The evolution of smartphones and devices over the last decade has given users a new way to access information and data at lightning speed. Smartphones are now being used as digital assistants, making everything from telemedicine to remote work more accessible and enjoyable. With the growing demand for accessibility and security, more bandwidth, and constant connectivity, operators are always looking for innovations that will help them evolve user experience and differentiate their offerings, while lowering costs and unlocking new revenue opportunities. The eSIM (or embedded SIM) is one such innovation that helps operators meet all these criteria and takes telcos closer to their digital transformation goal.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM or embedded subscriber identity module is the same as a regular SIM, except it comes permanently embedded in the smartphone. It replaces the need for a physical SIM card and a SIM card slot on the device. Users can remove or swap between different eSIM-based networks with more ease. eSIM also offers remote SIM provisioning technology, which enables the user’s profile information to be downloaded directly onto the device. The traditional SIM has a unique IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), which identifies the phone on the cellular network. Along with the IMSI, the SIM also has a unique MSISDN, primarily, a mobile number that is used by other consumers when they call or text you. An eSIM can, however, be reprogrammed and rewritten, unlike a traditional SIM. That allows you to switch between networks without removing the SIM card. Given the benefits of eSIM for operators and consumers, the technology has enormous potential to transform network experiences in the near future. For consumers, eSIM makes it easier to add companion devices to cellular plans, as well as manage multiple connections, profiles, and bundled subscriptions using a master subscription. Operators benefit from eSIM technology by being innovative in offering multi-device bundling, connected IoT devices/UEs, shared plans, and much more, while significantly lowering their OPEX. eSIM eliminates the overheads associated with physical SIM installation and changing operators. For telecom operators, eSIM can potentially be a great revenue-generating and customer-retention tool.

Difference between eSIM and SIM

eSIM	SIM
Non-removable and embedded SIM inbuilt in the mobile	Physical, removable, and insertable into the SIM slot of compatible devices
Can store five connections from the same or different operators	Can have only one connection from an operator
Supports single or multiple profile configuration	Supports a single profile configuration
Can be activated by selecting an operator and a plan from the mobile	Can be ordered from the operator or collected from the store
Comes in a fixed size as a part of the mobile’s motherboard	Comes in various sizes: standard, micro, and nano to fit in the SIM slot
Supports remote provisioning	Does not support remote provisioning

How can telecom operators benefit from eSIM?

eSIM enhances the innovation and revenue capabilities of the operator, as it facilitates operators to introduce next-gen plans for the customers, their profiles, connected devices, and more. There are many more benefits that eSIM can provide to telecom operators, including:

Provides a seamless onboarding experience

Using eSIMs can help streamline the onboarding process because they allow consumers to switch operators remotely without visiting a store to obtain a physical SIM card or waiting for SIM card delivery. Using the QR-code scanning functionality of eSIM technology, consumers can instantly add multiple owned devices. It allows operators to have more cellular-connected devices on their networks and provide a consistent customer experience across multiple devices, improving accessibility and increasing subscriber retention.

Enhances flexibility and security

With traditional SIM cards, one must purchase a new SIM card and insert it into the device – which is not the case with eSIM. With eSIM, consumers can be onboarded quickly. Moreover, if a phone is lost with a physical SIM card, a lock screen, biometric activation, and remote lock support could stop attackers from accessing it. However, one can still take out the SIM card and use it on another unlocked phone, allowing the hackers to make calls, send text messages, or access social media and bank accounts. An eSIM provides prevention in all such uncontrollable scenarios.

Enables hassle-free roaming experience

Switching to a local network while traveling would be easier with eSIM because it does not require physical insertion. It would assist operators in providing frequent business travelers with a seamless roaming experience. Additionally, because multiple profiles are possible, travelers can stack plans from multiple operators and select the most suitable plan as they travel from one country to another.

Lowers operational overheads

eSIM enables operators to increase ARPU without incurring operational costs or physical touchpoints. Customers can choose the available mobile network, whether local or roaming, without relying on the operator. Furthermore, when a subscriber misplaces their physical SIM cards, it incurs additional costs and inconveniences for both consumers and operators to reactivate a replacement.

