Energy companies are turning to Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like sensors, to manage and maintain remote equipment. Infrastructure maintenance has been an ongoing challenge for utitlities. They have complex devices located in the field that constantly need to be monitored. The move from physicial to virtual SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards is expected to simplify that work. Â
AÂ SIM card is a special purpose microprocessor that stores the device identification information used to connect to a wireless Wide Area Network. The card includes user identity, location and phone number, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists, and stored text messages. The cards enable remote devices to access the network and company applications.
eSIM Cards Gain Traction
Traditionally, SIM cards have been physical components. Therefore, energy companies had to send technicians out to remote sites, whenever a card needed to be upgraded or replaced. eSIMs are software solutions that support remote programming. This change enables energy companies to program IoT devices remotely, so filed tech do not have to visit a site to make a change.
Several factors recently coalesced to spur eSIM IoT adoption, according to Global Data. Cost have fallen for operators, users, and device manufacturers; hardware and operational expenses have been lowered; vendors simplified installation and deployment; the solutions gained more flexibility; and their security has become better. So, interest and use are rising.
Energy companies have large complex remote infrastructrure that needs to be maintained. Their remote work crews spend time deploying, enhancing, and replacing IoT SIM cards. New software defined solutions make that job easier, enabling technicians to spend less time in the field and lowering energy company maintenance costs.