GSMA Releases Spec Allowing Users To Remotely Activate SIM Cards in Wearables via Single Subscription

The GSM Association released a specification Thursday that allows consumers to remotely activate the SIM card embedded in a smartwatch, fitness band or tablet. The spec, the first from the GSMA’s industry-backed Consumer Remote SIM Provisioning initiative, will enable consumers to add devices to a mobile subscription and connect them securely to a mobile network, said GSMA. Mobile network operators, mobile device manufacturers and SIM vendors worked together on the spec that will allow consumers to activate the SIM embedded in a range of devices with a subscription from a mobile network operator of their choice, said GSMA. The initiative “does not aim to replace all SIM cards in the field” but is designed to help users connect multiple devices through the same subscription, it said. The spec will help mobile device manufacturers develop smaller, lighter mobile-connected wearables, it said. GSMA will also release a specification in June that will include remote provisioning for smartphones, it said.