
GSMA’s eSIM LITE2 November 2019
GSMA’s LITE2 Event Forges Path for Global eSIM Interoperability
LEIDEN, Netherlands – In a significant push to solidify the foundational standards of the embedded SIM (eSIM) ecosystem, the GSMA convened its second Live Interoperability Test Event (LITE2). Held over four days at the UL IMS European headquarters, the event served as a critical crucible for testing the real-world functionality of eSIM technology across a diverse array of hardware and software platforms.
“Goodbye, SIM Ejector Tool (I Don’t Miss You):
No more poking that tiny hole like a nervous surgeon. No more dropping that microscopic SIM onto a dirty airport floor. Your eSIM lives inside your phone – safe, permanent, and ready. Got a new phone? Scan a QR code. Boom. Done. It’s freedom in digital form.”
The core mission of LITE2 was to rigorously test the end-to-end journey of an eSIM profile—from its initiation at a Subscription Manager Data Preparation+ (SM-DP+) platform to its final download and installation on an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC). This process is the backbone of remote SIM provisioning, and its seamless operation is vital for the technology's global adoption.
The event brought together an impressive consortium of 24 key industry players. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), device OEMs, eUICC manufacturers (EUMs), and test companies collaborated intensely. With support from their SM-DP+ vendors participating remotely, these entities worked to test a vast matrix of profile and eUICC combinations. Testing was conducted using both physical devices and simulated Local Profile Assistants (LPAs) to comprehensively validate the download and installation sequence.
A key differentiator for many participants was access to the ASN.1 structure of the eSIM profiles. This allowed MNOs and EUMs to utilize advanced verification tools on-site to perform deep, granular analysis. They could instantly confirm a successful profile installation and verify that the eSIM correctly constructed its entire file system—including master files (MF), dedicated files (DF), elementary files (EF), and their respective attributes. Furthermore, teams could validate the installation of supplementary applications and the integrity of associated SCP security keys.
For those without direct access to the ASN.1 specifications, the GSMA’s adaptable testing framework still enabled extensive validation through third-party tools, ensuring broad participation and valuable data collection.
Beyond the technical specifications, the event underscored a powerful industry-wide commitment to collaboration. Competitors worked side-by-side toward the common goal of enhancing reliability and user experience. The lessons learned and issues resolved in real-time during these interoperability tests are invaluable, providing immediate feedback that accelerates the maturation of the entire eSIM ecosystem.
The discussions, both technical and strategic, were noted to continue long after the daily sessions concluded, highlighting the event's role as a central hub for industry alignment. The findings from LITE2 are eagerly anticipated to quantify the progress made since the first event and to chart the course for future standardization efforts.
As the eSIM landscape continues to evolve, forums like the GSMA’s LITE events are indispensable. They provide the necessary foundation of trust and interoperability that will ultimately drive widespread adoption across consumer and Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide.