G+D: Enabling trusted and scalable connectivity for India’s 5G and IoT ecosystem

India’s 5G and internet of thing (IoT) landscape is expanding fast, and that growth is exposing the limits of the old physical SIM model. Embedded SIM (eSIM) and integrated SIM (iSIM) are becoming essential as devices multiply, shrink in size, and demand stronger security and easier network shifts. What came through in the conversation is how real the practical challenges still are, from digital literacy to handset support, even as operators push for cleaner, more sustainable connectivity. At the same time, India’s manufacturing momentum and the rise of platforms that can remotely manage profiles at scale are giving the country a stronger footing in the global connectivity market. The result is a shift that is happening quietly but steadily. Devices that are simpler to manage, more secure, and no longer tied down by physical components. In an interview with tele.net, Sachin Arora, Head of Connectivity & IoT for India, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), discussed how these shifts are reshaping the path to trusted, scalable digital connectivity in India…

Why eSIM and iSIM are pivotal for India’s IoT and 5G growth story and how do they differ in impact?

With the advent of 5G, the number of devices within the IoT framework is growing exponentially. With larger frameworks and new regulations coming from the government, as the number of devices increases, the requirement for connectivity will rise as well. Connectivity is the backbone of IoT; without it, there is no IoT, because everything depends on the internet and the network that enables it.

As this happens, SIM options become important. Today, devices can use physical SIMs, eSIMs, or iSIMs. Physical SIMs bind a device to certain operators and offer little flexibility to switch. With eSIM, we already see on the consumer side, such as Apple iPhones moving to full eSIM, that devices gain the flexibility to switch to any specific network. This shift also supports the IoT industry, because imported or exported devices can more easily move between networks.

iSIM is more complementary. While eSIM is more visible on the consumer side, iSIM is meant mainly for devices. It saves space, provides more security, and sits directly in the chipset. This means that once it is built in, it stays with the device from manufacturing to the consumer. These factors make eSIM and iSIM important for supporting the IoT ecosystem and enabling greater scalability.

In terms of consumption, do you see iSIM becoming more popular than eSIM?

It is not really about popularity. In India, we are still in the eSIM phase, and people on the consumer side are still getting used to it. eSIM can continue to be part of devices, but as cost measures become more important, everyone will look for smaller devices and sensors. They will need smaller connectivity components, and every part of the device will be squeezed to the smallest possible level. The SIM is one component that can be reduced further. The connectivity itself remains the same and offers the same functionality. The difference is that iSIM is built into the chip, so it does not require extra space, unlike the eSIM, which still needs space in devices, including phones and watches. This is where the distinction lies.

How can secure IoT systems safeguard critical infrastructure across sectors like energy, transportation, and healthcare?

From a security perspective, the core functionality of the SIM remains the same. The authentication mechanism and the way the device latches onto the network continue to operate in a secure and vetted manner. With eSIM and iSIM, the security level increases because there is no physical element to plug out, making cloning extremely difficult. Since they are already embedded, they provide a clearer and more controlled security environment.

Once the device is deployed, the SIM is latched to that device permanently, and it cannot be removed. This ensures that the SIM is always associated with the intended hardware. Whether the device is imported or exported, this embedded model maintains a consistent security mechanism across its lifecycle.

What strategies can telcos adopt to balance innovation, compliance, and environmental responsibility?

Right now, most enterprises, including Indian telecom operators, are focusing heavily on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measures. The SIM card, as a plastic component, is a key area of concern. Its churning rate in India is extremely high. In many tier-two cities and rural areas, people insert a SIM, use the talk time, and then discard it. This is harmful to the environment.

For long-term sustainability, operators have been promoting eSIM adoption and encouraging users to switch. Their main challenge is handset support. If a device does not support eSIM, the operator cannot push that transition. Device compatibility must come first.

Looking ahead, eSIMs in consumer phones will need to become a long-term measure. It is not only an environmental decision but also a cost-related one, since it reduces SIM churn, protects the environment, simplifies scaling, and offers stronger security.

How can India’s R&D capabilities position the country as a connectivity innovation hub for the global market, especially from the context of eSIMs?

From the eSIM perspective, the key advantage is that eSIMs are not bound to specific operators. If you are using one operator in India and you travel as a tourist to another country, you can keep the same phone without needing a physical SIM. You simply download the profile of the operator in that country, and the device latches onto the network. It becomes significantly easier.

The same principle applies to IoT devices. If devices are manufactured in India and exported, there is no need to insert a physical SIM. They can be sent to the US, Australia, or anywhere else, and the operator profile can be downloaded there to connect to the network. This supports India’s position as a manufacturing hub, especially as more IoT and connectivity-enabled devices are produced.

While connectivity still must be provided by the mobile network operator, devices need a SIM mechanism to access that connectivity. This is where the eSIM becomes crucial. As more devices come into India or are exported from India, connectivity continues to serve as the backbone, strengthening India’s role as a hub for device and connectivity innovation.

In addition to device compatibility and cost, are there any other challenges that could impede eSIM adoption?

There are very practical challenges beyond technology. In India, many people can afford expensive phones, even up to one and a half lakh rupees, but they may still not know how to download an eSIM profile. The issue is basic digital understanding. This makes it difficult to imagine selling only eSIM phones in India today, especially given the levels of technical and digital literacy in villages, rural areas, and tier-two or tier-three cities.

Because of this gap, users often remain dependent on operator kiosks or service centers to help them download profiles. For IoT devices, this challenge is smaller, because enterprises manage those deployments and have the skill set to handle it. But for individual users, it remains a significant barrier.

This is one of the reasons why phones with only eSIM support are launched in other countries first. In India, it may take time. However, with companies like Apple pushing in that direction, eSIM-only devices will eventually find their way into the consumer market here as well.

What would be some real-world examples of how G+D’s connectivity platform is enabling trusted digital transformation in India?

From a connectivity management perspective, the platform functions as a complete orchestration layer. When we say orchestration, it means the platform can download a profile, delete a profile, or hold a profile whenever required. This removes the need to worry about where the SIM card physically is. It can be anywhere in the country, and you can still reach it and download whichever operator profile is needed.

From G+D’s point of view, the platform is completely agnostic to the type of eSIM or device. It supports the needs of users and enterprises in a secure manner. The key advantage is that any number of profiles can be downloaded and scaled to any level, while maintaining safety and security. With cloud integration, the entire process becomes even easier for both users and enterprises.