In Singapore, network connectivity is remarkably sophisticated. Even in rare ‘dead zones,’ we stay connected, and when travelling, switching SIMs keeps us linked. However, businesses deploying IoT solutions across regions face far greater complexities – from regulatory compliance to connectivity management. Consider the logistics sector, or tracking the over 1,000 vessels entering and leaving Singapore’s port daily—these operations demand 24/7 seamless connectivity. For them, switching SIMs is not as straightforward or feasible.
Why permanent roaming matters in the IoT space
Unlike traditional mobile devices, IoT devices must have consistent and reliable connectivity that can span across different geographies. They need reassurance from connectivity providers that they can expand internationally without undue complications in their manufacturing, logistics and management processes.
When IoT applications connect to visiting networks for extended periods, this is permanent roaming. Practically, companies can use local physical SIMs, have direct roaming relationships with mobile network operators (MNOs), or use SIMs – such as eSIMs – that can be reprogrammed over-the-air through remote SIM provisioning (RSP) to connect their IoT solutions abroad.
The role of remote SIM provisioning in multi-country IoT deployments
Companies with strategies to operate on a multi-region or global scale have more connectivity options when they adopt RSP at the design stage.
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As the name suggests, RSP is a solution that allows SIM cards to be remotely programmed with different network profiles, eliminating the need to physically replace SIM cards for different regions. This reduces the overhead of contracting, sourcing, installation, and lifecycle management associated with local SIMs or direct MNO roaming relationships. It simplifies manufacturing and logistics by using one SIM for all regions, reduces management complexity with a single connectivity provider, accelerates market entry due to streamlined provisioning, and ensures regulatory compliance, allowing companies to focus on their core business activities.
Navigating roaming agreements and regulations for roaming connectivity
While RSP is a convenient solution for international IoT deployments, it only works when the connectivity provider has the right roaming agreements, and/or eSIM and International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) partnerships in place. IoT devices in a state of permanent roaming must still connect in ways that comply with relevant local regulations and restrictions and MNO policies. There are varying levels of these:
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- Soft localisation – these regions require a local IMSI provided by a local MNO. The local IMSI can connect to another provider’s mobile core network and associated RSP and connectivity management platforms (CMP)
- Full localisation – where full localisation is required, the SIM must have a local profile loaded and connect to the mobile core network of the local profile provider
- IP localisation – a local data centre and packet gateway is required to keep data within the region for data sovereignty. IP localisation is also about reducing latency to optimise application performance
- MNO policy – MNOs may block permanent roaming for commercial reasons and enforce a soft or full localisation policy.
Companies with multi-region IoT deployments have a lot to manage. They don’t want multiple different SIMs in their manufacturing processes or to have to manage a range of different localisation requirements. They want their connectivity to be simple so they can expand globally while complying with local regulations and policies.
However, as we have seen, there are intricacies involved in navigating regulation across different regions. This means local laws and MNO policies can significantly impact a deployment strategy.
Working with a connectivity provider that supplies a single SIM for global IoT with RSP helps ease the pressure. A connectivity provider can act as a strategic advisor, providing counsel on navigating the complexities of deploying at scale into regions where roaming restrictions exist, and recommending a connectivity solution that can switch networks through RSP. Connectivity providers with the right expertise, and extensive MNO relationships, can support IoT companies with roaming agreements appropriate to regulated levels of localisation.
As businesses continually rely on IoT deployments in remote and challenging environments, partnering with a connectivity partner that offers multi-country reach, flexibility and secure end-to-end solutions will be crucial for lasting success.
Simon Trend is the group managing director for Americas, APAC and MENA at Wireless Logic
