WHITEPAPER

Grasping the 5G
SA Opportunity
Understanding the 5G Standalone opportunity
and latest supporting SIM offerings

Published by In partnership with

 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In the last 5 years, 5G has seen rapid adoption with over 2 billion
connections in 142 markets worldwide. This rapid growth is also
expected to continue. By the end of 2030, the number of connections
is expected to reach 5.6 billion representing 56% adoption.

Despite this apparent success, network operators are not seeing a

commensurate increase in revenue. While some operators saw an
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) uplift immediately after the
introduction of 5G, global ARPU growth between 2020 and 2023
was less than 6%. To put this in context; this is on par with global
price inflation in 2023.

One of the potential reasons why network operators are not seeing
higher ARPU growth is that the majority of 5G network deployments
today are 5G Non-Standalone (5G NSA). This means that 5G services
still rely on 4G technology for delivery. This limits network operators
in fully addressing the new revenue-generating use cases that were
the motivation for deploying 5G in the first place.

To fully exploit the deployment of 5G and enable efficient support

of new revenue-generating use cases, network operators need to
complete the 4G to 5G transition by moving from 5G NSA to 5G
Standalone (5G SA) networks. Leading network operators are
already underway and despite a slow start, 5G SA commercial
deployments are gathering momentum.

5G SA is therefore the key to revenue growth for network operators.

But it is also a prerequisite for pursuing 5G-Advanced and 6G in the
near future. By investing in 5G SA today, network operators are
laying a profitable foundation for the future.

The latest developments in Subscriber Identity Management (SIM)

technology are a key enabler for addressing advanced 5G use cases.
While embedded SIM (eSIM) technology has gathered a lot of
attention, other SIM innovations, such as integrated SIM (iSIM), have
received less coverage, but play a vital role. Standardization and
certification of SIM solutions by GSMA is also enabling efficient and
secure deployment of SIM solutions and thereby new 5G SA-based
revenue-generating use cases.

Network operators can now leverage all of these advances to grasp

the 5G SA opportunity and fully realize the potential of their
investment in 5G networks.

2 WHITEPAPER
CURRENT STATE OF
5G DEPLOYMENTS
The global deployment of 5G
networks has proven to be a GLOBAL NETWORK COVERAGE
tremendous success. 5G has seen
2019 2023
rapid adoption globally and now
covers 42% of the global population. 2G: 3G: 4G: 5G: 2G: 3G: 4G: 5G:
96% 92% 84% 4% 98% 96% 92% 42%
Compared to 4G, 5G has seen
a slightly faster adoption. 4G LTE
Global population coverage by technology, 2015-2023
was first introduced in 2009 and
reached 25% share of total 100% 98%
connections by 2016 or 7 years later. 96%
5G was first introduced in 2018 and 80%
reached 23% share of connections 92%
at the end of 2023 or 5 years later. 60%

At first glance, this would appear to 40%

be a tremendous success. The faster
speeds of 5G have been a popular 20% 42%
reason for consumer adoption and
initially led to increases in ARPU. But 0%
competition in leading markets has
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
meant that ARPU has only grown
6% between 2020 and 2023.
No Coverage 2G MBB 4G 5G
Mobile internet is still the driver
for consumers with daily use of
Figure 1: 5G deployment
communications, social media and
entertainment remaining the most show that an average of 43% of security concerns, affordability of
popular activities. Usage for mobile mobile internet users want to use it data and handsets as well as the
internet for other activities remains more. Commonly reported barriers connectivity experience1.
much lower, but GSMA surveys to more usage are safety and
1 Source: GSMA | The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2024 - Mobile for Development

Grasping the 5G SA Opportunity 3

 This is a major challenge for network How do operators measure network transformation strategy success?
operators and undermines one of
the key motivations for deploying
5G, namely revenue growth.
42% of network operators deployed
5G to generate new revenues with Saving on capex, 16%
a further 31% focused on improving
customer experience to maintain
and potentially grow market share.
Part of the 5G strategy for realizing Improving customer
these objectives was to move Generating new revenues, 42% experience, 31% Saving on opex, 11%
beyond consumer connectivity Figure 2: Operator motivations for 5G deployment

services to address enterprise use

cases. Initial promotion of 5G
highlighted that it would be used
to support enhanced mobile 5G will support low latency and high throughput services
broadband (eMBB) for consumers,
but would also support ultra-reliable, -
Tactile
low-latency communications 1ms Augmented internet
reality

