closely related. But what is what and how do you use it? An eSIM is a SIM card embedded in your device. Sometimes it already has a provider profile, but it can also be a blank SIM that still needs a profile. RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning) means you can manage that SIM remotely. This is incredibly convenient – especially with eSIMs – as you don’t have to physically remove the SIM to switch providers. That’s why eSIM and RSP are often mentioned in one breath. But did you know RSP also works with regular Plug-in SIM cards? In other words, it’s not just for eSIMs. SIM cards just need to have the right technology to be able to use RSP. Whatever (e)SIM and RSP needs you have, we’ll help you find the right solution.
Different types of RSP
Three types of RSP are available through the GSMA: one for M2M solutions, one for consumer applications, and an IoT RSP standard that combines the best of both worlds. See the list of standards below to see which one is best suited to your needs.
M2M RSP (SGP.02)
With M2M-RSP SIMs, managed from an RSP platform (SM-SR), you can get started straight away with mobile connectivity thanks to a pre-installed profile. When you are on the platform, it is easy to activate profiles or switch them in case you move to a different provider. Although linking providers for profile downloads can be complex, KPN has been helping customers with this since 2015. M2M RSP is suitable for all types of SIMs – from simple Plug-in SIM cards to automotive ChipSIMs. If you have your own RSP platform, KPN IoT can provide the necessary profiles for your SIMs.
Consumer RSP (SGP.22)
With the Consumer RSP variant, you install a profile on the eSIM in your device. Almost all providers offer these profiles, but they are often linked to consumer subscriptions. KPN IoT offers profiles suitable for IoT solutions, so you can easily manage your connections in our platform while managing the eSIM from your device.
If you want to switch profiles remotely, use a device you can manage remotely with device management, or use our special eSIM cards. These physical cards (Plug-in or ChipSIM) come pre-installed with the KPN IoT profile and offer the same capabilities as an IoT RSP SIM, including remote management via our platform.
IoT RSP (SGP.32)
IoT RSP is a customized version of the Consumer RSP. It is suitable for IoT applications and requires special SIMs. You can use this to remotely set up commands for the SIM in a management environment without needing complex links to other providers. The SIM itself asks the platform if there are any tasks, which makes it easy to install profiles remotely.
The IoT RSP technology has just been released by the GSMA and is still in development. KPN IoT already offers a solution based on the SGP.32 specification. So you can get started straight away and be prepared for the future.
Frequently asked questions
An eSIM is an embedded SIM card. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are directly integrated into the device’s hardware and can be configured remotely with different provider profiles without having to physically swap the SIM card. What’s more, they support the same functionality as traditional SIM cards.
Keep in mind that the term eSIM is also generally used for the technology that allows provider profiles to be configured (remotely) on any SIM card, not just embedded ones but also non-embedded Plug-in SIM cards.
Flexibility: With Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP), you can change or update provider profiles without physical access to the device. This prevents vendor lock-in.
Scalable for global connectivity: Devices can be connected globally with multiple providers without having to swap SIM cards. This makes it easier to expand your business to other countries. Although our roaming SIM card already offers access to multiple networks in many countries, some countries have introduced regulations against permanent roaming. With eSIM, it is possible to remotely install a local network provider’s profile on the SIM card to stay connected in those countries.
Sustainability: With eSIMs you prevent unnecessary waste of plastic SIM cards and can reduce CO2 emissions significantly with over-the-air updates.
Space saving: Embedded SIMs are smaller, which is beneficial for compact IoT devices.
Resistance: Embedded SIMs are resistant to extreme environments because they are soldered to the device. An eSIM can be soldered into a device and then sealed, making it water, dust, and temperature resistant.
Optimized logistics: The ability to configure a provider profile remotely means you no longer need to use different types of SIM cards for access in different parts of the world. You can use one SIM for everything.
IoT eSIMs are used in various applications, such as:
Connected cars: software updates, infotainment, and car configuration.
Telematics: tracking and managing vehicle fleets.
Smart meters: remote monitoring of energy consumption by utility companies.
Wearables: smart watches and fitness trackers with mobile connectivity.
Asset tracking: in logistics and supply chain management to track goods during transport.
M2M eSIM
KPN has been offering M2M eSIM since its first release in 2015. We currently offer a wide range of SIM cards with this eUICC capability (versions 3.2 and 4.2.1) and the platform that manages these profiles.
Consumer eSIM
In addition to the M2M standard, KPN IoT also offers consumer eSIM profiles that can be downloaded to (IoT) devices that already have an embedded consumer eSIM. This requires the profile to be downloaded locally and installed on the eSIM.
Consumer eSIM with remote control
We offer a special consumer eSIM with similar functionalities as the IoT eSIM so that you can manage these SIMs remotely, for instance to add other profiles. We also offer the eIM to manage these eSIMs.
IoT eSIM
The IoT RSP technology has just been released by the GSMA and is still in development. KPN IoT already offers a solution based on the SGP.32 specification. So you can get started straight away and be prepared for the future.
Not all embedded SIM cards are eSIMs with the capability of RSP. There are also SIMs that are not a Plug-in card, but only a chip that can be molded on the circuit board. To make a clear understanding, these SIMs are called ChipSIMs.