How the New SGP.32 eSIM Standard Opens the Door to a New Era of IoT
A new standard for eSIM is about to change how connected devices are managed globally. The new SGP.32 standard makes it easier and more secure to deploy, activate, and even switch mobile operators on IoT devices, without physically handling the SIM card. Telenor IoT is among the first to implement the new standard.
Martin Whitlock, CTO at Telenor Connexion, sees this as a major step forward for the industry: “What we are seeing now is a fundamental shift in how IoT solutions are built and managed. With SGP.32, you can now manage it in a standardized and dynamic way that works globally. We see SGP.32 as the next logical step for the IoT industry.”
The concept of eSIM, or embedded SIM, allows switching operator profiles without replacing a physical SIM card. However, the current standard, SGP.02, has proven complex to manage at scale—especially when it comes to dynamic switching of profiles. The new standard, formally called SGP.32, was developed by the GSMA and builds on earlier eSIM solutions. It is specifically adapted for IoT, where millions of devices are often deployed globally and can be difficult to access physically.
“With SGP.02, we saw that customers appreciated the potential of switching operator profiles remotely. But the switch was rarely used in practice due to integration complexity. SGP.32 is significantly more flexible and easier to manage from a customer perspective. The integration needed in the old standard has been significantly reduced,” explains Mårten Ulvsbäck, Product Manager at Telenor IoT.
Introduction to GSMA SGP.32
The Importance of Standardization
According to Telenor IoT, a universal and standardized solution is essential.
“What has held back the industry is the lack of a true standard for handling eSIM. This changes that. Now there’s a method that works universally, regardless of hardware manufacturer,” says Martin Whitlock.
“The telecom industry is very standards-driven, and that brings huge advantages. It enables global technologies with an ecosystem of suppliers and operators who can all use the same technical foundation. While there may be initial challenges with interoperability testing, a standardized path ensures that everything works across networks and devices.”
For us, it’s a matter of credibility to deliver standardized solutions. Proprietary setups create uncertainty and make it hard to define responsibilities when issues arise. Standards help ensure our customers get a service that works reliably, wherever their IoT devices are located.”
Mårten UlvsbäckProduct Manager at Telenor IoT
Simplified Management and New Business Models
SGP.32 also offers practical benefits in day-to-day IoT management. Customers gain centralized control through interfaces or APIs, making it easier to handle connected devices and any profile switches. This opens the door to new business models and greater flexibility.
“A clear example is what we call the ‘Single-SKU’, a device prepared with our profile in the factory. If it’s then shipped to a market like Brazil, where permanent roaming is restricted, the profile can easily be switched to a local operator. This simplifies logistics and reduces both cost and complexity compared to managing multiple SIM cards and supply chains,” says Ulvsbäck.
A Complement to Global Roaming
Telenor IoT already offers extensive global roaming through agreements with over 500 networks in 200 countries. SGP.32 complements this existing strength.
“Our roaming offer is the fastest way to gain global access, and often the most commercially attractive. But SGP.32 enables alternative access methods, especially in markets where roaming is limited. It’s important to remember that while the technology allows for profile switching, commercial agreements are still needed with local operators. Our roaming catalogue is the result of decades of work,” explains Martin Whitlock.
Looking Ahead: From eSIM to iSIM
Both Martin and Mårten are optimistic about the future of eSIM and SGP.32. They expect wider adoption of eSIM-enabled devices and see SGP.32 as a stepping stone toward integrated SIM solutions (iSIM).
“By integrating SIM functionality directly into the chipset with iSIM, the manufacturing process becomes more streamlined. That could mean substantial cost savings in high-volume device production,” says Whitlock.
“The processes we’re building now for SGP.32 will benefit iSIM as well. Within three to five years, I think eSIM will be the standard for most use cases. SGP.32 lets us offer a future-proof solution that gives customers the flexibility to adapt their connectivity as needed,” adds Ulvsbäck.
Telenor IoT: Early Adopter of SGP.32
With SGP.32, Telenor IoT makes it easier for companies to connect their products globally, without needing different technical setups for different markets. This new level of flexibility is expected to unlock entirely new ways of using IoT.
“Many companies we talk to have been waiting for this. It’s about being able to scale your IoT projects without being tied down by technical constraints,” says Ulvsbäck.
“And this isn’t just talk—we’re building it now. We’re developing systems for SGP.32 and testing it with several customers. We’re confident this will change how companies work with connected products, and we’re proud to be part of leading that change,” concludes Whitlock.
This article is based on an interview originally published (in Swedish) by Nyteknik. You can read the original version here.
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