Q: What is a UICC and how is it different from a SIM card?
UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is a new generation of SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) used in high-speed wireless networks.
UICCs allow wireless operators to identify you, to ensure they know your specific plan and services. It stores your contacts and ensures global roaming, a safe voice and multi-media data connection and remotely adds new applications and services. UICCs are also the only universal application delivery platform that works with any 3G or 4G device.
Compared to the Subscriber Identity Module, a Universal Integrated Circuit Card has a number of technological advantages. For example, whilst running the SIM application it is capable of storing various pieces of information, for instance, the consumer's contact list, which in turn allows the consumer to use mobile data and data roaming across multiple carriers.
Q: eUICC vs eSIM: What is the difference between eSIM and eUICC?
Many media sites have perpetuated the misconception that eUICC and eSIM are the same thing by using both terms interchangeably. But in reality, they are two distinct technologies.
The SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is often used to describe the small card-shaped we insert into smartphones and other mobile-connected devices. It allows devices to be recognized on the carrier network. But SIMs come in a wide array of different form factors, such as the mini-SIM (second form factor), micro-sim (3FF) and the nano-SIM (4FF). The MFF2, or embedded SIMs (eSIMs), are the latest form factors that are soldered onto the device's circuit board. This form factor is ideal for devices that move a lot in harsh conditions.
Many wrongly assume that an embedded SIM (MFF2) has remote provisioning capabilities (eUICC) because both are referred to as eSIM. Whilst eSIM refers to hardware, eUICC is however considered to be an offshoot of the standard SIM card, the differing factor however is that eUICC has the capabilities to restructure the SIM in a way that allows for one card to hold multiple profiles and be used within any SIM form factor.
At Oasis Smart SIM we are pleased to offer eUICC on all available form factors, allowing our customers to decide which best suits their application or device. The decision on which is the most appropriate choice will be determined by a number of factors. If we look at an industrial environment for example then an embedded SIM may be the preferred option as the risk of dust entering the SIM tray within an IoT device will be greatly reduced.
The hardware (the eSIM), the provisioning and the OTA platform are all included within Oasis Smart SIM’s solution, thus allowing the eUICC to be managed and configured remotely.
Q: From SIM to eSIM: what are 3 benefits for MNOs in the Consumer Space?
eSIMs have attracted the attention of manufacturers more and more over the years, and for good reason.
This new generation of SIM cards is permanently soldered directly into the device. The technology eliminates the need to physically swap cards to change profiles on the device. Instead, RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning) technology ensures that the user's information can be downloaded directly from the device.
The technology shows promise since the GSMA estimates that, by 2025, more than 2 billion eSIM devices will be shipped. Indeed, eSIMs bring about new opportunities in terms of device connectivity
1. A more seamless onboarding experience
eSIMs can contribute to drastically simplifying the onboarding process, because they allow consumers to switch operators remotely without the hassle of physically going to a store to get a new sim card.
2. Better customer experience
eSIMs also allow operators to instantaneously onboard a greater number of cellular-connected devices into their networks. Operators may deploy apps and platforms which can then be used by users to manage multiple connected devices, to offer them a seamless customer experience. Doing so is likely to improve customer experiences and increase customer loyalty. Oasis offers its Consumer Solution Digital Connect, a complete eSIM solution that eliminates operational complexities and covers the complete digital journey – from onboarding to daily service activities.
3. Revenue Opportunities
eSIMs allow users to connect more devices to their mobile operators. Device bundling is simplified and users can seamlessly add new devices to their plans. This is a revenue opportunity for their customers, as customers can expand their plans. Oasis has partnered with SICAP to seamlessly integrate their DP+ with Entitlement Server
About Oasis Smart SIM
Established in 2011, Oasis Smart SIM is a France and Singapore-based company simplifying Telcos, Service Providers and OEMs’ adoption of eSIM by providing a range of GSMA-certified eSIM infrastructures, platforms and services designed to simplify technology. Oasis Smart SIM is now a member of the GSMA and TCA (Trusted Connectivity Alliance), ranked by Counterpoint Research as the 6th Global eSIM Management Solution Provider in 2022.
Oasis Smart SIM is a subsidiary of Tata Communications Limited, a digital ecosystem enabler powering today’s fast-growing digital economy.
