IDA to trial interoperable SIM

THE Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) will be issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to conduct a trial on over-the-air mobile subscription management for embedded SIMs (also called eSIMs) for Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as sensors. The same eSIM will allow data to be carried on the cellular networks of different mobile network operators.

Announcing this at the opening of the second edition of the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Standardisation Sector) Study Group 20 meetings on Monday, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, said the trial will explore how an open GSMA standard can enable eSIM chips to switch between different mobile network operators and would be conducted in partnership with the PUB (Public Utilities Board).

The adoption of interoperable standards will lead to a more competitive environment for the deployment of machine-to-machine (M2M) devices by lowering costs and increasing the adoption of IoT in different ways, the minister added.

This new standard could enable the easier introduction of new IoT applications in smart homes that monitor and manage water and energy consumption to help owners save on utility bills.