Semtech launches SGP.32 multi-profile IoT eSIM

Semtech Corporation has launched an SGP.32-compatible version of Smart Connectivity Premium, allowing cellular Internet of Things devices to use multiple remotely managed operator profiles without requiring physical SIM replacement.

The service combines Semtech's existing multi-network connectivity profile with additional subscriptions from local mobile network operators. Profile provisioning, subscription management, and connectivity lifecycle functions are handled through the company's AirVantage eSIM orchestration platform.

Smart Connectivity Premium is generally available from 9 November 2026, initially through two configurations designed for different equipment requirements. Semtech plans to extend the service to further mobile operators and markets as additional commercial integrations become available.

Cellular connectivity can become a long-term constraint for industrial equipment installed across several countries. A device may be manufactured with one communications configuration, deployed under another country's network conditions, and remain in service through subsequent changes to cellular technologies or operator arrangements.

Traditional SIM provisioning can require equipment manufacturers to select subscriptions before they know precisely where the finished devices will operate. Maintaining different SIM configurations for individual markets increases the number of hardware and supply arrangements that must be managed.

Roaming agreements can reduce this complexity, but they do not always provide the same commercial or regulatory conditions as a local operator subscription. Permanent roaming restrictions and changes in available network services may require an alternative arrangement after the equipment has been installed.

Physical SIM replacement is particularly difficult in sealed, inaccessible, or geographically dispersed devices. Industrial sensors, metering equipment, and remote monitoring systems may be installed in locations where maintenance visits are costly or interrupt other operations.

Embedded SIM technology separates the management of subscription profiles from the need to replace a physical SIM card. Compatible hardware can store and securely manage supported operator profiles, allowing subscription changes to be performed through a remote provisioning process.

The GSMA's SGP.32 specification provides a remote SIM provisioning architecture designed for IoT applications. It addresses requirements associated with large deployments and constrained devices, where conventional consumer-oriented subscription management methods may be unsuitable.

Semtech's new service uses this architecture to support additional operator profiles alongside its existing Smart Connectivity Advanced arrangement. A deployed device can therefore be configured to use an appropriate local subscription where the relevant operator and provisioning capabilities are supported.

The ability to store multiple profiles provides flexibility, but does not independently establish access to every cellular network. A device still requires compatible radio hardware, appropriate network coverage, a supported commercial subscription, and the necessary provisioning arrangements.

Semtech has divided the service into a PowerSave option and a broader Premium configuration. Both use AirVantage for management, although their intended deployment models differ.

PowerSave provides a preloaded multi-network, dual-profile eSIM arrangement intended for battery-constrained devices. Semtech has designed it to optimise network attachment time, reducing the period required for compatible equipment to establish service before transmitting information.

The time spent attaching to a cellular network can influence the energy consumption of equipment that operates intermittently. A battery-powered sensor may wake from a low-power state, establish communications, transmit a measurement, and return to sleep, with each active period contributing to its energy budget.

Reducing unnecessary connection time may lower the energy used during a communications cycle. The practical benefit depends on signal conditions, modem behaviour, transmission requirements, and the time spent in other operating states. Semtech has not published a universal battery-life improvement for the new configuration.

The full Premium option supports additional downloadable local operator profiles on top of Semtech's Smart Connectivity Advanced profile. This provides an alternative to maintaining separate device configurations for each supported region.

AirVantage acts as the management layer for the service. It supports bulk provisioning, subscription administration, lifecycle management, and the selection of compatible operator profiles through a common orchestration environment.

Customers can use the AirVantage interface or connect their own management systems through application programming interfaces. The platform is built on Amazon Web Services infrastructure, allowing centralised administration of supported connectivity arrangements across geographically dispersed equipment.

Semtech's eSIM applet works with the device to manage profile downloads, activation, and switching. The company intends this process to operate without the customer manually initiating every individual change.

Successful remote provisioning still depends on the state of the device and its available communications path. A profile change cannot compensate for incompatible radio frequencies, unavailable coverage, or a fault that prevents the equipment from communicating with the relevant management infrastructure.

Multiple profiles can also support alternative connectivity arrangements when the preferred subscription becomes unsuitable. However, the availability of more than one operator does not guarantee uninterrupted communications during every network failure.

Fixed industrial applications include smart metering and video surveillance, where devices may remain installed for years while the available network services or commercial arrangements change. Remote subscription management can reduce the need for physical access when a supported change becomes necessary.

Mobile equipment introduces additional requirements because it may move between geographical regions with different operators and available cellular technologies. Semtech identifies multi-carrier support as a means of broadening deployment options, while the possibility of incorporating alternative technologies such as non-terrestrial networking remains part of its future direction.

The underlying eSIM and eSIM IoT Manager technology is supplied by Kigen. Semtech states that the platform supports SGP.32 version 1.3 and uses Kigen's GSMA-certified technology, including its eUICC Security Assurance certification.

Remote subscription management requires secure provisioning and control of the credentials used to authenticate supported profile changes. The relevant eSIM security architecture provides part of this protection, although the completed IoT device must still secure its application software, firmware, and data communications.

Semtech's earlier Smart Connectivity Premium offering already supported multi-profile capabilities under SGP.02. The SGP.32 version introduces a provisioning model designed specifically for IoT equipment, extending the available deployment arrangements rather than introducing multi-profile eSIM functionality for the first time.

The company will demonstrate the service at electronica 2026 in Munich from 10 to 13 November. Smart Connectivity Premium is available now, with further operator integrations expected in the coming months as Semtech extends the supported geographical and commercial coverage.