What is a SIM

SIM is an acronym for “Subscriber Identity Module”, which in Japanese means “module (IC card) for identifying subscribers”.

Contractor information (profile) for identifying the subscriber is recorded, and data communication can be used by inserting the SIM card into a device such as a terminal.

What is an eSIM

As a premise, what is called “eSIM” in the market has two main meanings.

➀ SIM as an embedded SIM (embedded SIM)

Different from the general replaceable SIM card, it is called an embedded SIM, which is interpreted as a "chip SIM".

➁ SIM as a feature (eUICC SIM)

The functional aspect of "rewriting using the remote SIM provisioning function (RSP: system that rewrites SIM remotely)" is sometimes called "eSIM".

This is also the definition of eSIM by GSMA (GSM Association), an industry group related to mobile communications.

At present, RSP requires a physical secure area, so the target is a card-type or chip-type rewritable SIM.

SIM vs. eSIM comparison/benefits

[Size of plastic SIM and chip SIM]

・There are three main sizes of SIM cards:

➀ Standard SIM (aka: 2FF): 15 x 25 x 0.76mm

➁ microSIM (aka: 3FF): 12 x 15 x 0.76mm

➂ nano SIM (aka: 4FF): 8.8 x 12.3 x 0.67mm

*The above three types of SIM cards differ only in shape, and there is no difference in performance.

・Chip SIM (also known as MFF2): 5 x 6 x 0.9mm

It is possible to save space compared to a SIM card.

　

Benefits of eSIM for each user

Benefits provided by Macnica

1: eSIM(both chip or plastic available)

2:1:ncarriers(global plan for multiple carriers)

3: Portal (remote management of SIM is possible)

Macnica eSIM service "Macnica Connectivity for Cellular"

Introducing Macnica Connectivity for Cellular

Macnica has started providing eSIM for IoT.

You can try SIM for free!