Scaling eSIM in IoT markets: new tech and market developments should help accelerate adoption
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise module.
eSIM adoption in the IoT market is still low relative to its long-term potential. As new developments should help accelerate this, we surveyed 100 operators globally to understand their views on three main areas of eSIM. When operators speak to their enterprise customers about the benefits of eSIM for IoT deployments, security and scalability are the eSIM benefits most often included in their conversations to drive interest in eSIM deployments. There is a consensus among operators that enterprise demands for eSIM-enabled solutions will grow across most industries during 2024–2025, with Smart Cities leading the way. Looking further ahead, operators expect eSIM to account for 37% of the total number of cellular IoT connections by 2030, followed by the integrated SIM (iSIM) at 34% and the traditional removable SIM at 29%.
Related research
Industry Checkpoint: consumer eSIM, Q3 2025
As the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem evolve at an unprecedented rate, regularly assessing major developments and their implications is more important than ever. This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer eSIM, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications.
Consumer eSIM: device and MNO service trackers, and adoption forecast to 2030
With eSIM adoption set to accelerate from 2026, this tracker provides data that can be used to formulate or adjust eSIM commercial strategies and offers.
Connectivity trends in robotics: 5G and cellular IoT are only just emerging
From a telecoms perspective, robotics was recognised early on as a key future use case during the planning and rollout of 5G around seven years ago. With 5G-Advanced now commercially deployed in early-adopter countries, it is timely to evaluate 5G’s real-world impact on robotics. We also explore how complementary technologies such as edge computing, IoT and eSIM are shaping the connectivity landscape.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Industry Checkpoint: consumer eSIM, Q3 2025
As the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem evolve at an unprecedented rate, regularly assessing major developments and their implications is more important than ever. This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer eSIM, highlighting how the market has changed in the last six months and its implications.
Consumer eSIM: device and MNO service trackers, and adoption forecast to 2030
With eSIM adoption set to accelerate from 2026, this tracker provides data that can be used to formulate or adjust eSIM commercial strategies and offers.
Connectivity trends in robotics: 5G and cellular IoT are only just emerging
From a telecoms perspective, robotics was recognised early on as a key future use case during the planning and rollout of 5G around seven years ago. With 5G-Advanced now commercially deployed in early-adopter countries, it is timely to evaluate 5G’s real-world impact on robotics. We also explore how complementary technologies such as edge computing, IoT and eSIM are shaping the connectivity landscape.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics