Understand how SGP.32 enables remote SIM provisioning for IoT connectivity and how it differs from earlier eSIM standards.
Last updated: April 2026
In a world of connected devices, reliable and flexible connectivity is essential. As IoT adoption grows, from industrial sensors to smart home products, there’s a clear need for a simpler, more scalable way to manage connectivity. GSMA SGP.32 is the latest eSIM standard, developed specifically to address the challenges of IoT. On this page, we explain what SGP.32 is, how it works, and how it differs from earlier standards like SGP.22.
SGP.32 is a global, next-generation eSIM standard by GSMA for remote SIM provisioning in IoT devices, especially those with no user interface. It enables large-scale, hands-off management of eSIM profiles, making it easier to deploy and operate IoT devices without physical access.
Imagine a smartwatch or a smart sensor that connects to the internet using an eSIM, a digital chip that replaces traditional SIM cards. While eSIM technology has been available for consumer devices, managing these digital SIM profiles in IoT devices comes with unique challenges. Many IoT devices lack a user interface, making manual SIM management impractical.
That’s what SGP.32 is designed for. It builds on existing eSIM technology and introduces a more efficient way to remotely manage IoT connectivity, ideal for devices deployed in remote, high-volume, or hard-to-reach environments.
An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a SIM card with built-in eUICC software that allows network profiles to be remotely updated over the air, without needing to replace the SIM. This makes it easier to manage connectivity and enables truly global IoT products with a single SKU that can be configured when deployed. eSIM technology can be used in plastic and solderable SIMs.
Want to understand the bigger picture? Read our introduction to IoT SIM cards.
| Feature | SGP.02 (eSIM M2M) | SGP.22 (Consumer eSIM) | SGP.32 (eSIM IoT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Case | M2M devices | Consumer electronics | IoT deployments |
| Profile Management | Server-driven (typically via SMS or IP) | User-initiated using a Local Profile Assistant | Remote, bulk profile switching via an IoT Profile Assistant (IPA) controlled by an eSIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM) |
| User Interaction | Limited; managed by the server | Requires manual interaction | No user interaction needed |
| SMS Dependency | Commonly required | Not typically needed once activated | Not required (optional in rare cases) |
| Protocols | Primarily TCP/IP | TCP/IP and SMS for initial provisioning | Lightweight protocols such as CoAP, UDP, and DTLS |
| Power Efficiency | Less optimised for low-power devices | Suited for devices with richer user interfaces | Optimised with a light profile template for low-power devices |
Managing connectivity for a handful of devices is one thing, but what about tens of thousands of sensors, meters, or trackers spread across the globe? SGP.32’s remote provisioning capabilities allow for bulk profile management, meaning changes can be applied quickly across an entire fleet without physical access to each device.
SGP.32 is optimised for devices with limited power or memory. By using lightweight profile templates and offloading processing to the network-based eSIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM), it minimises device resource consumption and extends device lifespan.
In many IoT scenarios, devices are deployed in hard-to-reach or remote locations, think environmental sensors in the wild or industrial sensors in hazardous areas. SGP.32 enables centralised control of these devices, eliminating the need for local user interaction. Profile downloads, switches, and modifications are handled remotely via the eIM, reducing operational costs and simplifying large-scale deployments.
Unlike older M2M SIM models that depend on SMS or TCP/IP to issue commands, SGP.32 enables seamless communication using modern, lightweight protocols, ideal for devices that don’t support SMS.
Security is a critical concern for IoT deployments. SGP.32 incorporates robust safeguards for provisioning and managing network profiles, helping ensure compliance with global regulations and protection against unauthorized access.
Built on a global GSMA standard, SGP.32 ensures long-term compatibility with new networks, devices, and emerging technologies, safeguarding your IoT investment.
A fully standardised SGP.32 implementation, combined with Telenor IoT’s global roaming portfolio, enables the delivery of a comprehensive, future-proof connectivity solution.
Telenor IoT now offers a fully standardised SGP.32 eSIM solution. SGP.32 SIM cards can be ordered and are available for delivery.
The standardised implementation ensures seamless interoperability, simplified integration, and consistent security across networks and devices. Unlike non-standardised alternatives, it eliminates compatibility issues and reduces the risk of vendor lock-in, ensuring long-term flexibility and reliability.
Testing is available through Telenor IoT Test SIMs and pilot deployments, enabling evaluation of SGP.32 prior to large-scale rollout.
With global coverage, versatile form factors, and adherence to established GSMA and 3GPP standards, we are committed to providing the best possible SIM solutions for your IoT needs. Connect your IoT devices with ease and confidence with Telenor IoT.
SGP.32 is a major step forward for IoT connectivity, especially at scale. It eliminates manual SIM management, supports low-power devices, and simplifies operations for global fleets.
Whether you're deploying connected products today or planning for the future, understanding SGP.32 is key to building flexible, secure, and scalable IoT solutions.
SGP.32 is still a relatively new standard. While it is now commercially available, broader ecosystem support across device vendors and profile providers continues to mature. Organisations exploring SGP.32 should evaluate compatibility and readiness across their value chain. We’re here to help you with that!
SGP stands for SIM Group Permanent. It refers to a series of GSMA initiatives aimed at developing and standardising the next generation of SIM technologies, including those designed for IoT.
SGP.22 was developed primarily for consumer devices—think smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. In these devices, users interact directly with the device to manage their eSIM profiles (for example, scanning a QR code or using a dedicated app). The SGP.22 standard supports multiple profiles and the ability to switch between them, but it is very much designed with a user interface in mind.
SGP.32, on the other hand, is designed specifically for IoT. Many IoT devices operate in environments where there is no human to initiate or manage profile changes. SGP.32 allows network profile management to be conducted entirely remotely, without any need for user intervention. This capability is crucial when dealing with thousands of devices in remote or hard-to-access locations.
The key differences, therefore, lie in the mode of operation and target application:
Scalability: SGP.32 is built to handle large-scale deployments and offers bulk management functionalities that SGP.22 does not emphasise.
Remote SIM Provisioning is the process of updating, activating, or switching a device’s SIM profile over the air—without needing to physically swap SIM cards. It allows operators and IoT solution providers to manage connectivity for devices at scale, enabling them to deploy updates, change networks, or add new services without manual intervention.
eUICC is a type of SIM technology that enables remote SIM provisioning, allowing multiple mobile network operator (MNO) profiles to be stored and switched over-the-air. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eUICCs support dynamic profile changes without physical replacement, making them ideal for IoT and enterprise deployments.
Want to know how SGP.32 fits into your IoT strategy?
Contact us to speak with our team about remote SIM provisioning and large-scale connectivity.
