An intelligent SIM card from Deutsche Telekom and Tele2 promises to improve network connectivity for IoT devices and mobile internet.

The rSIM, for resilient SIM, uses patented technology to check its own network connectivity and switch providers automatically when disruptions occur, reducing the chances of the SIM and the device becoming disconnected during outages.

With two independent mobile operator profiles stored on the single SIM card, rSIM reduces the risk of outages by switching to a backup mobile operator profile if an outage is detected. The SIM offers two levels of resilience, enabling seamless roaming outside of a device’s home country as well as a proactive method for uninterrupted internet access.

The intelligence is brought to life in a connectivity management platform, where users can see real-time connection tests from every SIM no matter to which mobile operator profile it is connected.

Deutsche Telekom IoT and Tele2 IoT will act as rSIM’s first connectivity partners, providing independent operator profiles from within their group to deliver true resilience to a global audience.

The rSIM will combine SIM innovations with patented technology to help mobile operators better serve users. A global SIM technology provider will lead on the product build and manufacture, as well as providing supporting SIM systems that allow rSIMs to be updated over the air. As part of this they will prioritise GSMA compliance to optimise device and operator compatibility.

The launch of rSIM follows a series of notable and high-profile network outages. As mobile network operators (MNOs) invest in upgrading their core networks away from 2G and 3G, to 4G and 5G, periods of unplanned downtime have become more prevalent. A recent outage in Australia left users disconnected and, in some cases, in life-critical positions. A 12-hour network outage in November 2023 affected over ten million individuals, resulting in a collapse in the Australian health service and shutting down entire train networks. RSIM provides a real-time way to mitigate critical connectivity outages and the disruption associated with them.

“There were around two billion cellular IoT connections in 2023, growing to around seven billion in 2033,” said Richard Cunliffe, director of product and innovation for rSIM. “As more industries become dependent on IoT, mobile network outages are becoming more commonplace, as more devices connect to them. This increased disruption is affecting all industries, but the biggest impact is seen in critical sectors where lives and infrastructure are at risk, for example in telecare and critical national infrastructure. Working with our best-in-class global partners on the development, build and rollout of rSIM, our innovative dual SIM, dual-core approach will both monitor disruptions and react to them at speed.”

RSIM’s approach to standards compliance ensures its adaptability alongside evolving GSMA standards. This will include the development of a version compatible with SGP.32 standards in 2025, which are integral to eSIM remote provisioning for IoT devices, particularly those with network or user interface limitations.

RSIM (www.rsim.com) is an innovation from CSL Group (www.csl-group.com), a critical connectivity provider supporting mission, life and business critical IoT applications.