Remote SIM provisioning is a specification realized by GSMA that allows consumers to remotely activate the subscriber identity module (SIM) embedded in a portable device such as a smart phone, smart watch, fitness band or tablet computer.
Contents
Preconditions for creating the specification
In the background of the technology laid the following premises:
Origin
The GSM Association (GMSA) which brings together about 800 operators and 250 mobile ecosystem companies became the first to come up with the Consumer Remote SIM Provisioning initiative. The beginning of creation the technology was announced in the summer 2014. The complete version of the specification was realized in February, 2016. Initially, the specification was supposed to be used just by m2m devices, but since December, 2015 it has begun being spread over various custom wearable device.
"This new specification gives consumers the freedom to remotely connect devices, such as wearables, to a mobile network of their choice and continues to evolve the process of connecting new and innovative devices," Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA.
Besides, the right of independent service providers to transmit commands of loading profiles to SIM-cards in the device has been amended and the possibility to store arrays of profiles in independent certified data centers (Subscriptions manager) has appeared.
Functions
The specification aims to allow consumers to choose a mobile network operator from a wide range to activate the SIM embedded in a device via a subscription. It aims to simplify the users’ life by connecting their multiple devices through the same subscription. It should also motivate mobile device manufacturers to develop the next generation of the mobile-connected devices that will suit better the wearable technology applications.
Standard implementation
Company ComfortWay