Companies with IoT solutions destined for other markets must overcome a number of hurdles. Remote SIM provisioning eases some of the pressure by removing the need for different SIMs for different regions, but providers must still have the right roaming agreements and partnerships in place. These must meet varying levels of localisation to be compliant.
A quick reminder of permanent roaming and why it matters
Many people use transient roaming when they use their mobile abroad but lots of IoT applications, including those for global asset tracking, international logistics and smart agriculture, are more permanently deployed in other countries. Companies rolling out, connecting and managing these solutions need seamless global deployment. Unlike traditional mobile devices, IoT devices must have consistent and reliable connectivity that can span across different geographies. They need reassurance from their connectivity providers that they can expand internationally without undue complications in their manufacturing, logistics and management processes.
When IoT applications connect to visiting networks for extended periods, this is permanent roaming. Practically, companies can use local physical SIMs, have direct roaming relationships with mobile network operators (MNOs), or use SIMs – such as eSIMs – that can be reprogrammed over-the-air through remote SIM provisioning (RSP) to connect their IoT solutions abroad.
Companies with strategies to operate on a global scale have more connectivity options when they adopt RSP at the design stage. RSP reduces the overhead of contracting, sourcing, installation and lifecycle management that comes from using local SIMs or maintaining direct roaming relationships with MNOs. However, companies still need agreements with, and access to, local eSIM profiles from the appropriate MNOs.
How remote SIM provisioning helps global IoT deployments
RSP is ideal for multi-region and global deployments because, instead of having a fixed network profile, it allows for the appropriate profile to be enabled on the SIM – either from those pre-loaded or remotely provisioned – for a localised connection once a device arrives at its destination. This gives companies:
• A single stock keeping unit (SKU) which minimises the manufacturing and logistical complexities that come from having to use different SIMs for different regions. Instead, companies can use the same SIM regardless of where products are going
• A single connectivity provider instead of having to deal with multiple MNOs around the world, which is a significant management overhead
• Faster go-to-market because a more streamlined provisioning process, afforded by a single SIM in manufacturing, helps companies pivot quickly into new markets to take advantage of opportunities
• Regulatory compliance because when the connectivity provider is maintaining relationships with the MNOs, companies can focus on their core businesses instead of the ins and outs of their connectivity.
Levels of localisation for permanent roaming
RSP is a convenient solution for international IoT deployments, but it only works when the connectivity provider has the right roaming agreements and/or eSIM and IMSI partnerships in place. IoT devices in a state of permanent roaming must still connect in ways that comply with relevant local regulations and restrictions and MNO policies. There are varying levels of these:
- Soft localisation – these regions require a local IMSI provided by a local MNO. The local IMSI can connect to another provider’s mobile core network and associated RSP and connectivity management platforms (CMP)
- Full localisation – where full localisation is required, the SIM must have a local profile loaded and connect to the mobile core network of the local profile provider
- IP localisation – a local data centre and packet gateway is required to keep data within the region for data sovereignty. IP localisation is also about reducing latency to optimise application performance
- MNO policy – MNOs may block permanent roaming for commercial reasons and enforce a soft or full localisation policy.
Companies with global IoT deployments have a lot to manage. They don’t want multiple different SIMs in their manufacturing processes or to have to manage a range of different localisation requirements. They want their connectivity to be simple so they can expand globally while complying with local regulations and policies.
However, as we have seen, there are intricacies involved in navigating regulation across different regions. This means local laws and MNO policies can significantly impact a deployment strategy.
Working with a connectivity provider that supplies a single SIM for global IoT with RSP helps ease the pressure. A connectivity provider can act as strategic advisor, providing counsel on navigating the complexities of deploying at scale into regions where roaming restrictions exist, and recommending a connectivity solution that can switch networks through RSP. Connectivity providers with the right expertise, and extensive MNO relationships, can support IoT companies with roaming agreements appropriate to regulated levels of localisation.
Paul Bullock, is Chief Product Officer at Wireless Logic.