What is Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) and How Does it Work?

SIM Provisioning is the process in which SIM profiles are distributed from a network operator to a mobile device and monitored throughout their lifecycle.

Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) concerns the online deployment, management, and recall of eSIM profiles.

• For consumer mobile network operators, RSP is essential for navigating the ongoing industry shift toward eSIM. The improved flexibility, convenience, security, and efficiency of eSIM technology is leading customers away from physical SIM cards, spurred on by an increasing number of eSIM-only smartphone models and wearable tech.

• For IoT businesses, M2M RSP, or Machine-to-Machine Remote SIM Provisioning, refers to the wireless deployment and management of eSIMs for connected IoT devices.

In both cases, RSP is a core requirement. As both public eSIM usage and the IoT market share continue to grow, mobile operators and IoT businesses must secure a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective RSP solution to attract new customers and retain current ones. 

However, the SIM provisioning space can be surprisingly difficult to navigate for such an essential technology. The rapidly evolving landscape and a variety of technical terms can make it hard to obtain a general overview. 

Here, we break down the core components of Remote SIM Provisioning: how it works, who uses it, and why it’s so essential to the future of telecoms.

eSIMs and Remote SIM Provisioning

RSP is based on eSIM technology. An eSIM is a software-based SIM profile that can be wirelessly transmitted to a device (in a process known as OTA, or “over-the-air" transmission) instead of being inserted via a physical SIM card. An eSIM can be downloaded in seconds and stored on a single internal microchip, or eUICC.

The introduction of eSIMs has prompted a revolution in consumer mobile connectivity: The new SIM format allows customers to store multiple different profiles simultaneously on the same device and switch between them in seconds. This is particularly useful when changing from a work to a personal number, for example, or avoiding roaming fees abroad by accessing a local network or temporary travel eSIM.  

Still a relatively new technology, eSIMs have taken the telecommunications world by storm and are set to overtake SIM cards as the world’s most popular SIM format. 

For network operators, having the tools in place to provide, monitor, and recall eSIMs for new and existing customers is now foundational for continued success.

The different types of SIM Provisioning

Originally developed in 2012, eSIMs were initially envisioned for use in the IoT (internet of things) industry as a way to connect and monitor industrial devices like sensors. Their success in the consumer electronics field is a more recent development, though growing exponentially. As a result, RSP is divided into two main branches: consumer RSP and M2M RSP.  

1. Consumer RSP: Consumer RSP solely concerns the provisioning of eSIM profiles to private consumer electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches.

2. M2M RSP: M2M RSP, or “machine-to-machine", is the provisioning of eSIM profiles to commercial IoT devices, such as those used in industrial settings or smart homes.

Key RSP terms explained

• OTA: "Over the air”, a general term for wireless data transmission. In context of RSP, OTA describes the wireless nature of the eSIM distribution process.

• M2M: “Machine to machine”. M2M RSP concerns all eSIM distribution services connecting non-consumer devices, including those developed for commercial and industrial usage.

• eUICC: “Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card”. An eUICC is the hardware component of eSIM technology – the physical microchip embedded within the end device that stores the digital eSIM profiles.

• GSMA: The GSM Association, or Global System for Mobile communications Association. The GSMA is the chief industry body representing the mobile telecommunications industry. It determines key regulatory requirements for network operators, as well as promoting the industry through events and promotional efforts.

• SM-DP+: A useful component of the eSIM ecosystem, SM-DP+ is a centralized database of eSIM profiles that can be pulled or pushed to a connected device. 1GLOBAL is one of only two non-military entities in the world to operate their own SM-DP+ database. 

• ALS: “Apple Lookup Services”. ALS is tool that ascertains the right eSIM profiles are remotely distributed to the right Apple devices. Along with Google’s Discovery Service and the GSMA’s SM-DS service, ALS is one of the three main RSP services that enable operators to remotely push an eSIM profile to a device.

• Entitlement Server: A centralized hub that manages access rights and configurations for every device in an operator’s network. The entitlement server ensures that each subscriber receives access to the services they require, such as SIM transfers, downloads, and connectivity. Entitlement servers are not present in all RSP systems, though highly advantageous. 

How Remote SIM Provisioning works

While their end devices and applications may be different, both M2M and consumer RSP services share a similar framework and lifecycle. 

The following is a general outline of the 1GLOBAL RSP process: 

1. The end-user device ‘requests’ an eSIM
   There are several ways in which this can happen. The device user can scan a QR code to initiate this or press an integrated button, for example, in an app or website. Alternatively, eSIMs can also be remotely “pushed” to the end-user by the operator. This is the main distribution method used in M2M RSP.

2. The operator receives the request and selects the corresponding eSIM
   The eSIM profile is pulled from the SM-DP+ eSIM database. Services like Apple’s ALS or Google Discovery Service ensure the correct eSIM profile is destined for the correct device. 

3. The eSIM is distributed to the end device
   The corresponding eSIM is sent via OTA transmission to the end user’s device or relevant IoT device. In the event of zero-touch push activation, the eSIM profile is transmitted without request.

4. The Remote SIM Provisioning service provides ongoing eSIM management
   Once downloaded and activated, the RSP service continues to monitor and manage the eSIM, providing an overview of all eSIMs for the network operator and managing software updates.

This process can vary based on the end device, the purpose of the eSIM (whether commercial or consumer), and the method by which the eSIM is requested. Different RSP providers will also offer different provisioning methods.

Who uses consumer SIM Provisioning services?

A growing public awareness of eSIMs, coupled with increased demand for eSIM services both within and beyond the traditional telecommunications space, has resulted in many new and potential clients. As well as the core user base of mobile network operators, recent years have seen RSP services adapted for other digital platforms, including banking apps, airlines, travel companies, transportation services, and hotels.

The growing number of channels in which eSIMs can be accessed continues to broaden their appeal: offline channels like printed QR codes have helped to grow eSIMs, and by extension, RSP, from a niche industrial technology into a widespread connectivity model.

Why Remote SIM Provisioning is an essential requirement for telcos

With the mass adoption of eSIMs imminent, having a viable RSP service in place is now a requirement for any network operator. By developing a scalable, secure, and cost-effective provisioning infrastructure, operators and IoT industries can safeguard their business for years to come and meet surging eSIM demand. 

Incorporating Remote SIM Provisioning services

A major obstacle operators face when implementing an RSP service is sourcing the specialist knowledge required to develop a viable and tailored solution.

In such a narrow field of expertise, with such broad applications, there’s an imbalance between the demand for RSP services and providers with the experience, expertise, and infrastructure to supply them.

With eSIM functionality now standard in new devices, operators without an RSP tool risk losing subscribers to competitors offering seamless digital activation. Operators with an existing RSP framework, meanwhile, should consider backup providers to ensure stability and flexibility in an evolving market and avoid dependency on a single supplier.

1GLOBAL SIM Provisioning

The RSP space is still growing, and many of the providers are traditional legacy chipmakers that have pivoted to eSIM and RSP services. In contrast, 1GLOBAL is a tech-native telco with years of dedicated eSIM expertise, offering digital-first solutions built specifically for operators and IoT businesses. 1GLOBAL’s unique market position allows it to focus on providing truly flexible, tailored SIM provisioning solutions with an in-house eSIM factory, proprietary SM-DP+ database, dedicated multilingual support team, and proven record of success.

1GLOBAL's status as both an RSP supplier and telco ensures it provides the scalable solutions required for any growing business, with an unmatched level of customer support and personalized consultation.