According to Transforma Insights, the Internet of Things will reach 18.2 billion connections by 2024 and is expected to climb to 20.4 billion in 2025. Sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and energy are steadily deploying robotics, sensor networks, and precision measurement systems. Iain Davidson from Wireless Logic describes how GSMA SGP.32 for remote SIM provisioning, eSIM capabilities, scheduled 2G/3G shutdowns, and MVNO services are set to influence IoT connectivity in coming years.
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IoT Ecosystem Expands To Twenty Point Four Billion Devices
The global IoT ecosystem exhibits steady linear expansion, reaching an estimated 18.2 billion connected devices by 2024 and projecting growth to 20.4 billion in 2025 according to Transforma Insights. Manufacturing, healthcare, and energy sectors spearhead deployment of robotic systems, sensor networks, and MES-driven applications, boosting operational efficiency. Diverse use cases now cater to organizations of varying scales, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automation. This trajectory underscores IoTs integral role.
GSMA Launches SGP.32 Standard Enabling Remote eSIM Provisioning Worldwide
The GSMAs SGP.32 specification introduces Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) to enable direct downloading and activation of network profiles on devices at the point of use. This eSIM-based approach grants organizations flexibility, permitting remote carrier changes or profile installations without physical SIM swaps. Companies can accelerate deployment, optimize inventory handling, adjust connectivity parameters in real time, and reduce overall lifecycle costs. The result is simplified logistics, scalable rollouts, and IoT management.
Remote eSIM Profile Switching Supports Unified SKUs, Cuts Costs
eSIM technology enables remote selection and modification of cellular profiles, allowing organizations to dynamically switch network providers or optimize coverage and performance. This over the air capability helps bypass regulatory limitations like permanent roaming fees, streamlining compliance across regions. Manufacturers can adopt a single global SKU for hardware models, reducing complexity in inventory management and distribution while achieving cost savings of up to thirty percent in production, logistics, and support.
iPhone 14’s eSIM-Only Design Spurs Widespread IoT Security Gains
In the United States, since the iPhone 14 release, only eSIM devices without physical SIM slots have been sold, paving the way for tablets, routers, and IoT gateways to adopt embedded connectivity. This change frees internal space, lowers power consumption, and strengthens security by removing removable SIM risks. Alongside GSMA SGP.32 remote provisioning, it encourages MNOs and MVNOs to provide additional downloadable network profiles, promoting flexible configurations and streamlined deployments.
Global legacy network retirements expose misconfigured 4G devices looping
Global network sunsetting processes have triggered unexpected service interruptions, revealing that numerous 4G devices shipped with default voice-focused settings, which malfunctioned when legacy 2G and 3G signals disappeared. As devices repeatedly attempted to register, they fell into endless reconnection loops, resulting in operational failures and service degradation. By studying US operator experiences, European providers can develop structured migration plans, adjust device configurations proactively, and implement robust testing to mitigate disruptions.
IoT SMS services at risk after 2G/3G network shutdown
IoT devices relying on SMS for status notifications or authentication encounter issues when 2G and 3G networks are decommissioned. While 4G networks do support SMS, the service is only provided via SMS over Diameter (SMSoD) through the SGd interface. Organizations must verify that their core network, visited network, and device firmware support SMSoD functionality. Without this compatibility, SMS-based communication could fail, jeopardizing critical IoT operations and workflows dependent on messaging.
MVNOs Expand IoT Services with Software Design, Hosting, Security
Virtual mobile network operators adapt portfolios to meet rising demand for professional IoT value-added services. Nearly half of customers expect software and application design, 39 percent require platform solutions, and 37 percent demand hosting support. MVNOs differentiate in saturated markets by integrating security capabilities, including network traffic monitoring (88 percent adoption) and threat detection (47 percent adoption). These strategic service enhancements aim to strengthen customer retention and drive long-term loyalty.
SGP.32, eSIM, MVNO Services Foster Robust Agile IoT Ecosystem
Integrating the GSMA SGP.32 standard for SIM provisioning with flexible eSIM management, proactive legacy network decommissioning, and MVNO-driven value-added services provides organizations with a highly resilient and agile IoT environment. This combination drives cost savings through SKU consolidation, optimizes logistics, strengthens data security, and enables uninterrupted global connectivity. Both established corporations and emerging start-ups can leverage these capabilities to maintain momentum in IoT deployment and seize innovation opportunities through 2025.
