Introduction

Multi-IMSI technology is essential for cellular IoT providers that plan on deploying globally or creating mobile applications. Multi-IMSI is an abbreviation for Multiple International Mobile Subscriber Identities. An IMSI is a key component of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), which is stored on a SIM card. Each one allows a device to connect to a limited number of networks. It enables subscribers to switch carriers as needed and connect to significantly more networks.

 

What is IMSI?

 

To understand what Multi-IMSI is, you first need to know what IMSI is.

An International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies every mobile network user globally. The IMSI is divided into two parts. The first part is a six-digit or five-digit number based on the North American or European standards, respectively. The initial set of numbers identifies the mobile network operator in a specific country with whom the user is subscribed to. The second part of the IMSI number is allocated by the network operator to uniquely identify the subscriber.

 

The IMSI number is not always printed on the SIM card and you would have to look deep in the settings for it to show on your device. The IMSI is stored in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) inside mobile devices and is sent by the mobile device to the appropriate network in which the SIM is associated. When a mobile device is powered on, the device indicates its IMSI number to the associated cellular network to perform a location update - this is referred to as the attach procedure. This update is also carried out when a handover occurs to another base station (Cell Tower). This update is received by the corresponding visitor location register which updates the home location register of the new location. When the mobile device is powered off, an IMSI detach procedure occurs. This shows that the device is no longer connected.

 

What is a Multi-IMSI SIM?

 

Now that you know what an IMSI is, a multi-IMSI is simply a SIM with more IMSIs. That means that a SIM card can decide which IMSI to use in any country. Having few IMSIs can help you get better data costs and coverage based on the country used. Bwena IOT leverages the technology to provide great pricing and coverage on a single SIM. We check each country and select the best operators based on costs and the number of networks. When a SIM card enters a different country, it automatically selects the best IMSI.

 

 

 

Benefits of Multi-IMSI

 

You don’t notice any differences looking at a multi-IMSI SIM, but there are plenty of benefits:

 

  1. Better coverage. A single network provider might not have agreements around the world with all the operators and even if they do, they might not offer the best rates.

 

  2. National Roaming. You cannot access multiple networks in the country where the SIM card originates from. You might have noticed that your regular phone SIM card is attached to your provider and you cannot use other networks in your area - Multi-IMSI fixes that.

 

  3. Better rates. You can get better rates both locally and globally based on the provider you choose to use.

 

  4. Worldwide access. Bwena IOT offers cards with multiple IMSIs that, if needed, provide access to different countries and continents at a better rate. This means that a single SIM card is enough for global deployment.

 

As some IoT devices are moving constantly (such as GPS trackers), having good rates and coverage is important. Bwena IOT can offer great data rates and coverage by using Multi-IMSI technology.

 

eUICC and eSIM

 

eUICC is a new technology that offers the ability to change service providers over-the-air (OTA). That means you do not have to switch operators by replacing the card, but you can do it remotely which is convenient as you do not have to store these profiles on the card itself and these profiles can be changed anytime depending on your needs.

 

There are some confusions between eUICC and eSIMs. As some refer to eSIM and eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) interchangeably. eUICC is the programmable part of the SIM, while eSIM is embedded directly into a device without the ability to remove it. It can have over-the-air support, but it is not something that you could use in a regular SIM card slot. eUICC can be removable (just like any other regular SIM card) and non-removable (embedded) SIM cards.

 

        E- Sim Technology

What is e-SIM?

 

e-SIM (embedded SIM) is a cutting-edge SIM card technology.

Unlike traditional removable SIM cards, eSIM can be integrated directly into devices without a physical card.

eSIM provides greater flexibility, lower space requirements, and enhanced device connectivity, making it ideal for use in smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and MIFI devices.

Users can remotely activate and switch carrier services, experiencing seamless connectivity.

 

 

 

Bwena offers eSIM chips in various sizes, packages, and grades
providing fast and flexible delivery of integration test samples