(URLLC) and massive machine-type Autonomous

driving

communications (mMTC) to meet Virtual

reality
the stringent performance
requirements of various enterprise 10ms
segments. This included the ability Disaster
alert
Real time
gaming
to support differentiated services Multi-person

using network slicing. video call

Many non-connectivity services can Bi-directional

be delivered using 4G, but 5G 100ms Automotive

remote
controlling
ecall Device
capabilities promise to deliver these remote
controlling
First responder
connectivity

services more efficiently and

cost-effectively as well as enabling Video
Streaming
new services that cannot be
1000ms Personal Wireless cloud
delivered using 4G. cloud based office
Monitoring
sensor networks
Driven by digital transformation Delay
+
agendas, the enterprise segments <1Mbps 1Mbps 10Mbp 100Mbps >1GB
promised to drive new revenue-
generating use cases for network - Bandwidth Thoughput +
operators. Focusing on Business-to- Services deliverable Services requiring Person Person Machine
to machine to machine
Business (B2B) services and moving
by 4G and evolved 4G 5G capabilities to person

beyond traditional core telecoms Figure 3: The 5G Guide, GSMA 2019

services is still the biggest

opportunity for network operator
revenue growth. Key components of B2B services
GSMA estimates that the total
revenue opportunity for B2B Core telecoms Technology services beyond core
technology services beyond core
telecoms is expected to grow • SD-WAN, edge networking, • Cloud and data - public and private
private wireless network cloud (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), cloud
significantly faster than core professional services, virtual desktop
telecoms, reaching $2.9 trillion by • MPLS WAN, IP VPNs, leased lines, infrastructure, colocation and hosting
Ethernet, unified communications,
2030. The share addressable by web conferencing • Cybersecurity - incident detection
network operators is estimated and response, threat intelligence, data
• Traditional fixed voice and broadband
to be 34% or almost $1 trillion2. protection, security assessments,
• Traditional mobile voice and data managed security services, and
There are a number of industry network, end-point and cloud security
verticals that can be addressed with • LoT - LoT connectivity, platforms,
financial services, manufacturing, associated professionals and managed
automotive and aviation providing services

the greatest opportunities. • Others - big data and analytics, AI-related

Services, blockchain, network APIs

2 Source: The opportunity for operators in B2B technology services, Sizing prospects for growth in financial services, manufacturing, automotive and aviation, GSMA, Oct 2024

4 WHITEPAPER
 Global B2B revenue opportunity Global revenue opportunity for B2B technology
$ trillion service beyond core
$ trillion
$3.50
0.30 $3.50
$3.00
2.91
0.29
$3.00
$2.50 0.29
2.58
0.28
$2.00 $2.50 2.28
0.27
0.26 2.00
2.91
$1.50 0.25 $2.00 1.74
0.25 2.58
0.24 1.52
2.28
$1.00 1.74
2.00
$1.50 1.32
1.52 1.16
1.16 1.32 1.02
1.02
$0.50 $1.00 0.88
0.99
0.79
0.70
0.62
$0.00 0.49 0.56
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 $0.50 0.38 0.43

Technology services beyond core Core telecoms

$0.00
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
CAGR 2023 - 2027
Core telecoms 3% Technology services beyond core 14% Total Addressable by operators
Figure 4
Figure 5: Global revenue opportunity beyond core telecoms

Global revenue opportunity for B2B technology services

These four verticals account for 37% of the total
beyond core, addressable by operators, by select verticals,2023
addressable market or $159 billion. Manufacturing $ billion
and financial services provide the most significant
opportunities. Manufacturing is already driving use
cases for private 5G networks, massive IoT
connectivity and cloud services. Financial services
demand highly reliable and secure connectivity to
resilient cloud services. Cybersecurity is also critical
in automotive and aviation.
Financial
As revenue from traditional core services stagnates, Manufacturing services
technology services beyond core offer the best 61.1 59.3

revenue growth path forward for network operators.

