SORACOM Launches "SORACOM Automotive Suite" to Support Connected Cars from In-Vehicle Communication to Service Operations

SORACOM Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ken Tamagawa) will launch "SORACOM Automotive Suite" on July 7, 2026. This suite comprehensively provides operational and management functions for next-generation communications for connected cars. The product lineup includes "SORACOM Connectivity Hypervisor" (*1), a profile management function compliant with the next-generation eUICC remote provisioning standard SGP.32, which has begun commercial offering. It provides one-stop solutions for communication access control, billing management, end-user interfaces, and payment processing functions for connected cars.

The roles and expected functions of communication in connected cars are diverse. For applications such as telematics for sending and receiving vehicle data, vehicle control via apps, and remote updates of vehicle firmware and AI models, it is necessary for vehicles and automotive manufacturer servers to communicate securely over a stable connection. Furthermore, for in-car music and video streaming, and providing Wi-Fi hotspots to passengers, high-capacity internet access must be provided with paid options for billing. Voice call services are also required for emergency calls and communication with operators.

Moreover, these functions must be provided globally, in compliance with the requirements of each country. Considering the vehicle lifecycle of over 10 years, continuous adaptation to new technologies is required.

As an IoT platform originating in Japan, SORACOM connects to over 200 countries and 550 communication carriers worldwide, and is utilized globally. We have been working with customers in the automotive industry to address the advanced communication requirements for connected cars, as well as the need for billing and end-user interface provision. SORACOM Automotive Suite is a package that embodies the technology and know-how cultivated through these efforts.

In terms of user experience (UX), SORACOM In-Car Wi-Fi provides and manages the in-car Wi-Fi connection environment for drivers and passengers.

The core of the Automotive Suite is the SORACOM platform. This platform connects our cultivated cloud-based core network to carriers worldwide, enabling global communication management. It is equipped with functions that meet the requirements of the automotive industry, such as multi-PDN functionality that establishes multiple communication sessions simultaneously for different purposes, like private network connections and internet access, and the Detailed Stats function that individually aggregates communication usage for automotive manufacturers accessing vehicles and for end-user infotainment, broken down by APN, destination, and communication protocol.

For vehicles equipped with SORACOM IoT SIMs compliant with SGP.32, remote provisioning via SORACOM Connectivity Hypervisor enables the addition and switching of profiles according to regional, regulatory, and usage requirements, supporting local carriers and application-specific profiles.

The SORACOM Downstream Billing Platform allows for the billing, invoicing, and payment processing for connected car communications, handling them separately based on who should bear the cost. For example, telematics for exchanging vehicle data are borne by the automotive manufacturer, in-vehicle services like emergency calls are borne by service providers, and video streaming via in-car Wi-Fi is borne by the end-user. Even for a single vehicle, the cost bearer differs depending on the communication usage. By linking the results of communication volume aggregation by usage, obtained through the SORACOM platform's Detailed Stats function, each user is billed only for what they have used. Furthermore, it has the function to directly bill end-users on behalf of communication carriers and automotive manufacturers. Flexible pricing models can be designed and applied, such as allowing communication only for users who subscribe to the in-car Wi-Fi service, or charging extra when a predetermined usage limit is exceeded.

Global support is available 24/7 worldwide to assist with stable communication operations.

By integrating these platforms and undertaking the development of apps and user portals provided under the customer's brand, we offer a consistent user experience.

Moving forward, SORACOM will further expand its collaborations with domestic and international automotive manufacturers and telecommunications carriers through SORACOM Automotive Suite. In an era where connected cars are becoming commonplace, communication is a critical factor influencing vehicle value. SORACOM aims to support the communication infrastructure of the automotive industry as an open platform that allows for the design and operation of connected car communications, and contribute to the future of mobility with technology originating from Japan.

"Connected cars represent the industry with the most complex and stringent requirements within IoT. Vehicles continue to operate on roads for over 10 years after shipment, crossing borders and regulatory environments not anticipated at the time of shipment. Since our founding, SORACOM has built a platform that allows customers to control the connectivity and future of their products themselves. SORACOM Automotive Suite builds upon that platform, adding the necessary functions and services to address the cutting-edge challenges of the automotive industry and offering them as a package. We directly confront the challenge of 'operating communications over the long term in a constantly changing environment' and will further accelerate the utilization of communication services in the automotive industry."

Kenta Yasukawa, Chief Technology Officer, SORACOM Inc.

Glossary

(*1) Connectivity Hypervisor

A function provided by SORACOM that allows dynamic management and switching of multiple communication profiles for IoT SIMs. On SORACOM IoT SIMs compliant with SGP.32, it enables remote addition and switching of profiles, including those provided by other communication carriers, not limited to SORACOM's profiles.

Reference: Press Release "Commercial Offering of Profile Management Platform 'SORACOM Connectivity Hypervisor' Begins"

(*2) SGP.32

An eUICC standard for IoT devices defined by GSMA. It enables remote profile switching by delivering and managing communication profiles to the SIM at any time. An agent called IPA (IoT Profile Assistant) operating on the device or SIM communicates with components such as eIM and SM-DP+ to control profile delivery, activation, deactivation, deletion, and fallback.

Reference: Press Release "Joint Development of IoT SIM Compliant with Next-Generation eSIM Standard 'SGP.32'" (Joint announcement with KDDI, July 1)

About SORACOM

The AI/IoT platform SORACOM provides one-stop solutions including IoT communication that connects to over 200 countries and regions worldwide, as well as applications and devices necessary for utilizing IoT. It is used by customers across 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.

SORACOM Corporate Site https://soracom.com

Inquiries regarding this news

SORACOM Inc. Public Relations

Contact: Tabuchi

pr@soracom.jp