floLIVE, Kigen and Protahub have concluded the requisite procedures to offer localised connectivity services in Turkey. floLIVE is now offering local cellular IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity in Turkey to its global customers through a single global SKU (stock keeping unit).
With its partner, Kigen, floLIVE has spent many months building the ecosystem and integrating the necessary systems and platforms to serve its global customers in Turkey. The companies teamed up with Protahub to create a complete, end-to-end solution that will allow OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), global enterprises, and mobile operators alike to obtain local IoT connectivity in Turkey via their existing eUICC-compatible SIMs.
Understanding eUICC: Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card
The eUICC stands for embedded universal integrated circuit card and is a standard that was created by the telecoms trade body GSMA. It is a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card that is capable of being remotely provisioned and comes in a variety of form factors.
The collaboration has been a complex endeavor, as Turkey has unique requirements for local cellular connectivity, where permanent roaming is impossible and internet protocol (IP) data must be routed locally, in-country.
Simplifying IoT Connectivity in Turkey
“Traditionally, anyone who needed connectivity in Turkey had to approach the MNOs in-region directly and purchase SIM cards to install in their devices,” said Nir Shalom, CEO floLIVE. “They needed to engage in a separate contract with the local MNO, use separate APIs for integration, and at the end of the day they ended up with very limited management and control.”
With floLIVE, Shalom added that “our customers benefit from a single SKU that simplifies their logistics and supply chain, and offers a streamlined, unified global experience. During the last few months, we’ve been approached by numerous customers – from OEMs to tier-1 mobile operators – asking for a local connectivity solution in Turkey as part of their global operations.”
The process flow in Turkey is unique, unlike standard eUICC local profile management:
- floLIVE provides its customers with a standard eUICC SIM, in all form factors.
- When a device arrives in Turkey, floLIVE’s Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) detects the device’s location and initiates a local profile download process, via Kigen’s Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) platform.
- An SM-SR Swap process now takes place between Kigen’s SM-SR and Protahub’s SM-SR.
- Protahub initiates a profile download to the eSIM and validates with both platforms – Kigen’s RSP and floLIVE’s CMP.
The eSIM (embedded SIM) is a form factor where the SIM is soldered directly onto the circuit board.
Looking to the Future: Expanding Success Beyond Turkey
“floLIVE and Kigen are working closely together on numerous initiatives and projects, and are looking to replicate this success in other regions so that global deployments are achievable with a single SKU and a unified experience,” said Vincent Korstanje, Kigen’s CEO. “With an eSIM, you have a strong foundation for trusted devices across multiple geographies, while complying with the local regulations.”
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