Others*
But it will require completion of the 5G transition 268.2
Automotive Aviation
21.9 16.3
started 5 years ago through deployment of 5G SA.
*Others – healthcare, public sector, retail, media, smart cities, energy and utilities,
agriculture, oil and gas, transportation and logistics (excluding aviation),
professional services, personal and consumer services, mining, ports.
Figure 6

Defining verticals

Vertical Definition

The provision of any type of financial service such as banking, life and non-life insurance, payment processing,
trading and wealth management, and microfinance. Many areas of financial services are regulated, so
Financial
sector-specific regulatory agencies are also included in this vertical. Example companies include Allianz Group,
services Axa, Bank of America, Barclays, Citibank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Munich Reinsurance, Stripe,
Swiss Re, UBS, Wellington Management and Worldplay.

All types of manufacturing activity except automotive manufacturing (see below). Enterprises in this vertical
Manufacturing can be sub-divided into two broad categories: process industries (e.g. chemicals, fertilisers, food processing)
and discrete manufacturing industries (e.g. electronics, industrial products and machinery, medical devices).

All types of automobile and auto component manufacturing. Example companies include Audi, BMW, Bosch,
Automotive Continental AG, Cummins, Denso, Faurecia, Ford, Honda, Motherson Group, Tesla, Toyota and Yamaha.

Airlines, air freight and logistics firms, airport operators and related service providers, maintenance, repair and
Aviation operations (MRO) companies, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators, air traffic controllers and regulators.

All other industries, such as healthcare, public sector (education, public safety, federal and state government),
Others retail, media, energy and utilities, agriculture, oil and gas, transport and logistics (excluding aviation), profes-
sional services, personal and consumer services, mining and ports.

Figure 7: Most important verticals

Grasping the 5G SA Opportunity 5

 UNDERSTANDING THE
NEED FOR 5G SA
Over 420 operators had deployed In a 5G NSA networks, only the 5G and profitable deployment of
5G by the end of 2024, but the vast Radio Access Network (RAN) network slicing with differentiated
majority of these deployments are is deployed in parallel with the services capabilities benefits from
based on 5G Non-Standalone existing 4G RAN. The core of the the deployment of 5G SA with 5G
(NSA) networks, which deliver 5G network is still based on the 4G LTE Core functionality.
services using 4G technology. This Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and its
5G SA also provides support for
is in contrast to 5G Standalone (5G capabilities. What this allows is
private 5G networks. This enables
SA), which is fully independent and faster connectivity speeds over 5G
a complete 5G network to be
separate from 4G. and more tailored services where
deployed as a reliable, secure
Distributed Units (DUs) can be
Delivering services using 5G NSA private connectivity network in
deployed virtually either close to
networks has been a pragmatic an enterprise customer’s facility.
the Central Unit (CU) or Radio Units
decision that has enabled the rapid For example, in a factory providing
(RUs) depending on latency and
deployment of 5G services across connectivity for unmanned vehicles
capacity requirements.
the globe leveraging already and industrial IoT devices.
deployed 4G infrastructure. Nevertheless, the capabilities of
Support for massive IoT connectivity
However, it has limited what can the 5G NSA network are similar to
is enhanced by using 5G SA as well
be offered and hinders network what is possible with 4G networks
as numerous advanced use cases
operators in fully delivering the and lack some of the advanced
that require ultra-low latency, such
promise of 5G networks. URLLC and mMTC capabilities
as high-fidelity streaming, gaming,
promised by 5G.
To understand the difference automotive connectivity and similar.
between 5G NSA and 5G SA, we While network slicing is technically
can take a look at the architectures. possible with 4G networks, scalable

