The Subscriber Identity Module, which we familiarly know as SIM card, has been around for nearly three decades now. One needs to insert this card into a mobile phone, Mi-Fi dongle and other devices to get connectivity. Over the years, the size of the SIM card has shrunk from a credit card form factor to a size smaller than the index fingernail. But as we move into a more connected world with NB-IoT devices and foldable smartphones, the eSIM (or embedded SIM) is gaining popularity.
The embedded SIM eliminates the need for having a physical SIM card slot, thus saving the board space for engineers, which can be used for other components. It has a wide range of applications, from smartphones and smartwatches to always-connected laptops and NB-IoT devices. But what are the challenges when it comes to implementing the embedded SIM? What are the benefits for the consumers, device makers and network operators? We answer all that and more in this podcast.
Thales, G+D and ST Micro lead eSIM enablement and eSIM management landscapes. Over one billion eSIM capable devices have been shipped cumulatively between 2014-2020, and another six billion total cumulative shipments are expected between 2021-2025.
In the latest episode of ‘The Counterpoint Podcast’, host Peter Richardson is joined by VP of Research Neil Shah and Senior Analyst Karan Dasaor to discuss types of eSIMs, top players in the industry, and more. The discussion also touches upon the impact of implementing eSIM on the BOM cost and benefits across the value chain.
We have extensively covered a lot more details in our reports which can be accessed below.
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