Understanding the standards
GSMA’s Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) standards have evolved to serve different needs:
- SGP.02 – Designed for M2M and IoT deployments with minimal user interaction.
- SGP.22 – The current consumer standard, widely adopted for managing eSIMs at scale without physical SIM swaps.
- SGP.32 – The next-generation standard specifically engineered for modern IoT use cases. It offers more autonomy, flexibility, and security.
Each has its place. And while SGP.32 is not a direct replacement, it will complement existing standards with a focus on future scalability.
What makes SGP.32 different?
SGP.32 introduces new capabilities to simplify and scale eSIM operations in IoT environments:
| Feature | Benefit |
| IoT Profile Assistant (IPA) | An SIM or Device (IPAe or IPAd) that securely communicates with cloud-based platforms to manage eSIM profiles. |
| eSIM IoT Remote Manager (eIM) | Enables centralised, bulk profile provisioning and updates across global deployments. |
| Low Power Protocols (CoAP/DTLS, HTTP/TLS) | Perfect for headless, battery-powered, or constrained devices. |
| Vendor-Neutral | Devices can switch between different eIMs and profile providers. No vendor lock-in. |
| Built for Async Workflows | Schedule updates even for devices that are asleep or infrequently connected. |
| Enhanced Security | Cryptographic authentication, tamper resistance, rollback protection, and secure provisioning. |
This positions SGP.32 as the ideal standard for logistics, remote monitoring, fleet management, and any application needing resilient, autonomous connectivity.
Why SGP.22 still matters
Despite the excitement around SGP.32, SGP.22 remains relevant as it built the foundations for SGP.32 and is still being used for consumer devices. It enables organisations to:
- Remotely manage eSIMs without user intervention to some extent.
- Maintain flexibility across carriers.
- Operate at scale with proven infrastructure.
Crucially, SGP.32 is not yet commercially available at scale. The GSMA finalised version 1.2 in mid-2024, and broad adoption is expected from late 2025 onward.
Real-World Use Cases
| Use case | How SGP.32 Helps |
| Asset Tracking | Supported by CSL’s intelligence, enables automatic switching to local carriers across borders, with no manual setup. |
| Environmental Monitoring | Deliver OTA updates to remote sensors without deploying engineers. |
| Connected Fleets | Centralised eSIM control across regional and international operations. |
| Medical Devices | Roll back to previous profiles in case of failures, ensuring uninterrupted service. |
The CSL rSIM approach: Standards-first and future-ready
At CSL rSIM, we support SGP.02 and SGP.22 deployments today delivering robust, scalable, and standards-compliant solutions. Our architecture is designed with forward compatibility in mind, and we are actively developing a clear migration path to SGP.32.
While the final specification of SGP.32 is still evolving, our roadmap includes support for over-the-air (OTA) updates where feasible, ensuring that customers deploying rSIM today are well-positioned to adopt SGP.32 when it becomes available. We’re committed to transparency and will continue to share updates as the standard matures.
- Fully SGP.02-enabled: For M2M, utilities, and infrastructure.
- Active SGP.22 support: Scalable control across enterprise devices.
- Future-proof with GSMA-compliant SGP.32 alignment: Seamless transition when the time is right.
Conclusion: Choose what works now, and prepare for what’s next
SGP.32 represents a major leap forward for IoT connectivity. It introduces a completely new architecture designed specifically for autonomous, scalable, and efficient eSIM provisioning in M2M and IoT environments — replacing the legacy SGP.02 standard.
While SGP.22 continues to serve the consumer eSIM market with a different architecture and use case, SGP.32 is not intended to replace SGP.22, but rather to supersede SGP.02 in the IoT domain.
This evolution means businesses must balance today’s operational needs with a forward-looking strategy — one that embraces the right technology and architecture for their environment.
At CSL rSIM, we help you do both. Our solutions support current deployments with SGP.02 and SGP.22, while laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to SGP.32 as the ecosystem matures. We ensure your infrastructure is resilient today and ready to lead tomorrow.
Talk to our experts
Need help choosing the right eSIM standard or preparing for SGP.32?
Get in touch with us for tailored, standards-compliant solutions that work today and scale tomorrow.
