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IoT Explained
17 October 2023
Reading Time: 3 mins

What is an IMSI?

Paul Marshall
Founder & CCO LinkedIn

Quick definition: An IMSI (International

Mobile Subscriber Identity) is a globally
unique number that cellular networks
use to identify and authenticate every
user and/or device on a GSM or UMTS
network. IMSIs are used in any network
that connects with another and are
stored on the SIM card.

Traditional SIMs contain a single IMSI,

provided by the selected network
operator. The IMSI is installed onto the
SIM during manufacture and ties the SIM
to the operator’s network (the home
network).

Components of an IMSI

A 16-digit IMSI consists of three elements:

The MCC defines the

Mobile
country a subscriber
Country
primarily operates
Code
within. It is always either
(MCC)
two or three digits.

The MNC identifies the

Mobile
specific MNO a
Network
subscriber is associated
Code
with. It is between one
(MNC)
and three digits.

Mobile
Subscripti
The MSIN is unique to
on
the subscriber. It is
Identifica
typically nine or ten
tion
digits.
Number
(MSIN)

The challenge of IMSIs for

IoT

For most IoT deployments, a single-IMSI

SIM doesn’t provide the flexibility to
handle global installations and single
SKU products, mobile devices, gaps in
coverage, roaming restrictions, and
changes in the commercial and service
landscape in mobile
telecommunications.

Depending on the roaming agreements

that the operator has in place, devices
can roam onto other networks, but the
only way to change network operator or
service provider is to physically replace
the SIM with a SIM from a new provider.

Replacing a SIM in a device is often not

practical in IoT. Devices may:

Be located in inaccessible places

Be part of a deployment of
hundreds of thousands (or more)
devices
Use SIMs that are soldered into the
devices

The solution? Network-agnostic, re-

programmable SIMs.

Re-programmable SIMs – such as Multi-

IMSI or eSIMs – can be deployed to
connect to the network that best
supports the end device. Businesses are
no longer bound by network contracts or
hampered by one network having poor
performance in an area where the
organisation needs a sensor and the
ability to collect data.

Managing IMSIs

With modern multi-IMSI SIMs and eSIMs,

switching from one connectivity service
provider no longer requires the physical
SIM to be changed. Remote SIM
Provisioning enables IMSIs to be
managed over-the-air via SMS or eUICC
technology.

Multi-IMSI

Multi-IMSI SIMs are often used in IoT

because they are capable of maintaining
a high level of connectivity and therefore
device uptime. Multi-IMSI SIMs are able
to offer a fallback solution because there
are multiple IMSI profiles – and
connection options – stored on a single
SIM with automatic rotation. This means
that it can switch networks to respond to
circumstances like network failures and
roaming restrictions, and ensure the IoT
device remains connected to the best
available network.

Learn more about Multi-IMSIs

eSIM

eSIMs use a remote SIM provisioning

platform and eUICC technology to
update connectivity preferences and
switch mobile network operator profiles
over-the-air (OTA).

eUICC empowers devices to

independently interchange connectivity
to achieve the highest levels of service
and availability, the best rates for data,
and uptime.

Learn more about eSIM

Achieving global
coverage with Eseye

Our AnyNet+ SIM enables intelligent

over-the-air switching between multiple
network operators. Connectivity is
entirely customisable meaning that your
device estate can seamlessly switch to
another network’s connectivity and
access the best availability, anywhere,
anytime using our intelligent IoT
connectivity management platform.

Eseye’s AnyNet+ SIM comes as a fully

eUICC-compliant or multi-IMSI solution,
supporting multiple MNO profiles to
allow complete connectivity autonomy to
switch networks while preserving
multiple fallback bootstrap profiles.

Eseye founded the AnyNet Federation, a

worldwide alliance of MNOs that helps to
meet the needs of customers to deliver
successful IoT projects globally with
complete connectivity assurance. This
enables us to offer a flexible, global
connectivity approach with access to
over 700 mobile networks in more than
190 countries.

Learn more about our global IoT solutions

Paul Marshall
Founder & CCO LinkedIn

Paul is one of Eseye’s co-founders. With a

background in senior design engineering,
Paul’s focus is on ensuring his development,
operations and support teams deliver solutions
that work faultlessly in the field.

Paul was co-founder of CompXs, with Ian

Marsden, and developed the world’s first IEEE
802.15.4 radio. Before CompXs, Paul was in
senior radio design at Philips.

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