IDA set to call for open standard embedded SIMs trial

Singapore

THE Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) will be issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to conduct a trial on over-the-air (OTA) 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. An eSIM is a SIM card which is fixed within a device and cannot be changed.

Announcing the RFP at the opening of the second edition of the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Standardisation Sector) Study Group 20 (SG20) meetings on Monday, Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim said that the trial will explore how an open GSMA standard can enable eSIM chips to switch between different mobile network operators. It 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 that monitor and manage water and energy consumption to help owners save on utility bills.

Explaining the reasons for the trial, an IDA spokesman said that based on current technology, every SIM card is tied to the mobile network operator (MNO) who issues the SIM. This makes it challenging for end users to change the SIM cards once they are deployed. "Although there are commercially available solutions that allow sensor operators to switch MNOs without changing the SIM cards, these solutions today are based on proprietary technology," the spokesman noted.

The trial aims to see if an open OTA subscription management standard can be created.

During the trial, the PUB's M2M sensors will perform the daily routine operations of transmitting data or sending SMSes via connected mobile networks to PUB's operations and data centres, and will perform OTA switches among the participating mobile networks. IDA intends to appoint a solutions provider to lead this trial through the RFP.

The ITU-T SG20 meeting is another collaboration between IDA and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), following the signing of a joint MOU (memorandum of understanding) in October 2015. Singapore is one of the 10 cities that will plot a set of key performance indicators leading to the eventual development of a global smart sustainable cities index. The index will allow ITU to benchmark and rank the performance of cities in terms of their level of "smartness".

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