A major shift is coming to IoT connectivity with the arrival of the SGP.32 standard, expected in the second half of 2025. This new framework is designed to streamline remote SIM provisioning and reshape how enterprises manage global device connections.

Unlike its predecessors, SGP.02 for M2M and SGP.22 for consumer devices, SGP.32 is specifically tailored for IoT. It allows for dynamic profile switching on devices via remote management, without the need for physical SIM swaps. But this isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s a full reshuffling of industry roles.

Enter the eSIM Orchestrator (eSO)

According to Transforma Insights, this change introduces a new key player: the eSIM Orchestrator (eSO). Instead of relying solely on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) or Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), businesses will now require a third party to manage SIM profiles across various networks. The eSO will handle:

• Profile provisioning
• Lifecycle management
• Local compliance
• Simplified billing
  
  

This orchestrator will serve as the glue between global networks and enterprise needs.

Why SGP.32 Is a Big Deal

SGP.32 is more than a connectivity standard—it’s a strategic response to several converging trends:

• MNO restrictions: Carriers are placing tighter rules around eSIM access, demanding stronger proof of device compliance and network usage.
• Regulatory clampdowns: Countries like India, Brazil, and Turkey now enforce stricter rules around permanent roaming and data sovereignty.
• Cybersecurity concerns: Governments want more control over where data travels and is stored, pushing for domestic profile usage.
  
  

All of this adds complexity for companies managing global IoT deployments—and increases the need for orchestration.

The New IoT Ecosystem

IoT connectivity is no longer a two-player game. Transforma Insights outlines a new team sheet:

• MNOs: Still operate networks but now focus more on local, certified connections.
• Resellers (MVNOs): May evolve or diminish unless they offer orchestration or value-added services.
• eSIM Orchestrators: Central to managing profiles, compliance, and relationships with multiple MNOs.
• SPOG Platforms: These middleware tools offer a unified interface across disparate networks.
• Global Infrastructure Providers: Ensure reliable, compliant cross-border data connectivity.

What to Look For in an eSO Platform

Businesses choosing an eSO should evaluate:

• Real-time eSIM profile management
• Knowledge of global network capabilities (e.g., 5G, NB-IoT)
• Device certification awareness
• Unified global billing and support
• Compliance with local and international regulations
• Strategic MNO partnerships
  
  

These capabilities aren’t just helpful, they’ll be essential for staying compliant and competitive.

The Road Ahead

We're still early in this transformation. The regulatory landscape remains in flux, and SGP.32 hasn’t been fully deployed. But the message is clear: IoT connectivity is moving from simple resale to complex orchestration.

Forward-thinking businesses will need to adapt fast, choosing the right partners and platforms to navigate this new era of smarter, localised, and regulation-ready connectivity. The eSO isn’t just another vendor—it’s the future operating system for global IoT.