A subscription in telecom refers to the agreement between a mobile network operator (MNO) and a customer or device owner that provides access to telecommunication services such as voice, messaging, and data connectivity. In simple terms, a telecom subscription defines the service relationship between the subscriber and the network, including the terms of use, pricing, network access credentials, and the lifecycle of connectivity. Each subscription is linked to a unique identity on the network, stored and managed within the SIM, eSIM, or eUICC as part of the subscriber’s profile data.
In simple terms, a telecom subscription defines the service relationship between the subscriber and the network, including the terms of use, pricing, network access credentials, and the lifecycle of connectivity.
Each subscription is associated with a unique identity on the network, stored and managed within the SIM, eSIM, or eUICC as part of the subscriber’s profile data.
A telecom subscription typically includes:
• Subscriber identity and credentials such as the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) stored on the SIM or eSIM to enable secure network access.
• Service plan and entitlements, including the user’s tariff, allowances (voice, data, SMS), and applicable policies.
• Network operator association describing the mobile operator providing connectivity services and maintaining authentication servers.
• Lifecycle management data covering activation, suspension, renewal, or termination of the subscription.
• Billing and account linkage connecting the subscription to a customer account or enterprise platform.
With the introduction of eSIM (embedded SIM) and iSIM (integrated SIM) technologies, the concept of subscription has evolved beyond physical SIM cards.
In eUICC-enabled devices, multiple subscriptions can coexist as separate profiles, allowing devices to connect to different networks or regions remotely.
Through Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP), network operators can create, deliver, and activate subscriptions over the air, removing the need for physical SIM swaps.
In IoT and M2M applications, subscriptions are often managed at scale using Subscription Manager platforms such as SM-DP+, SM-SR, and eIM, ensuring secure, automated connectivity for millions of devices.
• Enable secure access by establishing the legal and technical basis for authenticating users and devices on a mobile network.
• Support service personalization by determining access levels, service quality, and usage rights.
• Facilitate scalability in IoT through remotely provisioned subscriptions that maintain connectivity across devices and geographies.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by providing traceability of users and devices as required by telecom regulators.
• Simplify lifecycle management so operators can activate, modify, or deactivate subscriptions seamlessly across distributed device fleets.