As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to scale globally, reliable and flexible connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have - it's a strategic necessity. At the centre of this transformation is the rise of eSIM technology, and with it, the introduction of SGP.32, the GSMA’s latest specification designed specifically for IoT deployments.
At Cellhire, we’re proud to now support the SGP.32 standard through our partnership with Nordic eSIM and integration into our own Cellhire MVNO, delivering a future-ready solution to our partners and customers.
But what exactly is SGP.32 - and why does it matter?
What is SGP.32?
SGP.32 is the latest eSIM standard from the GSMA, developed to meet the specific needs of IoT deployments. It enables remote provisioning, updates, and management of embedded SIMs at scale, across borders, reducing manual work. Instead of sending technicians to swap SIM cards, updates can happen remotely in minutes.
While earlier standards like SGP.02 focused on basic M2M (machine-to-machine) use, offering remote provisioning but with limited interoperability and flexibility, SGP.32 is purpose-built for IoT. It adds enhanced flexibility, simplified management across device types, and supports large-scale, cross-border deployments, making it better suited for the evolving needs of connected device ecosystems.
How does it differ from older standards?
Here’s a quick comparison between SGP.02 (M2M) and SGP.32 (IoT):
| Feature | SGP.02 (M2M) | SGP.32 (IoT) |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Provisioning | Yes (but complex integration required) | Yes (simplified process) |
| Device & SIM Coupling | Tight integration | Decoupled, more flexible |
| End-User Involvement | Not supported | Supported (optional UI flows) |
| Scalability | Limited | Designed for large-scale IoT deployments |
| Security Model | Basic | Enhanced with eIM (eSIM IoT Manager) |
SGP.32 allows for independent management of SIM profiles, meaning devices no longer need to be tightly integrated with the SIM provisioning system - reducing development effort and increasing interoperability. For businesses, that interoperability also means you’re not locked into a single SIM provider - switching becomes straightforward and far less disruptive.
What is an eIM?
SGP.32 introduces a new key component: the eSIM IoT Manager (eIM). This sits between the eSIM and the operator’s back-end systems, allowing remote control of SIM profiles - including downloading, enabling, disabling, or deleting them - securely and without needing deep integration into the device firmware.
Think of the eIM as the intelligent middle layer that makes global IoT connectivity far more scalable and secure.
Imagine a logistics company that needs to move cargo trackers from Europe to the US - the eIM makes it possible to switch those devices onto a US network without touching the hardware.
Why SGP.32 matters for your IoT business?
If your organisation is deploying connected devices - whether in logistics, healthcare, automotive, or utilities - SGP.32 offers meaningful advantages:
- Faster deployments – provision SIMs remotely without physical access
- Greater flexibility - switch operators or update profiles on the fly
- Lower costs - less manual provisioning, reduced integration burden
- Stronger security - encrypted, standardised control of SIM profiles
- Long-term scalability - designed to manage thousands (or millions) of devices
How Cellhire supports SGP.32 today?
At Cellhire, we’ve partnered with Nordic eSIM, whose eIM is fully certified by the GSMA, and we’ve integrated it into our own Cellhire MVNO platform.
This combination means we now offer:
- Fully compliant SGP.32 eSIM provisioning
- End-to-end connectivity control via our MVNO
- Global coverage with multi-network roaming
- Scalability from proof-of-concept to full deployment
Whether you're deploying smart meters, tracking fleets, or connecting wearable devices, Cellhire gives you the control and reliability you need - today and tomorrow.
Ready to future-proof your connectivity?
SGP.32 represents a leap forward in how IoT devices connect and scale across the globe. With our GSMA-certified solution now live, Cellhire is ready to support your journey to smarter, more secure eSIM deployments.
Get in touch with our team to explore how SGP.32 can support your business.
