AT&T is working with Arm subsidiary Kigen to help users who want to leverage SIM, embedded SIM (eSIM) and integrated SIM (iSIM) secured connectivity deep in their IoT devices.

Irish firm Kigen’s SIM Os, data generation and key management services will allow AT&T to offer a broader selection for integrated SIMs. Manufacturers can enjoy more flexibility by sourcing their AT&T SIM at the stage of the device manufacturing process that best suits the user. This might be at the point of contract manufacturing, module supply or even at the chipset level by leveraging an integrated SIM and merging both chip and SIM into one component.

Reducing complexity and accelerating time to market should attract users that are embarking on their cellular IoT transformation, or those that are accelerating the adoption of secure connected goods and bringing them to market sooner as a result of streamlining the chipset and SIM evaluation process.

Prior to this, device manufacturers had to purchase multiple SIM SKUs for each end-user or market, which has complicated global product rollouts. Access to a new cache of SIMs that are compatible with cellular chipsets and secure IC vendors offers additional flexibility that can result in supply chain optimisation. This streamlined approach also simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing suppliers, OEMs and licensees to identify the ideal SIM earlier in the design process, meaning device estates can scale sooner upon deployment.

Kigen’s SIM Os, data generation and key management services should enable seamless access to AT&T’s network across LTE, LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies. Simple integration makes it easier for new entrants and established players alike to adopt cellular IoT in their devices sooner while futureproofing them with 5G readiness.

“By working with Kigen we can help enable device manufacturers to streamline their IoT device development and manufacturing,” said William Stovall, vice president at AT&T. “This collaboration will also offer AT&T customers the ability to bring more innovative and secure features to market sooner.”

Vincent Korstanje, CEO of Kigen, added: “Scale is both cellular IoT’s most significant opportunity and hurdle. Removing the complications of placing security at the heart of IoT devices so that businesses can focus on accelerating their products is key. The combination of Kigen’s solutions across all types of SIM from our ecosystem with AT&T’s connectivity simplifies how businesses choose the right type of security, tuned to their manufacturing needs, offering trusted IoT that scales.”

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Arm, Kigen is unlocking opportunities as integrated eSIM becomes the cornerstone of connected devices security. Its SIM Os products enable over two billion SIMs. The Belfast-based company employs 135 people globally.