5G Standalone

5G gNB
Radio 5G Micro Cell
Unit

NG2
Central
5G Core Unit Distributed
Unit 5G mMIMO
NG3
Macro Cell
Radio
Unit

5G Non-standalone

5G Macro
Cell
S1
5G gNB
5G Micro
4G LTE Cell
EPC S1

4G eNB 4G Macro
Cell

Figure 7: 5G SA vs 5G NSA

6 WHITEPAPER
CURRENT STATE OF
5G SA DEPLOYMENTS
Despite a slow start, 5G SA 5G SA network rollouts as of Q3 2024 Live 5G networks
deployments have been picking up
pace. At the end of Q3 2024, there Live or planned
5G networks
118
were over 57 live 5G SA networks Live 5G SA
deployed, which is less than 20% of networks

total 5G networks. Nevertheless, over

the next two years, 88 operators are
planning new 5G SA deployments.
Results from the GSMA Intelligence
Network Transformation survey in
2023 indicated that 5G SA was a top 63
61
investment priority for more than
50% of operators surveyed. These 41

operators also provided their

expectations of 5G SA deployment
timelines, with 19% indicating at the
38
time that they had already deployed 41
28
17
and with 79% expecting to have 9 16 9 8
2
deployed 5G SA within 2 to 3 years. 18 19 6 1 7 6 5

Europe Asia Latin Sub-Saharan MENA North Eurasia

Pacific America Africa America
Figure 8: Status of 5G SA deployments Q3 2024

5G deployment timing: standalone versus non-standalone

5G non standalone

98% 100%
94%
79%
69%

Have already
Within one year In 1-2 years 2-3 years 3+ years
begun deployment

5G standalone 94%
79%
58%
31%
19%

Have already Within one year In 1-2 years 2-3 years 3+ years
begun deployment

Figure 9: 5G NSA and 5G SA deployment timelines

Grasping the 5G SA Opportunity 7

 5G SA, 5G ADVANCED AND 6G
While 5G and 5G SA are being • Reduced Capability (RedCap) • Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
deployed, work has already begun 5G for more cost-effective enabling better communication
on the next generations of 5G deployment over satellite networks
networks, namely 5G Advanced and
• Passive IoT, which promises • Integrated Sensing, Positioning,
6G. 5G Advanced marketing and
smaller, cheaper IoT devices and Communication (ISPAC) for
messaging picked up steam in 2022
that are powered through more efficient spectrum use and
as the focus of new 3GPP standards,
energy harvesting better positioning and sensing
beginning with 3GPP Release 18,
capabilities.
became clearer. 5G Advanced • C-V2X technologies for
includes specific capabilities, such as: connected mobility and
self-driving cars
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

>$1 trillion (2025)

~10 billion (2025)

Mobile revenue
RedCap
Number of connections

Passive loT

C-V2X

NTN

ISPAC

Edge compute Edge compute

~$1 trillion (2021) Network slicing Network slicing

~$800 billion (2011) 8 billion (2021) FWA FWA

>$300 billion (2001) >5 billion (2011) Video conferecing Video conferencing Video conferencing

~800 million (2001) Web Web Web Web

SMS SMS SMS SMS SMS

Voice Voice Voice Voice Voice

2G 3G 4G 5G 5G-Advanced
Figure 10: Overview of use cases supported by various mobile generations with revenue and connections

8 WHITEPAPER
In general, 5G Advanced will deliver • Use-case enhancement: Edge If we look at the most important
capabilities in three main areas3: compute, positioning, extended technology capabilities valued by
reality, RedCap IoT, drone operators, improved uplink
• Performance improvements:
and satellite connectivity, performance and security are
Advanced UL/DL MIMO,
multicast, personal IoT most important.
enhanced multi-carrier
networks, vehicle-mounted
operations, enhanced mobility, If we look at these priorities, we can
relays, non-public networks,
sidelink relay support, see that many of these needs can
mission-critical and URLLC
integrated access and backhaul, also be met with 5G SA. Notice also
services, and 5G new calling.
evolved duplexing, time- that network slicing is a top priority
sensitive communications. Despite all of these new capabilities, for 20% of operators, which is also
the most important 5G Advanced something that 5G SA supports. 5G
• Management and efficiency: AI/
use cases reported by operators in SA is thus an important
machine-learning-driven designs,
the GSMA Network Transformation steppingstone in meeting these
autonomous networks, operation
Survey were 5G multicast services requirements and a potential
and maintenance architecture
and low-cost IoT support. prerequisite for making 5G
and management functions.
Advanced and 6G possible.

Which 5G use cases and applications are most important (top two choices ranked)?

