The way organizations manage connectivity for their devices is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Physical SIM cards that once required manual installation, replacement, and logistics coordination are giving way to digital profiles that can be deployed, managed, and switched remotely through Remote SIM Provisioning. For IoT companies managing thousands of connected sensors, automotive manufacturers deploying connected vehicles globally, or MVNOs launching mobile services, RSP eliminates operational bottlenecks, reduces deployment costs, and provides the flexibility to adapt connectivity strategies without touching a single device.

In 2026, the Remote SIM Provisioning landscape is mature and widely adopted. The GSMA SGP.32 standard drives adoption across enterprise IoT deployments, with automotive, logistics, and smart city sectors leading implementation. Organizations that understand RSP and adopt compliant solutions position themselves to benefit from seamless global connectivity, simplified operations, and substantial cost reductions.

What Will You Get by the End of This Article?

• Technical architecture – Understand the core components behind RSP including eUICC, SM-DP+, SM-SR, and eIM
• End-to-end provisioning process – Learn how profiles are prepared, encrypted, transmitted, and activated on devices
• Standards evolution – Discover the specific standards (SGP.02 vs SGP.32) that make modern IoT deployments possible
• Real-world applications – Explore how industries like automotive, logistics, and consumer electronics leverage RSP
• Practical deployment checklist – Get a step-by-step implementation guide for enterprise rollouts

What Is Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP)?

Remote SIM Provisioning is the GSMA-standardized process that allows organizations to install, activate, deactivate, switch, or delete mobile operator profiles on an embedded SIM over the air, eliminating the need for physical SIM card swaps or manual interventions.

Instead of shipping physical cards to each device location, enterprises can now manage SIM profiles digitally through secure over-the-air protocols.

The technology replaces traditional physical SIM cards with eUICC chips that can store multiple operator profiles and switch between them remotely. This capability transforms connectivity management from a hardware logistics challenge into a software orchestration task, providing unprecedented flexibility in managing global device connectivity without requiring physical access to deployed equipment.

RSP represents a paradigm shift for enterprise teams. A logistics company operating tracking devices across fifty countries no longer needs to maintain separate SIM inventories for each region. An automotive manufacturer can load connectivity profiles during vehicle production and update them remotely after delivery. An MVNO can activate new subscriber profiles instantly without shipping physical cards. These capabilities fundamentally simplify operations and reduce deployment costs across the connectivity lifecycle.

Core Components of RSP Architecture

The RSP architecture consists of several essential components working together to enable secure profile management. Understanding these elements helps enterprise teams plan implementations and evaluate vendor solutions effectively.

eUICC – The Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card

The eUICC replaces traditional SIM cards as the foundation of RSP technology. This embedded chip stores multiple operator profiles and manages their lifecycle. Unlike physical SIMs that represent a single operator relationship, eUICC devices support multiple profiles that can be activated, deactivated, or switched based on connectivity needs. The chip includes secure elements that protect cryptographic keys and ensure profile integrity throughout the provisioning process.

Subscription Manager – Data Preparation (SM-DP+)

The SM-DP+ component protects, prepares, and stores SIM profiles in a secure database. When provisioning is required, the SM-DP+ encrypts the corresponding eSIM profile and prepares it for download to target devices. Enterprise teams typically interact with SM-DP+ platforms through connectivity provider portals or integrated management systems.

Subscription Manager – Secure Routing (SM-SR)

The SM-SR manages secure communication links between eUICC devices and the SM-DP+ platform. It handles profile enabling, disabling, and deletion operations while ensuring all communications remain encrypted and protected against unauthorized access.

SIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM)

Introduced in the SGP.32 standard, the eIM acts as an intermediary orchestrator that simplifies enterprise control over profile management. Rather than relying on complex operator integrations, the eIM allows enterprises to directly manage and switch SIM profiles across their device fleets, standardizing profile orchestration independently of individual operator systems.

Local Profile Assistant (LPA)

The LPA operates on the device side, managing the download and installation of profiles onto the eUICC. It handles communication between the device and the SM-DP+ platform, ensuring secure profile transfer and activation. In consumer devices, the LPA typically operates through a user interface that displays available profiles. In M2M and IoT applications, the LPA functions autonomously based on remote triggers and configurations.

