How Does a Multi-IMSI SIM Work and How Does it Compare to eSIM?

Multi-IMSI SIM Explained

What is an IMSI?

It is a fifteen-digit IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) special identification number. To identify a subscriber to a mobile network, the number is connected to a carrier profile. In order to identify, authenticate, and track a subscriber in a mobile network, information about the user’s mobile device is collected in the HLR (Home Location Register) using the IMSI. Because of this, the IMSI is sent as infrequently as possible and is replaced by a TMSI (Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) that is produced randomly. Any mobile network, including GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks, that links to other networks uses the IMSI.

IMSI, which is the identification number for the SIM card itself, is occasionally confused with ICCID. The IMSI is a component of the SIM’s profile, or profiles, in the case of Multi-IMSI SIMs.

What is a Multi-IMSI?

A physical SIM card called a “Multi-IMSI SIM” is one that has numerous pre-loaded IMSIs or mobile subscriptions and is available in all form factors, including embedded MFF2. They are made to be able to use roaming applications and connect to several networks.

How does an eSIM compare to a multi-IMSI SIM in terms of operation?

Multiple carrier subscriptions can be held simultaneously on a static multi-IMSI SIM. Typically, these profiles cannot be modified or removed after being pre-selected and pre-loaded onto the SIM card during the manufacturing process. Although the profiles on the card are always in use, the SIM card can be set up to have a set of guidelines that dictate when to use a particular profile over another. For instance, if a device moves from one nation to another for which it has a network subscription, it can be set up to automatically switch to the new profile.

On the other hand, an eSIM comes with a single default profile, allowing the devices to connect to the internet as soon as they are first deployed. Depending on your current requirements, you can over-the-air download several carrier profiles onto the eSIM. It’s vital to note that after a multi-IMSI SIM has been installed into the device, you no longer have any influence over it because the carrier profiles and rules have already been pre-programmed onto the SIM card’s system.

It’s no secret that setting up an eSIM platform may be costly, especially when compared to a Multi-IMSI SIM, where you only need to buy the card and you’re good to go. But in this case, it’s crucial to take into account MRCs (monthly recurring costs). On a Multi-IMSI SIM card, let’s suppose you have nine distinct carrier profiles, all of which are active all the time since they must be prepared for an automated changeover. You must pay for each of these active profiles each month, which can be pretty costly in and of itself. On the other hand, with eSIM, you just pay for the profile that is being used right now.

There have also been some articles on the Internet stating that you have to change the API when changing a carrier profile on an eSIM, but the statement isn’t entirely correct. With 1oT’s eSIM all profile changes and further provisioning can be done on a single platform — 1oT Terminal CMP (Connectivity Management Platform).

Additionally, even though the device’s active MSISDN changes with the carrier profile, it usually doesn’t make a big difference especially for IoT appliances. On 1oT Terminal, you can send text messages straight from the platform and also see the old MSISDN if needed.

Additionally, some sites on the Internet have claimed that when changing a carrier profile on an eSIM, you must change the API, however this claim isn’t totally true. All profile updates and subsequent provisioning can be carried out using 1oT’s eSIM on the 1oT Terminal CMP (Connectivity Management Platform), a single platform.
Additionally, even while the device’s active MSISDN varies with the carrier profile, especially for IoT equipment, it typically doesn’t make a significant difference. You can send text messages directly from 1oT Terminal and, if necessary, view the previous MSISDN.

Conclusion

The advantages of an eSIM, in our opinion at 1oT, far outweigh those of a multi-IMSI SIM. While Multi-IMSI SIM may appear to be a reasonable and dependable option now, it may not be in the long run.

With eSIM, you can be sure that your gadgets will continue to function as intended even if the network changes or you move around a lot in the future.

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