Rank 1

Rank 2

29%

45%

52% 18%

23%
20% 4% 2%
2%
4% 1%

Score 67% 46% 29% 6% 2% 1%

5G multicast Low-cost loT Enhanced Enhanced Improved devices Improved AR/ VR

services support integration integration with positioning accuracy Support
satellite resources
with satellite
resources
Figure 11: Most important 5G Advanced use cases

Which 5G-Advanced technological features are most important (top two choices ranked)?

17% 27%
Rank 1
Rank 2

17% 21%
43%

19% 7%
14%
11% 6%
9% 5%
3% 1%

Score 52% 33% 23% 20% 15% 6% 4%

Improved uplink Security Edge computing Network Device-side Network-side Cell-edge

performance enhancements slicing power-efficiency power-efficiency performance
improvements improvements improvement

Figure 12: Most important technology features in 5G Advanced

3 From 5G-Advanced: Shaping the future of operator services, GSMA, 2024

Grasping the 5G SA Opportunity 9

 5G and Security
As seen above, security is a major As indicated above, 5G security temporary information, which
concern for enterprise customers starts at the subscriber and the makes it more challenging to trace
and strong security is a prerequisite device with IMSI encryption. In 5G, back to the specific subscriber.
for many enterprise use cases. a variety of devices need to be This can also be enhanced with
Operators see the value in security connected to the mobile network encryption or other cryptographic
in supporting their enterprise requiring a more generic way to techniques. The SUCI is then used
sales strategies. identify subscribers in 5G networks. instead of the SUCI in procedures
This has led to the definition of the where privacy is required.
In the GSMA Global Mobile Trend
Subscription Permanent Identifier
report 2023, 91% of operators agree With these techniques, 5G provides
(SUPI) and the Subscription
that 5G connectivity is important or a more secure experience with
Concealed Identifier (SUCI).
very important to their enterprise confidentiality through encryption,
sales strategies with a further 66% The SUPI is a unique, long-term integrity and privacy using SUCI.
indicating the same for security. identifier associated with a 5G SIM technology implements
subscriber in a 5G network. It is these security solutions and with
5G introduced a number of security
provisioned by the Subscriber a broad portfolio of form factors
enhancements that bring significant
Profile Repository (SPR) during the and chip designs, SIM vendors are
value to both network operators
subscription process. The SUPI can providing the foundation for 5G SA
and subscribers. They include:
be represented with different use case implementation that will
• IMSI encryption: The formats including the IMSI used be crucial to network operator
International Mobile Subscriber in SIMs and IPv6-based identifiers. success.
Identity (IMSI) is a 15-digit The SUPI is used during registration
number assigned to the SIM of and authentication processes.
a mobile subscriber. Encryption
The SUCI is introduced in 5G to
of the IMSI number in transmission
protect the privacy of subscriber
over the mobile network
data. The SUCI conceals the SUPI
addresses a long-standing issue
by combining the SUPI with
of bad actors intercepting this
number in older networks.
• User plane data integrity: User Operators see the value of security in their enterprise sales strategies
plane data is encrypted for Percentage of operators rating services as important or very important to their
enterprise sales strategy
protection and with 5G it is also
possible to ensure the integrity
of user plane data to ensure that
no “man-in-the-middle” attacks
have altered the data under
transmission.
• Isolation of network slices: 68%
5G uses concepts of Managed and professional 66%
91% services (e.g private networks) Security
compartmentalization to ensure 5G connectivity
that possible security breaches
are isolated and prevented from
escalating from one part of the
network to another. This
concept can also be applied
to network slices, which can 34%
75% 55% 39%
provide a mechanism for loT Cloud Edge
Big data and
analytics
isolating data in network slices
from the rest of the network. Figure 13: Most important services in network operator enterprise sales strategies

10 WHITEPAPER
The importance of SIMs
in enabling 5G SA
SIMs have been an essential part expanded the number of applicable The following provides an overview
of mobile communications from the use cases that can be addressed, of different SIM form factors and
beginning. They have provided SIM technology has also evolved their use cases.
a quick and easy way to enable to meet the needs of new use cases
subscribers to access mobile and customers more efficiently.
network services. But as 5G

Traditional eSIM iSIM System on chip

(removable) SIM (embedded SIM) (integrated SIM) (SoC)
A widely used form A soldered, remotely A SIM embedded directly An integrated system
factor offering physical programmable SIM that into the device’s main combining multiple
portability but requiring eliminates the need for chipset, offering a smaller functions (e.g., modem,
manual handling for physical swapping while footprint and enhanced processor, memory)
replacement or switching. offering greater security by integrating onto a single chip, with
flexibility and durability. within the hardware’s SIM functionality baked
trusted execution into the architecture.
environment (TEE).

