Chinese cellular wireless module provider SIMCom announced at last week’s Embedded World in Nuremberg that all its Cat 1 bis IoT modules were being prepared with the firmware necessary to support SGP.32 functionality.

This should facilitate simple remote provisioning of IoT modules. Developed by the GSMA, the SGP.32 standard enables connectivity with IoT devices without the need for physical SIM cards or other user interfaces.

“This is a new standard that allows remote provisioning of IoT devices,” said Mads Fischer, SIMCom’s European sales director. “This means you can produce these modules in millions. They can stay on the shelf and only be activated and connected when needed.”

SGP.32 allows IoT devices that have no displays, buttons or SIM cards to be deployed and updated.

“Cat 1 bis has been rolled out globally, so by implementing SGP.32 firmware in our Cat 1 bis modules, we are enabling IoT network designers to easily and seamlessly operate their systems remotely and securely using an eSIM only,” said Fischer.

He said all the firm’s modules would support SGP.32 because the market was demanding it.

SIMCom’s Cat 1 bis modules that have integrated SGP.32 firmware include the A7672, SIM7672 and A7683E series. These modules offer connectivity, global certification compliance and enhanced power efficiency, making them suitable for various IoT applications.

Based on the ASR1603 platform, the A7672 series supports LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD, GSM, GPRS and Edge communication modes. With a certification portfolio – including RoHS, Reach, CE-RED, RCM, FCC, Anatel and Deutsche Telekom – this series ensures compliance with global regulations, facilitating smooth deployment across international markets.

Powered by the QCX216 chipset, the SIM767 series supports LTE-FDD and LTE-TDD communication. Certifications include CE-RED, RoHS, Reach, FCC, Telec, Jate, GCF, PTCRB, IC, KC, CCC, AT&T and T-Mobile. There is support for 3GPP Rel-14 PSM power saving mode, which allows power consumption to drop to 3µA.

The A7683E module is designed for LTE-FDD applications and carries certifications such as RoHS, Reach, CE-RED and Anatel.

All three modules offer a 10Mbit/s maximum downlink rate and 5Mbit/s uplink rate.

Available in the LCC+LGA form factor, the A7672 and SIM7672 series are compatible with the firm’s NB/Cat M and/or 2G modules, enabling a smooth migration to LTE Cat 1 products, enabling end-product scalability and upgradability. Modules also support multiple built-in network protocols and the drivers for main operation systems (USB driver for Windows, Linux and Android).

The inclusion of industrial standard interfaces such as uart, USB, I²C and GPIO make the modules suitable for IoT applications such as telematics, PoS, surveillance devices, industrial routers and remote diagnostics.

Founded in 2002, SIMCom (en.simcom.com) has been providing cellular wireless modules including 5G RedCap, 5G, 4G, LPWA, LTE-A, smart module, automotive module, 3G, 2G and GNSS more than 20 years. The firm has a 5000 square metre 5G laboratory and an R&D team of nearly 1000 providing products and services to more than 10,000 users across 180 countries and regions.

Fischer said he was not worried about that shrinking given the security issues being raised about products from Chinese companies.

“The security question comes up,” he said. “We suggest our Qualcomm products to those customers. Qualcomm are doing most of the firmware in the device and we can add features. We are in the process of cyber-security verifying our products in Europe. They will be CRA certified in Europe, the first one by Easter.”

He said because more than 75% of all cellular modules came from Chinese vendors, there would be a big problem if they were all blocked.