What is RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning)?
Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) is the GSMA-defined method of remotely managing mobile operator profiles on devices equipped with eUICC / eSIM technology. Rather than physically swapping SIM cards, RSP enables over-the-air (OTA) installation, activation, deactivation, switching, or deletion of operator profiles on eSIM.
Kigen provides GSMA SAS-accredited RSP server solutions that support any eSIM, any network, and any point of provisioning across IoT, M2M, and consumer use cases.
Types & Use Cases
- M2M RSP (SGP.01/SGP.02) Built for machine-to-machine deployments (e.g., meters, vehicles) that have no user interaction. The classic architecture uses SM-DP (prepares and encrypts profiles) and SM-SR (secure routing to the eUICC). It enables centralized, secure profile delivery and lifecycle management for field devices.
- Consumer RSP (SGP.21/SGP.22) Designed for user-driven devices (smartphones, wearables). Users initiate provisioning (e.g., scanning a QR code) and the device’s LPA works with the operator’s SM-DP+ server to download/activate profiles over the air.
- IoT eSIM RSP (SGP.31/SGP.32) The most recent third option. Created specifically for IoT devices, especially those constrained by power, UI, or network. SGP.31 (architecture & requirements) and SGP.32 (technical spec) define a simplified IoT eSIM architecture with the eIM (eSIM IoT Manager) orchestrating secure profile management—often instructing SM-DP+ to deliver profiles—so fleets of small, headless devices can be provisioned at scale.
How RSP Works (Simplified Flow)
- Bootstrapping / initial connectivity: Devices may be shipped with a minimal “bootstrap” or default profile to gain basic network access.
- Secure communication setup: The device (via the LPA — Local Profile Assistant) and the subscription management backend establish an encrypted channel.
- Profile delivery: An operator profile is securely delivered to the eUICC and installed.
- Activation/switching/deactivation: The device can activate a profile, switch between profiles (e.g. to a local network when roaming), or disable a profile remotely.
- Lifecycle management: Over time, profiles can be updated, deleted or replaced using RSP commands.
All profile exchanges are protected end-to-end using digital certificates, encryption, and secure domain separation.
Why RSP Matters (Especially for IoT / eSIM)
- Zero-touch provisioning & scalability: Devices can ship globally with blank or bootstrap profiles and be provisioned later in the field ideal for large, distributed deployments.
- Reduced logistics & inventory complexity: Eliminates the need to manage physical SIM inventory across regions.
- Flexible carrier switching: Devices can switch to more optimal networks (e.g. local operators) dynamically, reducing roaming costs and improving coverage.
- Long device lifecycles & future proofing: As network landscapes evolve (e.g. 2G/3G sunset), devices can receive updated profiles to adapt without physical intervention.
- Strong security & compliance: RSP solutions, like Kigen’s, adhere to GSMA’s Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS) to ensure secure, interoperable profile management.