How Remote SIM Provisioning Works

The RSP process follows a secure sequence that ensures profile integrity from preparation through activation. Understanding this workflow helps enterprise teams plan deployments and troubleshoot connectivity issues when they arise.

The RSP provisioning workflow consists of five key steps:

1. Provisioning request initiated – When a device requires a new SIM profile, the process begins with a provisioning request. This request can originate from user action in consumer applications or from automated triggers in IoT deployments.
2. Profile selection – The operator or IoT management platform selects the appropriate eSIM profile from the SM-DP+ database based on device location, service requirements, and organizational policies.
3. Profile encryption and transmission – The selected profile is encrypted using cryptographic keys unique to the target eUICC, ensuring only the intended device can decrypt and install the profile. The encrypted profile is transmitted via secure over-the-air protocols using Transport Layer Security encryption.
4. Authentication and installation – The device receives the encrypted profile and verifies its authenticity through cryptographic authentication. Once verified, the LPA downloads the complete profile to the eUICC and activates it according to provisioning instructions.
5. Ongoing lifecycle management – Throughout the profile lifecycle, the RSP infrastructure continues to monitor and manage the eSIM. Organizations can push software updates, switch between installed profiles, or delete profiles that are no longer needed.

Evolution from M2M to SGP.32: The IoT Standard

The RSP landscape has evolved significantly to address enterprise IoT requirements. Understanding this evolution helps organizations choose appropriate standards for their deployment scenarios.

Legacy M2M Standard – SGP.02

The original SGP.02 standard optimized RSP for M2M applications but relied on SMS-based triggers and complex operator integrations. Organizations deploying devices on NBIoT networks encountered significant challenges because these networks lack SMS support.

Key limitations of SGP.02:

• SMS dependency excludes NBIoT and LPWAN networks
• Proprietary operator interfaces create vendor lock-in
• Complex migrations when switching connectivity providers
• Operational disruptions during provider transitions

Current IoT Standard – SGP.31/32

Released by the GSMA in May 2023, SGP.32 represents a breakthrough for enterprise IoT deployments designed for network-constrained and user-interface-constrained devices.

SGP.02 vs SGP.32 Comparison:

SGP.32 removes SMS requirements entirely, enabling compatibility with NBIoT and LPWAN networks. It implements IP-based communication protocols and supports asynchronous device operations, allowing battery-powered IoT devices to receive provisioning commands while in sleep mode.

Key advantages of SGP.32 for enterprise deployments:

• Network flexibility without SMS dependencies across NBIoT, LTE-M, and LPWAN technologies
• Reduced integration complexity through standardized eIM interfaces
• Lower power consumption through asynchronous provisioning support
• Faster deployment timelines without operator-specific integrations
• Enhanced vendor independence for seamless provider switching

By 2026, SGP.32 establishes itself as the dominant standard for enterprise IoT deployments.

Security and Compliance Considerations

RSP security relies on multiple protection layers that enterprises must understand when evaluating solutions and planning deployments.

Security Architecture

At the protocol level, RSP uses Transport Layer Security encryption for all communications. The GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme provides certification for SM-DP+ implementations and eUICC production facilities.

Cryptographic authentication is mandatory in SGP.32 systems, preventing unauthorized profile installations or modifications.

RSP Security Layers:

• Protocol Level: TLS encryption for all communications
• Authentication: Mandatory cryptographic verification
• Certification: GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS)
• Key Management: Hardware Security Module (HSM) protection
• Access Control: Authorization-based profile provisioning

Data Privacy and Regulatory Compliance

Organizations must address compliance requirements including data protection regulations, local telecom laws, and privacy standards. Hardware Security Modules provide enhanced protection for sensitive cryptographic keys used in provisioning processes.

Enterprise teams should verify that RSP vendors maintain appropriate security certifications and comply with regional regulatory requirements.

Real-World Applications in 2026

RSP delivers measurable benefits across diverse industries and deployment scenarios.

