Thales and Singtel, along with Optus, AIS and Globe Telecom, have successfully deployed a multi-operator enterprise eSIM connectivity network for the IoT.

Telefónica is also working with Thales to simplify IoT connectivity in global environments (iotm2mcouncil.org/iot-library/news/iot-newsdesk/thales-and-telefonica-partner-on-sgp-32-esim/).

The breakthrough with Singtel enables enterprises to manage connected devices remotely across multiple countries and networks through a single, centralised offering, simplifying the deployment and lifecycle management of connected devices across Asia Pacific.

Demand for such flexible connectivity is accelerating rapidly. According to GlobalData, cellular IoT connections across Asia Pacific are expected to reach 1.3 billion by 2030, driven by growing adoption across automotive, retail, utilities, logistics and industrial sectors.

Currently, enterprises deploying connections across markets face complex business and logistical challenges including fragmented management systems and operator-specific provisioning. Costly manual interventions are also required to resolve connectivity-related issues.

The centralised platform, developed in collaboration with Bridge Alliance operators Singtel, Optus, AIS and Globe Telecom, and built on Thales’ end-to-end IoT eSIM, enables enterprises to deploy connected devices without being tied to a single operator. The platform has successfully demonstrated end-to-end orchestration across devices and operators, validating its readiness for deployment by the four Bridge Alliance operators, with expansion to additional operators already underway.

Based on the latest GSMA SGP.32 specification, it enables devices to connect automatically to the most appropriate participating mobile network as they move between countries. Enterprises benefit from uninterrupted connectivity without replacing SIM cards or requiring manual intervention, improving both operational resilience and customer experience.

This is particularly relevant for industries that depend on reliable, long-term connectivity as it reduces operational costs and improves resilience through automatic network fallback and recovery mechanisms:

• Connected vehicles can maintain seamless connectivity across borders, supporting navigation, safety services and over-the-air software updates.
• Utilities and smart metering providers can remotely manage millions of devices over many years without costly on-site interventions.
• Retailers and payment providers can ensure payment terminals remain connected, reducing the risk of lost transactions.
• Infrastructure operators can centrally manage connectivity across routers, gateways and fixed wireless access equipment deployed in multiple locations.

“As enterprises scale connected services across markets, they need seamless, easy-to-manage connectivity,” said Jorge Fernandes, chief technology officer at Singtel. “Our collaboration with Thales combines the latest eSIM standards with intelligent automation enabling businesses real time visibility and control of their IoT devices across multiple geographies through a single eSIM orchestration platform. The innovation simplifies large-scale IoT deployments across the region, helping enterprises achieve greater operational efficiency and economies of scale while maintaining secure, reliable connections wherever they operate.”

Nicolas Bouverot, vice president at Thales (www.thalesgroup.com), added: “For enterprises, connectivity should no longer be a barrier to deployment. As a global leader in secure connectivity and eSIM technologies, Thales is helping transform the way connected devices are sold and managed across borders. By bringing together multiple mobile operators on a single trusted platform, we enable businesses to scale IoT services faster, simplify operations and ensure seamless, resilient connectivity throughout the lifecycle of every connected device.”

Singapore-based Singtel (www.singtel.com) is a connectivity, digital infrastructure and services group operating connectivity, digital infrastructure and digital businesses including regional data centre arm Nxera and regional IT services arm NCS. The group has presence in Asia, Australia and Africa and reaches over 839 million mobile customers in 20 countries.