Popular Use Cases

Consumer mobile High-end smartphones Mass IoT deployments: 5G-enabled IoT devices:
devices: Standard feature and wearables: Found in Ideal for compact SoCs drive high-
in most smartphones, flagship smartphones devices like sensors, performance IoT
feature phones, and (e.g., iPhones, Google trackers, and medical applications, such as
tablets for ease of Pixel) and smartwatches wearables where space, industrial robotics, smart
swapping between (e.g., Apple Watch), cost, and power cameras, and drones.
devices or carriers. enabling sleek designs efficiency are critical.
Smartphones and edge
and dual-SIM functionality.
Prepaid services: Ideal Consumer electronics: devices: Used in
for users needing IoT deployments: Emerging use in ultra- flagship mobile and
flexibility to switch Widely used in IoT compact devices, such edge-computing
carriers without applications like smart as AR/VR headsets and devices for faster
complex processes. meters, connected cars, fitness trackers. processing and
and logistics trackers, advanced connectivity.
Travel SIMs: Used in Automotive industry:
where physical access
international travel for Integrated in next Advanced automotive
is challenging.
easy installation of local generation connected systems: Enables
SIM cards. Travel eSIMs: Enables vehicles for seamless, autonomous vehicles
seamless activation of secure connectivity. with high-speed, low-
Basic IoT applications:
international data plans latency communication
In devices where cost or Smart cities and
without physically capabilities.
simplicity is key, such as industrial IoT: Used in
replacing SIM cards.
low-end IoT sensors and infrastructure devices AIoT (AI + IoT): Found
trackers. Legacy devices Enterprise devices: where tamper resistance in devices leveraging AI
where an upgrade is Deployed in laptops and and remote management at the edge, such as
difficult or costly tablets for businesses are essential. facial recognition
represent a major requiring secure, always- systems or predictive
portion of these devices. on connectivity. maintenance sensors.

