Trusted Connectivity Alliance (TCA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

Trusted Connectivity Alliance (TCA) has released Version 3.4 of its eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Technical Specification (Interoperable Profile Package Specification). The latest version includes major updates to support full alignment with 3GPP Release 18 to enable advanced 5G functionality and secure authentication in 5G network slicing, as well as enabling the remote management of eSIM profiles on low-power and network-constrained devices. Interoperable connectivity profiles Mobile operators to load interoperable connectivity profiles in an eSIM Additional updates and clarifications to promote security and interoperability have also been made.  TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification – which is used in every eSIM deployed in the field – standardises the format used for the remote loading of subscriptions onto eSIMs across deployed devices. This enables mobile operators to load interoperable connectivity profiles in an eSIM, regardless of the SIM vendor. Key updates in Version 3.4 Full alignment with 3GPP Release 18 – this includes support of Slice SIM (SSIM), allowing operators to utilise the proven security capabilities of eUICC / eSIM to authenticate subscribers and enable secure access to 5G network slices. This will help to enhance the security of 5G networks and protect subscriber privacy. Support for GlobalPlatform’s standardised Secure Channel Protocol Amendment M– which enables remote application and file management on constrained IoT devices that could not previously be updated or patched due to the absence of SMS support. This addresses an immediate interoperability challenge by making it easier to remotely provision and manage eSIM profiles on constrained NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) devices. Benefits of eSIM technology TCA also estimates that the total available market for eSIM was 514 million units Denis Praca, Chair of the TCA eUICC Working Group, comments: “Since it was first published 10 years ago, TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification has played a foundational role in promoting trust, consistency and reliability across the eSIM ecosystem." "These latest enhancements stand to further extend the capabilities and benefits of eSIM technology, bringing seamless connectivity and advanced security to new and established use-cases.” Latest TCA eSIM market data The publication of the new specification follows the release of the latest TCA eSIM market data, which revealed that 2024 was a landmark year of growth across the eSIM ecosystem. eSIM shipment volumes collectively reported by TCA members in 2024 surpassed half a billion units, increasing 35% year-on-year to reach 503 million. TCA also estimates that the total available market for eSIM was 514 million units. The growing availability of eSIM-enabled devices was matched by increasing consumer adoption, with consumer eSIM profile downloads rising by 56%. Enhancement of eSIM technology TCA published Version 3.3.1.2 of eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Test Specification Bertrand Moussel, Chair of the TCA Board, adds: “As the eSIM ecosystem continues to expand, TCA is committed to shaping the continued standardisation and enhancement of eSIM technology in close collaboration with pioneering industry stakeholders.” TCA has also published Version 3.3.1.2 of eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Test Specification, which provides a globally standardised means of testing products to ensure the eSIM profile is correctly loaded. GSMA’s eSIM Test Specifications Version 3.3.1.2 is a GlobalPlatform-approved test suite, which is part of the GSMA Consumer and IoT eSIM compliance programmes and referenced in GSMA’s eSIM Test Specifications (SGP.23 and SGP.33) – the dedicated, globally-backed remote SIM test specifications for Consumer and IoT.   Work is currently ongoing in TCA to develop the test specification for Interoperable Profile Package Technical Specification v3.4.

TCA's Interoperable Profile Package Specification used in every eSIM in the field standardises the format used for the remote loading of mobile subscriptions onto eSIMs across deployed devices. Version 3.3 of eUICC Profile Package Trusted Connectivity Alliance has released Version 3.3 of its eUICC Profile Package: Interoperable Format Technical Specification (Interoperable Profile Package Specification).  The latest version of the specification includes major updates to support the remote loading of eSIM profiles onto network-constrained IoT devices, as well as full alignment with 3GPP Release 17 to enable enhanced 5G functionality and emerging use-cases. It also includes clarifications and guidance to further promote eSIM interoperability. Format standardisation  Interoperable Profile Package Specification enables mobile operators to load interoperable connectivity profiles TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification which is used in every eSIM deployed in the field standardises the format used for the remote loading of subscriptions onto eSIMs across deployed devices.  This enables mobile operators to load interoperable connectivity profiles in an eSIM, regardless of the SIM vendor. Lightweight IoT minimal profile  A key update in Version 3.3 is the definition of a ‘lightweight’ IoT minimal profile to address the growing challenge of remotely managing network-constrained IoT devices. This makes it possible to provision a profile even when bandwidth is very limited, which is crucial to supporting the growing use of eSIM technology to enable various IoT use-cases and connectivity services.  In an important industry development that will further promote worldwide eSIM interoperability, Version 3.3 is referenced in GSMA’s newly released eSIM for IoT Technical Specification (SGP.32), the dedicated, globally-backed remote SIM specification for IoT. Secure and reliable  This evolution marks a significant milestone that will deliver trust and consistency"  “TCA’s Interoperable Profile Package Specification has been foundational to the development of the eSIM ecosystem, helping enable secure and reliable Remote SIM Provisioning for consumer and M2M devices,” comments Denis Praca, Chair of the TCA eUICC Working Group.  “As demand for eSIM technology to enable a vast array of IoT use-cases and services builds, this evolution marks a significant milestone that will deliver the trust and consistency needed to promote innovation and accelerate adoption.” Enhancement of eSIM technology Claus Dietze, Chair of the TCA Board, adds, “This latest technical achievement is a clear reflection of the crucial role our organisation plays in bringing together leading industry stakeholders, shaping the continued standardisation and enhancement of eSIM technology.” The publication follows the release of the latest TCA eSIM market data, which revealed significant growth in the global adoption of eSIM technology in 2022. Consumer and M2M eSIM profile downloads collectively increased by 135% as stakeholders realised the benefits of flexible connectivity, advanced security and end-to-end digitalisation. eSIM-enabled devices Shipments reported by TCA members increased by 13% year-on-year to reach 382 million units Increased adoption also coincided with the growing deployment of eSIM-enabled devices to maintain ongoing momentum for eSIM shipment volumes.  Shipments reported by TCA members increased by 13% year-on-year to reach 382 million units, with TCA also estimating the total available market in 2022 at 427 million units. Test specifications The Interoperable Profile Package Specification was first published in 2015 and TCA remains committed to its ongoing evolution in close collaboration with industry partners, including 3GPP, ETSI, GlobalPlatform, and GSMA.  TCA also develops associated test specifications that provide a globally standardised means of testing products to ensure the connectivity profile is correctly loaded. TCA initiatives Other TCA initiatives to promote consistency across the eSIM ecosystem include the TCA eSIM Interoperability Service delivered by COMPRION which enables operators to proactively test that their eSIM profiles are compatible with a wide range of commercially available devices before deployment.