Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has partnered California-based GCT Semiconductor to launch an SGP.32 eSIM with integrated profile activation device (IPAd) support for multi-network IoT devices.

GCT designs and supplies 4G and 5G semiconductor products. This collaboration for eSIMs, or SIM cards directly embedded into a device, brings intelligent, location-aware connectivity to headless 4G and 5G IoT devices.

In addition, the collaboration ensures peak performance based on location, availability, cost and policy for mission-critical applications across industries. GCT will be including this capability in future 4G and 5G chipsets.

SGP.32 is GSMA’s latest eSIM technical specification for IoT that ensures eSIM IoT technologies are secure and interoperable with networks worldwide. By integrating SGP.32 with the software component IPAd’s capabilities directly into GCT’s multi-network 4G and 5G chipsets and modules, it enables out-of-the-box connectivity and flexible lifecycle management without the need for physical SIM swaps or user intervention.

“The adoption of eSIM technology in IoT devices and wearables has become increasingly popular, driven by the new capabilities of remote SIM,” said John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT. “However, many IoT devices lack a user interface to fully access this functionality, a challenge that IPAd effectively addresses. We look forward to working closely with G+D to provide advanced device flexibility and improved security for the growing market of IoT products worldwide.”

BeeGek Lim from G+D added: “The eSIM market continues to grow, both in importance and size, and is one of the core connectivity solutions of the future especially in the IoT area. Since introducing the first eSIM in 2012, and to date having provided over 500 million eSIM downloads, G+D has pioneered this space with innovation and by driving industry adoption and collaboration. To stay at the forefront of this technology it is important to collaborate with the right partners. We are pleased to work closely with GCT to continue to define and shape the cellular connected future of the IoT.”

GCT (www.gctsemi.com) is a fabless designer and supplier of 5G and 4G LTE semiconductor products.

G+D (www.gi-de.com), a security-tech company headquartered in Munich, was founded in 1852 and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. In 2024, the company generated a turnover of €3.1bn. G+D is represented by 118 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 41 countries.