Enterprise connectivity provider Tata Communications has acquired a 58.1% stake in France-based embedded SIM technology company for an undisclosed amount in an attempt to boost its portfolio of IoT offerings.
Embedded SIMs are used in devices that don’t have enough space for housing a physical SIM, such as smart watches and small, medical devices.
Besides saving space, they also save costs, as the manufacturer does not have to provide for a SIM slot. They can also be remotely programmed via the network.
The technology was recently introduced by Apple in its latest iPhones, where it can be programmed by scanning a QR code, or by entering certain configuration parameters provided by the telecom provider manually.
eSIMs are considered the future of cellular technology, as connectivity expands to small form-factor devices.
Tata Communications, which provides its services primarily to companies and governments, said the acquisition of Oasis Smart SIM Europe will deliver an enhanced full-service enterprise mobility solution to customers.
“Enterprises are increasingly relying on mobile devices to operate and access data in the cloud. This coupled with the rise in the number of M2M connections globally show that there is immense opportunity in the eSIM market,” said Tri Pham, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Communications.
“Oasis has the right mix of technology expertise, agility as well as exceptional talent. Through this investment, we will focus on the software layer of the Tata Communications MOVE portfolio and drive further innovation in eSIM technology through product roadmap R&D,” he said, adding that TataCom can now provide a complete end-to-end mobility platform.
“They gain independence, flexibility and greater control of their mobility requirements, as they look to leverage IoT and M2M solutions to transform their business.”
The two companies have done business together in the past.
Recently, Tata Communications and its partner Micron leveraged Oasis’ cloud-based eSIM platform when they launched their worldwide cellular-enabled connectivity solution for IoT devices.
Forecasts predict that by 2025 there will be two billion shipped eSIM-enabled devices, said Tata Communicatinos.
“eSIMs facilitate secure, reliable, and cost-efficient cellular connectivity for IoT and M2M applications.
“They enable significant ease of use with remote provisioning and the ability to connect with multiple mobile network operators, making subscription management easier for the end-users, with an added layer of security.
“Embedding mobile connectivity into a wide range of devices creates a significant opportunity for OEMs serving multiple markets, to expand their services and leverage the full potential of IoT,” it clarified.
One of the world’s biggest operators of submarine cables, Tata Communications offers its services in 200 countries and territories and has tie-ups with more than 600 mobile network operators worldwide.