Insights into eSIM Technology, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Telecom Industry

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Sachin Arora, Head of Connectivity & IoT for India at Giesecke+Devrient.

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   Can you share your perspective on the current state of eSIM security in the telecom industry?

eSIM technology offers several key advancements in security, which make it a reliable choice for modern connectivity. First, it uses enhanced cryptographic protocols that ensure strong encryption and authentication, safeguarding data during both provisioning and communication processes. Second, the GSMA-defined Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) standard provides robust remote provisioning security, enabling secure over-the-air profile downloads and smooth profile switching while minimizing risks throughout the lifecycle.

Additionally, eSIMs are inherently tamper-resistant since they are embedded into devices, making them less vulnerable to physical tampering compared to traditional SIM cards. Lastly, eSIMs enhance identity protection by storing sensitive subscriber information within a secure element, significantly reducing the risk of cloning or unauthorized access. These features collectively make eSIMs a secure and efficient solution for modern digital ecosystems.

2. How has the evolution of mobile technology, such as 5G, influenced the importance of eSIM security?

The evolution of mobile technology, especially with the introduction of 5G, has made eSIM security more critical than ever. 5G brings increased bandwidth and supports a massive number of connected devices, including IoT, smart homes, and autonomous vehicles. This expanded connectivity amplifies the need for robust security measures to ensure communications are protected from potential threats.

Moreover,eSIMs being a central part of the 5G ecosystem from connectivity perspective (allowing for easier management of mobile subscriptions without physical SIM cards), ensuring eSIM security is critical in protecting user identity and preventing unauthorized access to the mobile network.

3. Could you elaborate on how Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) ensures secure connectivity for IoT devices, given the rising concerns about cyber threats?

G+D provides advanced secure IoT connectivity solutions, leveraging tamper-proof embedded SIM (eSIM) technology that complies with GSMA standards and incorporates advanced cryptographic measures to ensure secure connectivity and data integrity. Their solutions enable secure over-the-air provisioning of eSIM profiles, offering flexible and scalable connectivity for IoT devices.

Additionally, G+D utilizes trusted secure element technology, a hardware-based approach that isolates sensitive data and operations, ensuring robust encryption of IoT device identities, keys, and credentials. With a strong focus on end-to-end lifecycle management, G+D ensures secure onboarding, remote updates, decommissioning, and profile management, maintaining the security of IoT devices throughout their lifecycle. Furthermore, they implement robust end-to-end encryption standards to safeguard data communication across devices, networks, and cloud platforms, effectively preventing interception and tampering during transmission.

4. What are the key challenges faced by telecom operators in ensuring eSIM security, and how does G+D address them?

As a leading innovator in eSIM technology, G+D addresses operators’ security concerns, such as securing remote provisioning, ensuring data privacy and compliance, and mitigating IoT-specific risks, with robust solutions. Our eSIMs are built on tamper-resistant hardware, safeguarding sensitive data like keys and credentials, complemented by secure software platforms like AirOn for reliable remote SIM management and over-the-air updates.

With a Zero Trust architecture, we authenticate and validate every eSIM interaction. By collaborating closely with telecom operators, we tailor solutions to their specific needs, ensuring seamless integration. Since launching the world’s first eSIM management platform in 2012, G+D has become a trusted partner to hundreds of global MNOs, powering the majority of commercial eSIM deployments with secure, scalable, and reliable solutions

5. India is witnessing rapid growth in digital connectivity. How is G+D supporting the Indian telecom industry to enhance eSIM security?

G+D is committed to supporting the Indian telecom industry by enhancing eSIM security through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. Our initiatives align with the “Make in India” vision, offering locally deployed solutions for MNOs and fostering “local-for-local” approaches. We enable secure eSIM integration into IoT devices like smart meters, ensuring tamper-proof connectivity for utilities and services. By working closely with government bodies like the DoT and adhering to GSMA standards, we ensure regulatory compliances.

Additionally, we collaborate with major telecom operators and OEMs to implement secure eSIM technologies across smartphones, wearables, and IoT modules, emphasizing interoperability for seamless user experiences. Our efforts also include stakeholder education to promote secure eSIM adoption. With India’s 5G rollout and expanding IoT landscape, G+D plays a pivotal role in delivering scalable, secure eSIM solutions to drive connectivity and innovation.

6. Are there specific challenges or opportunities in the Indian market that differentiate it from other regions?

The Indian telecom market presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities due to its scale, rapid growth, price sensitivity, and complex regulatory landscape. One of the major challenges is the price sensitivity of the market, where intense competition, especially with eSIM-enabled devices, puts pressure on businesses. Infrastructure diversity is another challenge, as Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must support both the latest 5G technology and older legacy networks, all while managing the vast geographical expanse of the country.

Additionally, the adoption of eSIM technology has been slow, primarily because many eSIM-compliant devices are priced above INR 20K, while the dominant segment of handsets in India falls within the INR 10K-15K range. Many users also lack a clear understanding of the benefits of eSIM, further hindering its adoption. Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities. The growing demand for IoT and M2M applications, India’s massive market scale, the government’s push for a Digital India and Smart Cities initiative, the ongoing rollout of 5G, and the increasing demand for connectivity all present exciting prospects for companies like G+D and other players in the telecom space.