Munich, February 13, 2023 – Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has reached a new milestone in its core connectivity business with more than 100 million consumer eSIMs downloaded. This achievement in eSIM downloads is a continuation of G+D’s SIM success story. As the first mover in SIM technology, G+D has already sold 10 billion SIM cards to mobile network operators over the last 30 years. Now, with its proven, award-winning and future-proof eSIM management solution, G+D is the market leader in the next evolution of SIM technology.
Increasing numbers of manufacturers of smartphones, tablets and smartwatches are equipping their devices with eSIM technology, as it offers numerous advantages over the classic SIM card. These include the simple and fast conclusion of a mobile communications contract or change of provider, the flexible use of multiple mobile communications contracts, and digital eSIM management. In addition, eSIMs score well in terms of sustainability, since no plastic frame has to be produced, no packaging waste is generated, and transport requirements are eliminated.
Reliable eSIM management services with strong performance, security, and speed are key to a successful eSIM strategy. In this scenario, MNOs must partner with tech leaders with best-in-class eSIM management solutions. The AirOn360 eSIM management platform from G+D, which complies with GSMA-RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning) specifications for consumer and M2M/IoT applications, helps mobile operators manage the lifecycle of eSIMs efficiently and securely. The platform provides geo-redundancy, which is ensured by the provision of networked eSIM services at different G+D backend locations across continents. Our GSMA certified data centers provide an availability of up to 99,99%. This ensures complete resilience for eSIM services in a fully scalable manner. MNOs can plot their growth with G+D’s solution in mind, from only a few eSIM activations to millions of eSIM downloads across their networks. It means that the service can handle millions of customers using the service at the same time, which is very important in managing peak times such as Christmas, Black Friday or device launch events where many consumers may be activating their devices simultaneously.
Currently, eSIM use is growing significantly, especially in the consumer sector. The GSMA forecasts that the eSIM share of smartphone connections will be above 75 per cent by 2030. Apple is leading the way – the company is already selling the new iPhone 14 in the US exclusively with eSIMs and no SIM card slot. The eSIM trend is also set to grow in the industrial sector with the increasing availability of 5G networks. The industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in particular is growing dynamically. IoT devices, such as sensors and tracking systems in logistics and manufacturing plants, use mobile connectivity in the IoT, with eSIMs as the ideal basis. They make the deployment and lifecycle management of IoT solutions simple and efficient. Classic plug-in SIM cards, on the other hand, hamper meaningful IoT implementations.
In general, eSIM technology will become established in an increasing number of application areas due to its advantages. For the first time, the benefits of eSIM technology were explored and realized by the automotive sector. As the concepts of the connected car and autonomous driving came to life, and cars became more digitalized, it urgently became necessary for connectivity and security to be built into the vehicles. The flexibility of the eSIM offered the perfect solution for the automotive industry, allowing OEMs to efficiently provide security features and updates and thus ward off potential threats and intrusions from outside.
“The SIM was a unique success, and we expect the eSIM to continue this history. We have a leading position in SIM technology, in eSIM ecosystem and in reliable eSIM lifecycle management services. More than 100 million consumer eSIMs to date show that we are on the right track,” explains Philipp Schulte, Head of Connectivity and IoT at G+D.
This press release can also be downloaded here.
About Giesecke+Devrient
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is a global security technology group headquartered in Munich, Germany. As a reliable partner for international customers with the highest standards, G+D’s solutions safeguard the essential values of this world. The company develops customized technology with passion and precision in four core areas: Payment, Connectivity, Identities and Digital Infrastructures.
G+D was founded in 1852. In fiscal 2021, the company generated sales of 2.38 billion euros with around 11,800 employees. G+D is represented by 89 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 33 countries. Further information: www.gi-de.com
