UAE-based telecommunications service provider, du, has recently demonstrated e-SIM for the first time in the Middle East, in collaboration with Gemalto, the provider of digital security. Demonstrated during a roundtable held in Dubai, the e-SIM initiative will enable du’s subscribers to activate the e-SIM on any device over the air. This will allow for an enhanced user experience in a new era of technology adoption that supports multi-device usage – such as smart watch, tablet, laptop, other wearable devices or even cars.
Enabling a streamlined journey across multiple touch points, the e-SIM allows customers to flit between devices on-the-go, providing a seamless experience of consumers’ key technologies.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Executive Vice President of Network Development and Operations at du, said “At du, we are constantly innovating and developing our products and solutions to simplify and enhance the lives of our customers. Individual and enterprise customers increasingly rely on multiple devices for myriad reasons and they all expect the same seamless experience, no matter the device or when they use it. This is why we are proud to bring the e-SIM technology to the UAE for the first time and why we are working with major businesses to create tailor-made e-SIM solutions – to ensure we are providing best-in-class services for our valued customers.”
A number of commercial launches are anticipated this year by various consumer technology organisations which will support e-SIM in the region. At the Mobile World Congress 2016, Gemalto demonstrated its GSMA-compliant On-Demand Connectivity solution, an end-to-end, interoperable solution which features an e-SIM managing subscription remotely.
Furthermore, the e-SIM is a key driver of IoT and M2M communication, while reducing costs and improving flexibility and efficiency as it drives economies of scale. The e-SIM will accelerate the growth of the IoT/M2M Industry by providing a single de facto standard for remote SIM provisioning. The collaboration intends to avoid market fragmentation and also drives economies of scale for all stakeholders and to support development of a strong e-SIM ecosystem. According to researches the growth will come from connected IoT/M2M devices estimated to be 15 Billion devices by 2020 including Connected Healthcare Devices, Connected Automotive Devices, and Smart Cities Devices.
AlBlooshi added: “The recent demonstration of e-SIM adds further impetus to the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in establishing the UAE as a global leader in all aspects and as an innovator in technology in the Middle East region.”
Commenting on the demonstration, Benoit Jouffrey, Vice President of On-Demand Connectivity solutions at Gemalto said: “We are thrilled to work with du on e-SIM technology to create a powerful platform which will provide tangible benefits for du’s customers. The On Demand Connectivity solution combined with the e-SIM will dramatically increase business opportunities across IoT verticals such as automotive or consumer electronics that rely on seamless connectivity.”
