Thales says it has deployed the world’s first GSMA-certified eSIM activation solution on Google Cloud.
This solution is intended offer telecom operators “secure and highly scalable support” to manage the expected increases in mobile subscriptions for eSIM devices and the benefits of Google Cloud’s “carbon-neutral technology”.
Thales claims its expertise in subscription management ensures seamless remote activation of a vast number of devices, and provides data analytics and protection of subscribers’ data.
This is Thales’ first public cloud-based version of its eSIM Remote Subscription Platform and its security measures are designed to meet the requirements of GSMA certification in a public cloud environment.
Global growth
The global eSIM market will grow at a CAGR of over 90% during the forecast period 2019 to 2025, according to the eSIM Market By End-user, By Offering, By Geography – Global Forecast up to 2025 report was published by ResearchAndMarkets.com in January.
The report stated the global eSIM market is expected to cross $700 million mark by the end of 2019, with the demand for eSIM increasing in areas including connected cars, consumer electronics, and IoT devices
Emmanuel Unguran, SVP Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales, noted, “By collaborating with Google Cloud teams, we have designed a global service to answer the exponential demand for new eSIM devices.
“This hybrid infrastructure is a springboard to innovative IoT applications in a standardised and interoperable security framework. By achieving GSMA certification our cloud-based solution provides a trusted and compliant platform for telecom operators.”
Operators’ support
Anil Jain, Google Cloud Managing Director – Telecom, Media & Entertainment, Industry Solutions, said, “We know Google Cloud’s scalability will be critical with the rise of 5G networks and the cellular network connectivity of billions of IoT devices worldwide.”
Certainly there has been growth in the number of telecom companies supporting eSIM capabilities with major operators, including AT&T, Etisalat, NTT Docomo, Telefonica and Vodafone providing eSIM solutions.
eSIM is like SIM in that it provides access points and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, but gives the end user greater control: for example, once an organisation gives an eSIM to an employee, it no longer controls the data used by the eSIM as the person can use it across multiple devices, unless the organisation uses attributes of the eSIM tech to ensure the person only uses it on a single device of its choosing.
eSIMs enable users to switch mobile operators easily, but operators could gain benefits too, such a less cost, potentially increasing subscribers, and better security.
In February, the SIMalliance extended membership to other organisations than SIM vendors to broaden both its appeal and the scope of its remit. At the same time, it took the opportunity to change its name to the Trusted Connectivity Alliance.