eUICC SIM cards run software that allows the SIM to be replaced remotely by overwriting the profile stored on the SIM. This software can run on the typical plastic plug-in SIM cards as well as on soldered MFF2 SIM cards (embedded SIM). However, it is not possible to upload the software to a SIM at a later date.
There are currently three eUICC standards (SGP.02, SGP.22 and SGP.32) for which the profile change works differently in each case. IoT hardware must always support the respective standard in order to use it.
An eUICC SIM has an overwritable SIM profile. This allows the network operator profile to be changed without physically replacing the M2M SIM.
SIM profiles can be managed and changed remotely via an online portal.
Larger storage capacity compared to UICC SIMs offers more options.
No need to replace the SIM card for profile changes/additions.
Interchangeable profiles reduce dependence on one network operator.
Benefit from local network operator benefits for data volumes >10 GB.
For IoT applications in countries with restrictions on permanent roaming.
eUICC is primarily a software functionality, not hardware. This means that SIM profiles can be overwritten or added to.
We offer our M2M and IoT SIM cards both with and without eUICC. We have IoT SIM cards with eUICC functionality (eUICC-ready) for all common SIM form factors, from 2FF, 3FF, 4FF to MFF2 (embedded SIM).
eUICC is not the same as eUICC: Each standard is suitable for different applications and is not compatible with other standards.
The abbreviation eSIM is usually used for both embedded SIM and eUICC, although the two mean different things. eUICC describes the software on a SIM card. An embedded SIM refers to a specific hardware form of a (M2M) SIM card, a SIM chip permanently installed in the end device.
There are embedded SIM cards with eUICC functionality. An embedded SIM with eUICC makes sense, as these SIM cards are permanently installed or soldered into end devices, meaning that a physical SIM replacement is only possible with a great deal of (cost) effort.
