Understanding vSIM technology, what’s the virtual reality?

Regardless of their scale or nature, IoT devices are heavily dependent on connectivity which is now vital for various industries, for individuals and for the machines of tomorrow. While the subscriber identity module (SIM) card has long been an enabler of mobile connectivity, it’s slowly being replaced by more efficient SIM technologies. In this article, I’ll explain what virtual SIM (vSIM) is, why it matters and why it will change the way you connect your devices.

What is vSIM and how does it work?

A vSIM is a digital and software-based version of a hardware SIM that is integrated into the device’s hardware or software. Thanks to remote provisioning and management of network profiles, this type of embedded SIM  could be an appropriate choice for IoT devices that require dependable and flexible connectivity.

vSIM-enabled devices can connect to networks using a dedicated chip or software at the device-level that is capable of being programmed to follow the signalling patterns of physical SIM cards. The subscriber’s service identity or profile can be downloaded to the device and then it can switch between network profiles without the need for physical SIM cards. This means that it works similarly to over-the-air (OTA) updates for traditional SIM cards that allow for network roaming and switching, albeit more efficiently.

What’s the difference between eSIM and vSIM?

Though they might sound similar, embedded SIM (eSIM) and virtual SIM (vSIM) serve different purposes and work differently. An eSIM is a miniaturised SIM that is embedded in the device and, as the name suggests, it’s installed directly into a device and is not removable. Despite being fairly new, eSIMs have been widely adopted across the globe: Apple’s iPhone X was the first to feature an embedded SIM in 2018; the second iPhone to have an embedded SIM was the iPhone XS; while smartwatches and IoT devices also employ eSIMs. An eSIM is the closest thing to a replacement for the removable legacy SIMs from your phones in the past, as it enables users to switch between carriers or plans, without replacing a physical SIM card.

A vSIM, on the other hand, is a SIM architecture entirely based on software and has no physical existence. It can also be called a remote SIM, since it uses the network cloud infrastructure to provide a network connection. A vSIM also has no embedded chip, unlike earlier generations of physical SIMs, including eSIMs. Since there is no physical SIM to remove from your phone, it can be easily and instantly activated across any network once installed on the device. In a way, vSIMs are even more flexible and suitable for temporary use, such as a data plan for travellers visiting only for a short duration. vSIMs can also be disabled instantly via the software. However, to operate properly, they rely heavily on robust software security and a rich digital infrastructure of a cloud environment.

Benefits of non-physical SIMs for IoT

vSIMs have numerous benefits for IoT deployments, many of which are also present with eSIMs and iSIMs. These include:

1. Flexibility and scalability: vSIMs in common with eSIMs and iSIMs, are highly flexible, allowing devices to switch networks and profiles without physical intervention. IoT devices deployed in remote or difficult to reach places can benefit from this.
2. Cost-efficiency: By doing away with the physical SIM card for a vSIM, eSIM or iSIM solution, the associated logistical expense of distributing and maintaining physical SIM cards is eliminated. This is particularly relevant for enterprise-scale IoT deployments.
3. Enhanced cross-border connectivity: vSIMs enablet IoT devices to connect to local networks if they cross national boundaries so global operations can be a relaity.
4. Better design of devices: Without the need for a SIM card slot, a device can be designed more efficiently and more robustly, which could lead to more durable and cheaper devices.

Use cases of vSIM in IoT

• Smart cities: For the operation of billions of IoT devices being used in a smart city, for example, traffic management systems, smart lighting and environmental monitoring, vSIMs can provide connectivity in a more flexible manner in comparison to existing cellular connectivity.
• Smart cars: Connected cars can benefit from vSIMs by switching between network providers to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for navigation, telematics and entertainment systems.
• Healthcare: A medical device with a vSIM can keep up a constant vision of the network to enhance real-time monitoring and data transmission, for patient care and telemedicine.
• Supply chain management: Logistics and shipping companies can use vSIMs to track goods in real time, no matter where they are. In the event of delays or mix-ups, this will allow for better organisation and communication.
• Consumer electronics: Using vSIM technology, wearables, smart home devices and other consumer electronics will be able to connect users to the internet, without users having to manually change SIM cards for network service.

Why vSIM matters

vSIM, along with eSIM and iSIM, technology has the potential to change the way IoT devices will connect and interact with their environment. Its flexibility will benefit a wide range of businesses and applications, and it will play a fundamental role in shaping the way the IoT will evolve in the future.