Grasping the 5G SA Opportunity 11

 The replaceable SIM form factor is
ubiquitously familiar to anyone who
Enabling interoperability High-Performance, High-Memory
SIM Chipsets
has owned a mobile phone and will and flexibility These SIM chipsets are designed for
continue to be an important part of
There are multiple vendors advanced, data-intensive, and
consumer service solutions and
of SIM technology and one mission-critical use cases. They
basic IoT connectivity. The more
of the challenges is ensuring support larger memory storage,
recent eSIM factor provides greater
interoperability and flexibility faster processing, and enhanced
convenience while also enabling
for subscribers, especially as new security features that are ideal for
new applications, like high-end
use cases and devices need to the following use cases:
wearable consumer devices and
be supported.
enterprise connectivity. eSIMs have • Network Slicing for Enterprise
therefore gathered a lot of attention. With a traditional replaceable SIM, Applications:
which is also known as a Universal
A less well known, but equally - Businesses leveraging dedicated
Integrated Circuit Card (UICC),
important form factor is the iSIM. 5G slices for low-latency,
there is only one network operator
The iSIM opens the door to a range high-bandwidth applications
profile defined enabling access to
of new and important 5G SA use (e.g., AR/VR training, AI-
one specific operator network. If a
cases, which require a smaller powered industrial systems).
subscriber wants to move to
footprint and more secure
another operator network, the SIM -H
 igh-memory SIMs can
connectivity. These include mass IoT
will need to be replaced. securely manage multiple
deployment, advanced consumer
For enterprise applications and network profiles and slices.
devices, such as AR/VR headsets,
advanced IoT use cases as well as other advanced use cases, • Autonomous Vehicles
automotive connectivity. The iSIM replacing SIMs is simply impractical, (V2X Communication):
will not replace the eSIM but coexist which has led to the definition of
in a portfolio of solutions supporting the embedded UICC or eUICC that -V
 ehicles require high-
various use cases. is used for eSIM, iSIM and SoC form performance chipsets to
factors. GSMA together with SIM handle ultra-reliable low-
Similarly, the System-on-Chip latency communication
vendors has defined a set of eUICC
(SOC) form factor extends the iSIM (URLLC), onboard diagnostics,
standards that enables multiple
capabilities by adding additional and real-time traffic data.
network operator profiles to be
capabilities in the chipset in
supported. In a UICC, a single -A
 dvanced SIMs store critical
support of advanced use cases.
network operator profile requires credentials for secure, dynamic
about 64 KB to 128 KB of memory. connectivity.
Importance of eUICC’s thus require a minimum of
• Smart Factories &
512 KB of memory to support
SIM software multiple profiles leading to the Industrial Automation:
As SIMs become more need for high-performance, high- - Industrial IoT devices (sensors,
sophisticated and need to support memory SIM chipsets. robotics, edge computing) rely
a broader range of applications, the GSMA has also worked with the on high-memory SIMs for
SIM Operating System (OS) must industry in defining security real-time data transfer,
also meet additional requirements. standards and certification predictive analytics, and
The SIM OS is a critical part of the programs, such as the eUICC machine control.
solution and plays a key role in Security Assurance (eSA) and -L
 arge memory accommodates
delivering computational power Security Accreditation Scheme firmware updates and edge-AI
while also ensuring security and (SAS) programs. This provides the models.
power efficiency. Achieving the assurance to network operators and
right balance in meeting these subscribers that SIM hardware and • Mission-Critical Applications:
objectives determines the software solutions are meeting the -E
 mergency services, public
performance and longevity of the highest security standards. safety networks, and remote
SIM device. The more sophisticated
healthcare (e.g., robotic
the SIM OS, the more chip memory
needs to be consumed leading High-performance vs surgery) require low-latency,
high-reliability connectivity.
either to more online memory and
larger footprint or fewer SIM
low-cost SIM chips and -H
 igh-performance SIMs
profiles that can be supported. their use cases support secure, encrypted
connections for sensitive data.
The ability to provide advanced The following provides an overview
security support with a lightweight of the various 5G use cases for • Immersive AR/VR and Gaming:
SIM OS that has a small memory high-performance, high-memory
footprint is one of parameters that SIM chipsets and low-cost, low- -A
 pplications requiring real-
separates market-leading SIM memory SIM chipsets. time, high-bandwidth
providers from other vendors. performance for AR/VR

12 WHITEPAPER
 experiences, cloud gaming, or only require basic memory • Smart Parking and Cities:
metaverse interactions depend to handle location data and
-P
 arking sensors, waste
on advanced SIM capabilities. periodic updates.
management devices, and
• 5G Private Networks: • Environmental other low-power, high-density
Monitoring Sensors: IoT nodes rely on low-memory
-E
 nterprises running private
SIMs to enable large-scale
5G networks need SIMs that -D
 evices monitoring
deployment.
can securely store complex temperature, air quality, or
configurations, support custom moisture use minimal memory As can be seen, SIM technology
authentication protocols, and to relay small packets of data has evolved to meet the needs of
integrate seamlessly with edge over low-bandwidth 5G or various 5G SA use cases. This also
computing devices. NB-IoT connections. includes support for 5G security
requirements for confidentiality and
Low-Cost, Low-Memory SIM Chipsets • Smart Agriculture
privacy based on encryption and
(Sensors and Drones):
These SIM chipsets are optimized for SUCI support.
cost-efficiency and energy-saving, -S
 imple soil, crop, or livestock
making them suitable for massive monitoring devices utilise
IoT deployment use cases where low-cost SIMs for remote
simplicity and scale are the priorities: connectivity. Low memory is
sufficient for transmitting
• Smart Meters (Utilities):
periodic sensor data.
-G
 as, electricity, and water
• Wearables and Consumer IoT:
meters require minimal data
exchange and long-term, -E
 ntry-level fitness trackers,
low-power connectivity (often health monitors, and
via NB-IoT or LTE-M). connected home devices (e.g.,
smart lights or plugs) use
• Asset Tracking and Logistics:
low-cost SIMs for basic
-e
 SIM-enabled trackers for connectivity requirements.
containers, pallets, or vehicles

