Pod Group, provider of platforms, software and connectivity services for the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected enterprises, announced a partnership with Arm which will enable it to enhance its eUICC solution.
The Pod Profile is a SIMalliance compliant interoperable profile package which can be included on any eUICC compatible chip and updated OTA to control all aspects of the solution including service management and quality, roaming functionality, security and fraud prevention. This enables the eUICC to act as the nerve centre for the device, giving users complete control over eSIM profiles and the possibility to continually update eUICC functionality by adding new applets over time.
Adding this intelligence to the eUICC is particularly important for remote and mission critical applications, since it future-proofs the devices, meaning they can remain in the field for many years without the need for physical intervention.
The agreement will allow Pod Group, a connectivity player in the IoT market since 1999, to incorporate intelligent SIM applets from its Pod Profile into the eUICC solution provided by the Arm Kigen service, enabling the SIM to perform advanced functions which can be controlled remotely Over The Air (OTA).
The applets developed by Pod Group’s dedicated R&D team add unique functionality to the eUICC and are designed to resolve specific issues faced by many OEMs and IoT applications developers when devices are in the field and difficult to troubleshoot.
eUICC allows OEMs or end customers to remotely change service provider without physical access to the SIM. Ideal for roaming applications or devices requiring global deployment. It reduces manufacturing costs and logistical issues associated with traditional SIM cards; and eases device deployment by allowing either a local or roaming SIM profile to be added in the field to reduce roaming costs/latency and adhere to local legislation.
It also enables future-proofing of devices. As market conditions change, new profiles can be added to the eUICC to update device connectivity.
Allows an efficient remote deployment capability for intelligent SIM applets that can be developed to optimize roaming, reduce costs and resolve specific issues when devices are in the field and difficult to troubleshoot.
“The future of connected devices depends on the development of open eSIM standards that enable interoperability between network operators, hardware manufacturers and solutions providers,” said Charles Towers-Clark, CEO of Pod Group. “Our eUICC strategy has been to create an agnostic solution which will give users the flexibility to manage their connectivity, future-proof their devices and add intelligent applets as required, without being tied-in to one connectivity provider.”
“As we move towards a world of a trillion connected devices, it’s crucial that cellular devices have reliable and scalable connectivity and can be easily deployed in different locations,” said Paul Williamson, VP and GM, Emerging Business Group at Arm. “The Arm Kigen technology unlocks new levels of IoT integration, enabling Pod Group to offer secure cellular IoT connectivity at scale.”