Allows users to have multiple connections

eSIM removes the restriction of having a limited number of connections on a mobile phone. Consumers can have multiple connections from one or more operators, as well as can opt for device-based plans and shared bundling from different operators. With traditional SIMs, the consumer can carry one dual SIM mobile or have multiple mobiles if they own more than two connections. On the contrary, one eSIM can hold up to five virtual SIM cards or profiles simultaneously, facilitating consumers to quickly switch profiles based on needs. For example, a consumer can switch to a personal profile from a professional profile after work hours.

Unlocks revenue opportunities

Watches and other companion devices can help to increase ARPU. As device bundling will be easier and users can add new devices to their plans effortlessly, Telcos can offer multi-device packages and cellular and data plans. The customized and additional plans needed by customers will offer new revenue opportunities to operators. And the eliminated need to produce physical SIMs will help telcos save money and improve revenue margins. Since traditional voice and SMS services are declining, many operators are concerned that eSIM will result in a loss of profits. However, they can consider selling additional subscriptions to their existing customers to activate a secondary subscription on the device. For example, customers who frequently visit other countries without international data plans can be encouraged to purchase a secondary subscription from one of the operator’s partners in other countries, which could be an excellent revenue-impacting move by operators.

Helps accelerate enterprise IoT

eSIM also empowers enterprise IoT as it can seamlessly connect many remote IoT-enabled devices. With eSIM, operators can sell more devices, offer managed services, and accelerate the adoption of private networks by enabling users to roam seamlessly between public and private infrastructure. eSIM technology, along with the 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution), can bring a revolution for private networks and bring multiple benefits for enterprises, including complete visibility on the connected devices, scale up and scale down network resources as needed, automated network configurations, high QoS, highly secured infrastructure, and controlled costs. Some industries where eSIM and 4IR can transform the private network experience are utility companies with smart meters and CCTV, hospitals with patient tracking devices, energy companies generating energy using wind farms placed in remote locations, and more.

eSIM Use Cases

Conclusion

Telecommunication service providers should embrace the opportunities that eSIM technology brings to the table rather than see it as a potential threat. With eSIM, telcos can broaden their sales of data plans to any device via exclusive digital stores and collaborate with other telcos to expand their channels to a broad audience. GSMA estimates that more than 2 billion eSIM devices will be shipped by 2025. As market adoption grows and eSIM becomes more common, having a clear roadmap and plan in place will be critical for capitalizing on and monetizing the new opportunities provided by eSIM. Alepo’s Digital BSS stack includes an eSIM Management module, which performs onboarding, and activation management. The eSIM Management module can help operators enable GSMA-compliant integration with the eSIM management platform for mobile, companion devices, and online (CRM, mobile app, Self-Care) and offline (Point of Sales) devices (android and Apple iOS devices). To learn more about the eSIM functionality, reach Alepo experts at market.development@alepo.com.

Introduction

New technologies and business models are emerging at an unprecedented rate. General trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and 5G have all gained traction in recent years and will continue to transform telecommunications in the years to come. In addition to these trends, here are predictions for the top 5 telecom trends in 2023.

Containerization

Containerization is a major telecom trend for 2023. The technology allows packaging an application’s code and its dependencies in isolation, facilitating optimal performance on any infrastructure, quick deployment, and faster time-to-market. Containerization is gaining popularity due to its portability, flexibility, scalability, security, modularity, and lightweight footprint. These significant features enable companies to process deployment-related tasks quickly and efficiently. With the increasing complexity of networks and the software development challenges that go along with it, containerized systems make the life of developers easier and help them overcome operational and technical difficulties. Containerization increases the agility and accessibility of the application due to its leaner, virtualized, and service-oriented design, having no hardware or other system dependencies. When appropriately applied, containerization improves DevOps efficiency, streamlines work processes, and minimizes infrastructural conflicts. Containerization technology plays a significant role in implementing next-gen applications or networks. For example, it plays a prominent role in creating network slices, allowing technology service providers to create virtual replicas of networks with varied business requirements. To be more specific, when developers require a network that can handle autonomous driving and smart meters with varying delays and bandwidths, they can build those slices with the help of the containerized system. And not to forget about the cost and security benefits of containerization, the containers-based networks are built with significantly lower costs and risks than traditionally built networks. Containerized applications can run easily in any environment thanks to its cloud-native infrastructure, significantly reducing maintenance and development costs.