Grasping the 5G SA Opportunity 13

 FYR Trasna’s 5G SIM offering
Trasna now provides a full portfolio
of SIM solutions spanning chip to Trasna Workz IoTerop
cloud. The recent acquisitions of
Workz and IoTerop provide a full • Semiconductor and • 25 years’ experience • Award-winning IoT
portfolio of solutions supporting system-on-chip in SIM & eSIM device management
(SoC) expertise hardware & software provider
network operator 5G SA use cases.
• IoT software and • World top 5 eSIM • Deployed in millions
Trasna now provides a complete service solutions provider & top 5 of devices orldwide
value chain solution spanning (non-Chinese) SIM
SIM chip design, SIM card • GSMA-certified SIM manufacturer • Pioneer in
production in Bosnia Lightweight M2M
manufacturing, SIM software
• GSMA-certified SIM network technology:
and subscription and device • Innovation in chip & eSIM production LwM2M
management. Its SIM solutions also design, secure in Dubai
meet the highest security standards software, AI, &
based on ISO 27001 Info Security blockchain • Secure data
management
and GSMA Security Accreditation
expertise
Scheme (SAS).

Complete 5G SA The company also provides a suite superior flexibility and enhanced
of advanced SIM applets, including performance. In a 5G private
& NSA offering solutions for smart network network scenario, this allows the
The Trasna SIM portfolio supports switching, IoT security, and location immediate switching from a public
all 5G NSA and SA uses cases. tracking, enabling businesses to network profile to a private network
enhance efficiency and add value profile based on a pre-defined rule
Trasna offers the most lightweight to their offerings. such as location.
SIM OS on the market with the
smallest footprint capable of For example, the Trasna eUICC Supported by a strong technical team,
delivering advanced security with profile switching solution can Trasna also offers tailored solutions
optimal computation and power automatically change the complete with complementary SIM profile and
efficiency to ensure maximum network eUICC profile (not just the applet development services, ensuring
performance and longevity. IMSI) and its accompanying applets bespoke features that address unique
to optimise connectivity, offering business requirements.

14 WHITEPAPER
Trasna is a global leader in IoT technology, Mobile World Live is the premier destination for
headquartered in Ireland with operations worldwide news, insight and intelligence for the global mobile
and over 200 clients across 80+ countries. industry. Armed with a dedicated team of
experienced reporters from around the world, we are
We simplify IoT by integrating semiconductors, the industry’s most trusted media outlet for breaking
secure data management, edge computing, AI, news, special features, investigative reporting, and
and blockchain to deliver advanced end-to-end expert analysis of today’s biggest stories.
solutions—from chip design and SIM manufacturing
to over-the-air subscription and device management. We are firmly committed to delivering accurate,
quality journalism to our readers through news
We’re a forward-thinking, tech-driven company articles, video broadcasts, live and digital events,
providing highly optimised solutions with SIM, eSIM, and more. Our engaged audience of mobile, tech
iSIM/SoC, and device management technologies. and telecom professionals, including C-suite
More agile and leaner than traditional market players, executives, business decision makers and influencers
we create unrivalled value for our clients through depend on the unrivalled content and analysis
innovation, collaboration, and efficiency. Our roadmap Mobile World Live provides to make informed
focuses on secure SIM technologies and remote business decisions every day.
management solutions to unlock the full potential
of next-generation networks like 5G. Since 2016, Mobile World Live has also had a team of
in-house media and marketing experts who work
From chip to cloud, we connect people and devices directly with our brand partners to produce bespoke
at scale, delivering transformative experiences for content and deliver it to our audience in strategic
mass IoT. yet innovative ways. Our portfolio of custom work -
including whitepapers, webinars, live studio
Learn more at www.trasna.io interviews, case studies, industry surveys and more
– leverage the same level of industry knowledge and
perspective that propels our newsroom.

Mobile World Live is published by, but editorially

independent from, the GSMA, producing Show Daily
publications for all GSMA events and Mobile World
Live TV – the award-winning broadcast service of
Mobile World Congress and home to GSMA event
keynote presentations.

Find out more at www.mobileworldlive.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the GSMA or its subsidiaries. © 2025

Grasping the 5G SA Opportunity 15