Telenor IoT adopts next-gen SGP.32 eSIM standard

Telenor IoT has become one of the early adopters of the GSMA’s forthcoming SGP.32 global eSIM standard. Signalling a commitment to future-proofing customer deployments, the company plans to integrate SGP.32 into its offerings starting autumn 2025.

This move aims to provide businesses with a robust, standardised solution that enables them to manage large-scale IoT deployments more efficiently and adapt seamlessly to changing requirements.

Understanding the SGP.32 eSIM standard

Developed by the GSMA, the industry body representing mobile network operators worldwide, SGP.32 is specifically engineered to address the complex demands of modern IoT ecosystems.

Unlike previous standards, SGP.32 facilitates fully remote management of SIM profiles via a centralised platform. This capability unlocks automated updates and provisioning, crucially extending to devices lacking user interfaces or those situated in inaccessible locations—common scenarios in industrial IoT, smart cities, and environmental monitoring.

Key advantages of the SGP.32 standard include:

• Remote SIM provisioning: Enables over-the-air management without physical intervention.
• Optimised for IoT: Supports lightweight profiles, reducing power consumption and enhancing performance, particularly for battery-constrained devices.
• Simplified logistics: Allows businesses to utilise a single Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) globally, drastically cutting down on logistical complexity and associated costs during deployment.
• Network flexibility: Permits network switching without the need to physically replace SIM cards, offering greater operational agility.

The standard is poised to streamline global IoT operations, making deployments faster, more cost-effective, and significantly easier to manage throughout their lifecycle.

Strategic importance for Telenor IoT

Telenor IoT views the adoption of the SGP.32 standard as a natural progression in its connectivity strategy.

Mats Lundquist, CEO of Telenor Connexion and Head of Telenor IoT, said: “Telenor IoT has always been quick to adopt new standards and was among the first operators to launch SGP.02, the first eSIM standard for IoT.

“By launching SGP.32 we’re enabling the move towards a world of seamless, secure, and standardised IoT connectivity, essential for long-term success in the IoT space.”

The integration of SGP.32 capabilities will bolster Telenor IoT’s existing global managed connectivity services. Customers already benefit from access to multiple networks per country, facilitating straightforward scaling and optimised network selection based on coverage or performance needs.

The addition of SGP.32 is set to provide even greater control and scalability. Telenor IoT plans to combine the remote SIM management features of SGP.32 with its established platform offering AI-powered monitoring and real-time analytics, creating a comprehensive solution for overseeing vast and complex IoT fleets.

The power of standardisation

A core benefit highlighted by Telenor IoT is the emphasis on full standardisation within SGP.32. This commitment ensures interoperability between different device manufacturers and service providers, mitigating the risks of vendor lock-in.

Adherence to a global standard also guarantees long-term compatibility as cellular networks (like 5G and beyond) and associated IoT technologies continue to evolve. This standardisation is crucial for businesses investing in long-lifecycle IoT deployments.

Recognising the lead time required for businesses to adapt their strategies and hardware, Telenor IoT is proactively engaging with customers. The company is already making test agreements available, allowing organisations to begin exploring the practical benefits and integration requirements of the SGP.32 standard well ahead of its full commercial launch in late 2025.

“This is more than a technology upgrade—it’s marking a significant shift in the evolution of global connectivity that will simplify operations for our customers and reduce long-term integration challenges,” Lundquist concludes.

See also: Vodafone, A1, Ericsson demo first 5G SA international roaming link

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Tags: connectivity, esim, internet of things, Iot, Networks, standards, telecoms