Scalable IoT device provisioning for device makers

SGP.32 Empowers OEMs & MVNOs with Unmatched Flexibility

ABI Research’s latest report, From Standards to Scale: An OEM’s Guide to IoT eSIM Success, comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. With the game-changing SGP.32 standard from GSMA now a reality for OEMs and MVNOs—marked by the publication of the SGP.32 v2.1 documents in January 2025—device makers are poised to unlock new levels of scalability and flexibility in their IoT deployments. We have discussed this topic in our recent webinars, but this insightful report now offers a practical plan of action for device makers, outlining the key steps needed to get started. As a result, we were keen to hear ABI Research’s Georgia Cooke’s insights on a practical plan of action for device makers navigating this transformation.

The Core of IoT eSIM Success: Remote SIM Provisioning

At the heart of this evolution is Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP). Historically, device makers have faced significant challenges in managing mission-critical connectivity for IoT devices with constrained memory, network resources, or a lack of user interfaces. SGP.32 introduces a more streamlined approach, akin to consumer eSIM remote provisioning, leveraging the SM-DP+ infrastructure. It incorporates an eSIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM), a local assistance agent, facilitating secure profile download and management for network-constrained devices.

Key Benefits of SGP.32 for OEMs

ABI Research’s report, developed in collaboration with Kigen, highlights the advantages of adopting SGP.32. By embracing this standard, OEMs can achieve:

• Simplification – Reduced complexity in managing eSIM provisioning for large-scale IoT deployments.
• Freedom – Greater flexibility to optimize connectivity across diverse networks without physical SIM swaps.
• Automation – Efficient provisioning and remote management, minimizing manual interventions and operational overhead.

Kigen has been at the forefront of this transition, being the first company worldwide to certify its Kigen eIM solution as GSMA-compliant. This leadership position has provided unique insights into the pragmatic approaches that over 40 customers across six sectors are already implementing as they move swiftly into production.

The Top Questions OEMs Are Asking

As IoT adoption accelerates, device makers have pressing concerns about transitioning to SGP.32. Among the most frequently asked questions are:

• How can IoT devices be pre-loaded with the best-fit connectivity options for large-scale deployments?
• How can soldered eUICCs be efficiently managed across multiple product variations and network operators?
• How can eSIM provisioning be handled at scale without relying on manual interventions, especially for user interface-constrained devices?
• What is the right timing to begin certification, and how does one ensure compliance?

The Growth Trajectory of SGP.32

ABI Research predicts that the adoption of SGP.32 will accelerate rapidly post-2026, driven by the industry’s demand for a more flexible and scalable approach to eSIM provisioning. This growth will come from new applications, such as asset tracking and smart metering, and the transition of existing applications currently utilizing SGP.02.

For both existing SGP.02 adopters and OEMs new to cellular IoT, SGP.32 brings significant enhancements, including:

• Support for profile download on network-constrained devices.
• Better power efficiency, making it ideal for battery-dependent devices.
• Compatibility with Low-Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) cellular types.
• The ability to function without Short Messaging Service (SMS), is a crucial feature for many IoT use cases.

Next Steps

• Download your copy  below of ABI Research’s report to bunderstand the opportunities that SGP.32 unlocks.
• Request an eIM trial with Kigen or consult with our experts to explore how IoT eSIMs can elevate your next product

Request a trial!

Kigen’s Role in Driving Standards and Scalability

As a key contributor to the GSMA standards working group, Kigen has been instrumental in developing frameworks for scalable eSIM provisioning. A core belief at Kigen is that industry-wide interoperability is essential for unlocking the full potential of eSIM technology.

The resulting interoperability lays the foundation for more efficient and scalable provisioning. In essence, SGP.32 is game-changing because it creates the trusted framework to ship cellular connectivity with a digital approach.

Georgia Cooke, ABI Research

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In-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP) and the Road Ahead

The impact of SGP.32 extends beyond provisioning—its adoption paves the way for a digital-first approach to connectivity, notably through In-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP). By provisioning eSIM profiles early in the manufacturing process, IFPP eliminates the need for power-intensive in-field provisioning, extending the operational life of low-power IoT devices.

SGP.41/42, the upcoming GSMA standard for IFPP, will further harmonize the ecosystem, making it easier for OEMs to adopt this streamlined provisioning model.

Taking Action: How OEMs Can Get Started

ABI Research’s report provides a clear roadmap for OEMs looking to capitalize on the advantages of SGP.32. It outlines automation strategies and certification pathways, offering practical recommendations to ease the transition.

If you’re an OEM or IoT solution provider, now is the time to act. As the report emphasizes, “Do not delay.” The transition to SGP.32 is not just a technological shift but a competitive advantage for those who move swiftly.