STMicroelectronics accredited to personalise eSIMs for mobiles and connected IoT devices

Semiconductor company STMicroelectronics is accelerating progress towards a more convenient and secure connected world as the first embedded SIM (eSIM) manufacturer to be accredited by the GSMA for loading eSIM chips with connection credentials such as certificates and operator profiles before shipping.

The eSIMs, customised with connection credentials, are designed to enable smaller form factors, greater security and increased flexibility. Chip-scale, permanently embedded and electronically reprogrammable, eSIMs save space inside smartphones for extra features or battery capacity, while enabling different types of connected devices in tiny form factors for an expanding range of markets and applications, such as smart watches and Internet of Things (IoT) devices including smart meters, remote sensors or gateways.

Building on existing accreditation to manufacture eSIM chips that meet the GSMA’s specifications for security and reliability, ST is gaining further accreditation for securely applying eSIM personalisation data, according to the GSMA’s Secure Accreditation Scheme for UICC Production (GSMA SAS-UP).

ST can now deliver personalised eSIMs, built around the ST33 secure microcontroller, directly to customers’ production facilities, ready to use with no further programming required. Equipment OEMs, mobile network operators and SIM operating-system (OS) vendors can thus enjoy greater convenience, economy and business efficiency by streamlining the eSIM supply chain to save handling overheads and reduce time to market.

“The SAS-UP accreditation of ST’s Rousset (France) production site for the personalisation of WLCSP SIMs and eSIMs is a significant move in driving widespread adoption of trusted eSIM devices by enabling consumer and IoT device manufacturers to implement eSIM in very small form factors,” said Jean-Christophe Tisseuil, GSMA’s Head of SIM and eSIM. “SAS-UP is a first and essential step towards a secure and trusted eSIM market deployment.”

“The eSIM is an important technological advance that makes it possible to build the connected world of the future, safely,” added Marie-France Florentin, Group Vice President, General Manager, Secure Microcontroller Division, STMicroelectronics. “The GSMA’s certification scheme governing production and personalisation is critical for its success.

“Now that ST is accredited to produce and personalise eSIMs before shipping, our customers can benefit from greater efficiency and security throughout the entire supply chain, with all the safeguards and assurances provided by the GSMA’s ecosystem.”