Docomo pitches soft programmable eSIM

Japanese incumbent operator NTT Docomo said it intends to introduce Japan’s first embedded SIM in M2M devices. The eSIM is software programmable, meaning it can be used on the networks of various international operators.

The unit is able to register phone numbers and other subscription-identity data relevant to international operators in machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, such as connected automobiles, and industrial equipment. The unit is available from Monday.

According to Docomo, the eSIM will simplify manufacturing and inventory-management tasks over operator-specific SIMs, delivering a major advantage for transnational M2M enterprises and solution providers. Also, subscriber identities stored in the eSIM will be interchangeable as the user moves from country to country with their M2M device, leading to enhanced operability of services.

Initially, the eSIM will be available as a M2M solution for corporate customers using the Docomo M2M Platform in Japan.

Docomo said it has been actively involved in the establishment of an eSIM global standard, which was officially released in December 2013.

The Japanese operator is keenly focusing on M2M. Recently it struck a global partnership with Vodafone in the space. “M2M is an important part of our overall strategy and its significance is growing by the day,” said Kaoru Kato, President and CEO of NTT DOCOMO. “We are proud to announce that we are expanding our strong existing partnership with Vodafone to include M2M.”