Cybersecurity

Telecom has always been vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches, and the IoT boom has further elevated the need for cybersecurity and cyber resilience. The more devices we connect to our network, the more opportunities emerge for attackers to access our data. 5G will introduce different security threats, making the industry vulnerable to cyberattacks. A large amount of sensitive data spread across complex, confidential, and private networks make it essential for telecom operators to invest in implementing stringent cybersecurity measures to strengthen security surrounding connected devices and the cloud systems and networks that connect them. Gartner predicts that by 2023, there will be 43 billion IoT-connected devices worldwide. IoT devices, from smartwatches or human-wearable biometrics to monitoring systems, robots, alarm systems, sensors, IT devices, and industrial machines, are important to remember for those in charge of cybersecurity. The ability to remotely access base stations and data centers makes IoT security crucial as more telecoms embrace the industry and deploy these devices in their networks.

Private 5G

Private 5G has been considered the top telecom trend in recent years and will become mainstream next year. As consumers eagerly await the rollout of 5G, numerous telecommunications companies have already made significant investments in the necessary infrastructure with 5G SA networks live in South Korea, Japan, and many more countries. With 5G ecosystems, users will take advantage of increased speed, reliability, and consistency. For businesses, with its ultra-low latency, Due to its ultra-low latency capability, Private 5G will enable businesses with several high-value use cases, including 3D robot control, digital twins, medical remote control, and more. These next-gen use cases were practically unachievable with legacy network technologies, thus opening a high-revenue generating market for telcos. 5G networks are expanding, and more importantly, many devices in the market now support 5G. And with the evolution of industry 4.0, Private 5G will help enterprises connect hundreds of IoT/IIoT devices, boosting operational efficiency and productivity and enabling the development of mission-critical applications in almost all industries. Alepo is also working with its partners on multiple private 5G projects for hospitals, universities, semiconductor factories, and more.

Cloud computing in emerging markets due to hyperscalers

In the past three years, cloud computing has grown in popularity as more companies have turned to digital service delivery to respond to the global pandemic. By 2026, the global hyperscale cloud market is projected to reach US$693.49 billion, according to Research and Markets. The global hyperscale cloud market is expected to grow by 2026. This potentially industry-changing technology is something that telcos should keep an eye on. One of the most significant factors influencing the hyperscale cloud market is the growing adoption of hyperscalers among SMEs in developing markets. Due to physical infrastructure and constant technological evolution, SMEs are always looking for ways to reduce IT costs and overcome the challenges related to data security, digitization, and high CAPEX. An increase in the demand for cloud computing by SMEs across industries has led to growth in the hyperscale cloud market, with data centers opening around the world to get closer to the end-user, such as South Africa, Chile, Mexico, and Indonesia. Furthermore, the market has been growing over the past few years, due to factors such as increasing penetration of IoT devices, increasing adoption of 5G, SaaS, edge computing, video streaming apps, AI, and big data analytics, growing internet traffic, and an increase in the number of hyperscalers from AWS, Microsoft, Google, and other companies. Additional services that these hyperscale data centers offer to enterprises include massive server storage, cloud computing platforms, data processing, IT networking, software customizations, and much more. As more businesses discover the operational and low capital-intensive benefits of hyperscale infrastructure, the move to cloud computing will surely see a boom in 2023.

Edge orchestration

Edge orchestration or edge computing hosts and authorizes apps to run at a network’s edge. It’s a distributed computing architecture in which processing and data storage moves closer to the data source. It brings benefits like lower latency, accessibility, and reliability to use cases like AR/VR and IIoT. Edge cloud computing technology will rapidly spread thanks to 5G as communication service providers will deploy 5G networks with hundreds of centers and distributed cloud edge sites. Edge cloud computing environments will grow, using network-as-code, multi-cloud, and open APIs with purpose-driven closed-loop orchestration. These facades incorporate a converged framework at the network edge that can serve various user needs, while maintaining high agility and low operational expenses. With so many benefits to offer, edge orchestration remains one of the top telecom trends of 2023. Edge ecosystems will emerge as an essential pillar of CSPs’ digital transformation journey, allowing them to achieve market significance beyond connectivity.

Conclusion

2023 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative years for the telecom industry. These five trends will bring technological revolution, digital transformation, better data security, improved Quality of Service (QoS), and new revenue opportunities for telcos. And the adoption of these trends is a must to remain competitive and overcome future challenges.