Thales chooses Google Cloud to deploy eSIM management solution

Paris based aerospace, defence and security solutions provider Thales will use Google cloud technology to deliver secure and scalable activation of eSIM. 

The eSIM (electronic subscriber identity module) management solution, which the company says is GSMA-certified, is expected to help telecom operators to support a global increase in the volume of embedded mobile subscriptions, according to a statement.

An electronic-SIM or an embedded SIM is a form of a programmable SIM card that is embedded directly into a device. This technology is used in machine-to-machine applications where there is no need to change SIM cards. The company said that eSIM adoption will quickly gain ground in the next generation of smartphones, tablets, wearables and IoT enabled devices.

Over 1 billion eSIM enabled devices are expected to be shipped annually around the globe by 2024, according to data from UK based research firm ABI Research.

Also read: Google Cloud to have second India cloud region in Delhi in 2021 

“This hybrid infrastructure is a springboard to innovative IoT (Internet of Things) applications in a standardised and interoperable security framework. By achieving GSMA certification our cloud-based solution provides a trusted and compliant platform for telecom operators,” Emmanuel Unguran, SVP Mobile Connectivity Solutions, Thales said. 

The solution will also reportedly include data analytics and protection of the subscriber’s data. Thales will also create a public cloud-based version of the eSIM remote subscription platform, which will provide operational flexibility in terms of auto-scaling and capacity management.

The initial deployment of the platform will run on Google Cloud and leverage the Mountain View, California based company’s reach in more than 200 companies.

“Thales’ new cloud infrastructure enables the expected and significant growth in eSIM-capable devices to be tackled seamlessly. We know Google Cloud’s scalability will be critical with the rise of 5G networks and the cellular network connectivity of billions of IoT devices worldwide,” Anil Jain, Google Cloud managing director - telecom, media and entertainment, and industry solutions, said.

 As of 2019, Thales had over 83,000 employees spread across 68 countries, including India and had generated revenues of close to $19 billion.