Singtel and Thales launch multi-operator IoT eSIM network

Thales, Singtel Group and Bridge Alliance have launched a multi-operator eSIM connectivity service designed to simplify the deployment and management of internet of things (IoT) devices across Asia-Pacific.

The companies described the service as the world’s first multi-operator enterprise IoT eSIM network. It has completed interoperability testing with Singtel, Australia’s Optus, Thailand’s AIS and the Philippines’ Globe Telecom, and is now ready to support enterprise deployments. More Bridge Alliance operators are expected to be added.

Enterprises operating connected equipment in several countries typically have to manage different operator contracts, provisioning systems and connectivity platforms. Devices can also require manual intervention or replacement SIM cards when they are moved between markets or need to change network provider.

The new service provides a central platform through which businesses can remotely provision and manage connectivity across participating operators. It is built on Thales’ IoT eSIM technology and is intended to reduce enterprises’ dependence on a single mobile network.

The platform is based on the GSMA’s SGP.32 specification for IoT eSIM remote provisioning. The standard covers the remote management of embedded universal integrated circuit cards, or eUICCs, in devices that may have limited network connectivity or no user interface. It also defines the interfaces and security functions used by the IoT eSIM architecture.

According to Thales and Singtel, an IoT device can connect to an appropriate participating network as it moves between countries, without an engineer having to replace its SIM. The companies said automatic fallback and recovery capabilities should also help organisations maintain connectivity when a network becomes unavailable.

Potential users include vehicle manufacturers supporting navigation, safety and over-the-air software updates; utilities managing smart meters over long periods; retailers operating connected payment terminals; and infrastructure providers deploying routers and gateways across multiple locations.

Jorge Fernandes, group chief technology officer at Singtel, said the service would give businesses real-time visibility and control of IoT devices across several geographies.

“Our collaboration with Thales combines the latest eSIM standards with intelligent automation,” he said, adding that the platform would help to improve operational efficiency while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Nicolas Bouverot, vice-president of mobile connectivity solutions at Thales, said combining several operators on a single platform would help enterprises expand connected services without having to establish separate connectivity arrangements in every market.

Thales, Singtel and Bridge Alliance did not name any enterprise customers using the platform or disclose pricing and service-level terms. Its longer-term reach will depend on how quickly further operators join and whether the participants can provide consistent management and support across their respective networks.

The announcement comes as cellular IoT connectivity is being adopted across a range of industrial, automotive, utility and logistics systems.

According to Omdia, a technology research firm, the number of cellular IoT connections would reach 5.9 billion by 2035. Asia and Oceania accounted for 86% of global cellular IoT module shipments in 2025, while connected vehicles alone are expected to represent more than one billion connections by 2035.