Introduction to GSMA SGP.32
What Is SGP.32?
Why SGP.32 Matters for IoT
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.
Quick Primer: What Is an eSIM?
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.
How eSIM Standards Have Evolved
The GSMA, the industry body responsible for mobile communication standards, has played a pivotal role in shaping eSIM technology. Early M2M eSIM standards (SGP.02) relied on server-driven provisioning, often using SMS for communication. Later, consumer eSIM standards (SGP.22) were introduced to support devices with a user interface, allowing users to manage SIM profiles directly.
However, neither approach fully addressed IoT-specific challenges:
- M2M standards (SGP.02) were complex and heavily dependent on SMS or TCP/IP, making them unsuitable for devices with limited power or no SMS capability.
- Consumer eSIM models (SGP.22) required user interaction, which is impractical for many IoT deployments where devices are remote or inaccessible.
To bridge this gap, GSMA SGP.32 was developed, combining the best aspects of both models while introducing new capabilities tailored for IoT.
The GSMA maintains a comprehensive list of published eSIM specifications.
Comparing eSIM Standards: SGP.02 vs. SGP.22 vs. SGP.32
| 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 via SMS | 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 | Required | Not typically needed once activated | Eliminated, only optional in rare use cases |
| Protocols | Primarily TCP/IP | TCP/IP and SMS for initial provisioning | Lightweight protocols such as CoAP, UDP, and DTLS |
| Power Efficiency | Less optimized for low-power devices | Suited for devices with richer user interfaces | Optimized with a light profile template for low-power devices |
Key Benefits of SGP.32 for IoT
Scalability
Efficiency for Low-Power Devices
Simplified Remote Management
No Need for SMS or Legacy Protocols
Enhanced Security & Compliance
Future-Proof Design
For those interested in the technical specifications behind this innovation, the GSMA provides detailed documentation on the SGP.32 standard (published June 2024).
A fully standardized SGP.32 implementation, combined with Telenor IoT’s global roaming portfolio, enables the delivery of a comprehensive, future-proof connectivity solution. Mårten UlvsbäckProduct Manager Telenor IoT
Telenor IoT SGP.32 Roadmap
Telenor IoT is preparing to roll out a fully standardized SGP.32 eSIM solution in autumn 2025, as soon as fully standardized SIM-cards are available. A standardized SGP.32 solution guarantees seamless interoperability, simplified integration, and consistent security across all networks and devices. Unlike non-standardized alternatives, it eliminates compatibility issues and reduces the risk of vendor lock-in, ensuring long-term flexibility and reliability.
We’re also offering test agreements for companies that want to explore SGP.32 early.
Optimized IoT SIM Cards for Reliable IoT Connectivity
Conclusion
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, and while it holds great promise for simplifying eSIM provisioning in IoT, the broader ecosystem—including vendor support and commercial implementations—is still developing. Organizations exploring SGP.32 should evaluate compatibility and readiness across their value chain. We’re here to help you with that!
Co-authored by Our Expert
Mårten Ulvsbäck, Product Manager Telenor IoT, drives innovation in eSIM technology. With deep expertise in eUICC and SGP.32, he’s shaping the future of global IoT connectivity. Catch his insights at our upcoming IoT Events webinars, where he’ll explore SGP.32’s impact for enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
SGP stands for SIM Group Permanent. It refers to a series of GSMA initiatives aimed at developing and standardizing 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:
- User Interaction: SGP.22 is user-driven; SGP.32 is server- or cloud-driven.
- Protocol Support: SGP.32 eliminates reliance on SMS, making it suitable for devices with limited capabilities.
Scalability: SGP.32 is built to handle large-scale deployments and offers bulk management functionalities that SGP.22 does not emphasize.
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.
Talk to Our Experts
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.