IoT Device Deployment at Scale

Organizations deploying large numbers of IoT devices use RSP to eliminate traditional logistical challenges. Companies now provision devices remotely after installation in the field. A smart city project deploying environmental sensors can ship devices with inactive eUICC chips and activate profiles once sensors are installed.

Automotive and Connected Vehicles

The automotive industry leads RSP adoption. Vehicle manufacturers leverage complementary technologies to deliver seamless connectivity experiences.

In-Factory Profile Provisioning enables automakers to load eSIM profiles during vehicle manufacturing, allowing vehicles to be “Born Connected” with global-ready connectivity. This eliminates the need for different inventory stock-keeping units for different countries.

Once vehicles reach their destinations, connectivity profiles can be updated remotely through RSP, allowing manufacturers to adapt to regional regulations or customer preferences without vehicle recalls.

Fleet Management and Logistics

Companies operating global logistics networks use RSP to enable seamless connectivity management. As shipments cross borders, IoT tracking devices are automatically provisioned to local carrier networks. A logistics company tracking refrigerated pharmaceutical shipments can ensure devices automatically connect to optimal local networks in each region.

Global Roaming and Multi-Carrier Flexibility

RSP enables enterprises to manage multiple carrier profiles on a single device. Organizations can optimize costs by switching between carriers based on coverage quality or pricing structures. An enterprise operating industrial equipment can maintain profiles from multiple carriers on each device for automatic failover.

Consumer Devices and Wearables

The consumer device market represents a rapidly growing segment for RSP adoption.

Key consumer applications include:

• Connected smartwatches – Parents activate cellular service through companion apps within minutes
• Tablets – Single hardware models sell globally with operator selection during setup
• Travel connectivity – International travelers download local operator profiles instantly
• New form factors – Ultra-thin smartphones eliminate SIM card slots for smaller designs

How Spenza Simplifies RSP Implementation

Organizations need platforms that simplify procurement, orchestration, and ongoing management across multiple connectivity providers.

Unified IoT Connectivity Management

Spenza provides an operator-neutral aggregation platform that brings together multiple IoT connectivity providers under a single management interface.

Spenza’s unified connectivity management delivers:

• Consolidated visibility across all connectivity providers
• Automated bulk operations for provisioning and profile management
• Custom reporting for usage analysis and cost optimization
• Multi-country invoice reconciliation and payment processing
• API integrations with existing enterprise systems

Bring Your Own Network Plus Marketplace Model

Spenza supports a “bring your own network” approach where organizations leverage existing carrier relationships while gaining access to additional coverage options. Organizations can source custom plans from multiple operators and manage them within the Spenza platform.

Branded eSIM Marketplace Distribution

For MVNOs and device manufacturers, Spenza enables white-label eSIM marketplace capabilities. Organizations can offer mobile plans directly to end users through branded applications, leveraging RSP for instant profile provisioning.

Procure-to-Pay Automation

Spenza handles the complete connectivity lifecycle from procurement through payment, automating invoice reconciliation and providing spend visibility. Enterprise teams gain visibility into connectivity costs by device, location, and provider.

Deployment Checklist for Enterprise Teams

Successfully implementing RSP requires careful planning and systematic execution. This checklist guides enterprise teams through the key decision points and preparation steps.

Organizations should begin with a limited pilot deployment to validate provisioning workflows and measure actual performance before scaling to full production.

Conclusion

Remote SIM Provisioning represents a transformational shift in how organizations manage device connectivity. By 2026, SGP.32 establishes itself as the standard for enterprise IoT deployments, with automotive, logistics, and smart city sectors leading adoption.

RSP capabilities increasingly define competitive advantage in connectivity management. The technology eliminates traditional constraints while opening new possibilities for global operations.

We are looking forward to hearing from you about your RSP implementation journey. If your organization needs support with IoT connectivity management or branded eSIM marketplace opportunities, Spenza provides the platform capabilities to simplify deployment.

FAQs

Ready to simplify your IoT connectivity with Remote SIM Provisioning? Contact Spenza today to explore how our platform can streamline eSIM management, enable global deployments, and optimize costs for your enterprise.