Joint Development of IoT SIM Supporting Next-Generation eSIM Standard "SGP.32", Sequential Service Launch from July 7

SORACOM and KDDI have jointly developed IoT SIMs and profile management functions compatible with the next-generation eSIM standard "SGP.32" for IoT devices, as defined by the GSM Association (GSMA) (Note 1), and have completed verification for commercialization. SORACOM will begin sequential service provision from July 7, 2026, and KDDI from the latter half of fiscal year 2026. This marks the first time (Note 2) for a domestic telecommunications carrier to commercially offer IoT SIMs and profile management functions compatible with "SGP.32".

Currently, while IoT devices are utilized across various industries and sectors worldwide, the required specifications are diversifying. These include network redundancy for business continuity planning (BCP), high-volume communication for images and videos, and securing communication methods in countries with overseas roaming regulations. Furthermore, in traditional IoT communication, operations are generally based on the premise of using pre-contracted profiles. However, there is a growing demand for IoT communication that can flexibly adapt to future changes in the operating environment.

"SGP.32" is a standard that allows for the remote switching of profiles within an IoT SIM without physically replacing the IoT SIM. Additionally, IoT SIMs and profile management functions compatible with "SGP.32" will enable the management, selection, and switching of profiles not only from SORACOM and KDDI but also from other telecommunications carriers (Note 3). This allows for the selection of the optimal profile according to the intended use and service area, and also enables remote re-selection of profiles in the event of future operational changes.

The joint development of IoT SIMs and profile management functions compatible with "SGP.32" was realized through mutual technological cooperation, based on the comprehensive agreement on collaboration in the IoT field concluded by both companies in March 2025 (Note 4).

Features of "SGP.32"

"SGP.32" is a next-generation eSIM standard for IoT defined by the GSMA (GSM Association).

It establishes a mechanism for remotely adding or switching communication profiles for eSIMs installed in IoT devices, even after shipment.

1. Remote Management and Switching of Communication Profiles

Communication profiles can be added or switched for each IoT line via remote operation. This enables optimal communication design according to the IoT device's application, service area, and changes over time.

2. Automatic Switching of Communication Profiles

In the event of changes in communication quality or unexpected troubles, the system automatically switches to a pre-configured backup communication profile, ensuring redundancy. This supports the business continuity of customers.

3. Usable Overseas

In countries and regions where roaming regulations are in place, it is possible to remotely add or switch to authorized profiles provided by local telecommunications carriers. This supports the expansion of IoT businesses overseas.

Main Use Cases

1. Network Redundancy for Business Continuity

For elevator monitoring and vending machine electronic payments, automatic switching to lines of other telecommunications carriers depending on the situation contributes to customer business continuity.

2. Differentiated Use of Low-Volume and High-Volume Communication

For digital signage used in commercial facilities, stations, airports, office buildings, and medical institutions, communication volume can vary greatly depending on the application, such as low-volume communication for monitoring and high-volume communication for updating video content. "SGP.32" allows for the selection of the optimal profile according to content volume, from low to high, enabling the suppression of communication costs.

3. Securing Communication Methods in Countries and Regions Regulating International Roaming

When expanding IoT businesses globally, international roaming facilitates securing communication methods in various countries and regions, enabling rapid business development. However, some countries and regions regulate international roaming, making it mandatory to use profiles provided by authorized local telecommunications carriers in those areas. By utilizing "SGP.32", it is possible to flexibly select and change between international roaming and local telecommunications carrier profiles in accordance with communication regulations and operational environment changes in each country and region. This enables stable global expansion and operation while complying with each country's regulations.

Roles of Each Company

- SORACOM: Leading the development of IoT SIMs and profile management infrastructure compatible with "SGP.32" - KDDI: Supporting the development of IoT SIMs and profile management infrastructure compatible with "SGP.32"

Contact Information

For inquiries to SORACOM, please visit this site (https://soracom.jp/contact/). For inquiries to KDDI, please contact your corporate sales representative or visit this site (https://biz.kddi.com/topics/2026/news/016/).

(Note 1) Abbreviation for the "GSM Association," an industry body for mobile network operators. It is the largest industry organization, with over 750 mobile network operators and approximately 400 mobile-related companies, including communication equipment vendors and terminal manufacturers, participating. (Note 2) First in Japan among domestic telecommunications carriers. As of June 25, 2026, according to SORACOM and KDDI research. (Note 3) The number of partner companies is planned to be expanded sequentially. Profiles available from SORACOM and KDDI can be inquired about with each company. (Note 4) March 28, 2025 SORACOM Press Release "SORACOM Concludes Comprehensive Agreement on Collaboration in the IoT Field with KDDI" (https://soracom.com/ja/news/20250328-collaboration-in-the-IoT-field)

About SORACOM

The AI/IoT platform SORACOM provides IoT communication that connects to over 200 countries and regions worldwide, along with applications and devices necessary for utilizing IoT, all in a one-stop service. It is used by customers of various industries and scales, from industrial DX in manufacturing, energy, and payments, to innovative startups, and initiatives supporting sustainable local communities such as agriculture and disaster prevention.

Corporate Site https://soracom.co