Navigate Permanent Roaming Risks with SIMPL Localization

In the rapidly evolving world of IoT, where connected devices are being deployed across industries and borders, ensuring reliable and cost-effective connectivity is a top priority. But what happens when a connected device crosses borders or needs to remain in a foreign country indefinitely? This is where the practice of permanent roaming comes into play, and while it might seem like an easy solution, it carries significant risks for businesses deploying IoT at scale. Fortunately, with the advent of eUICC (Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card) technology, these risks can be mitigated. Let’s take a closer look at why permanent roaming is risky and how SIMPL’s eUICC technology provides a robust solution.

What is Permanent Roaming?

Permanent roaming refers to a scenario in which an IoT device with a SIM card from one country is used in another country for an extended period, often indefinitely. The device continues to rely on roaming agreements between the SIM card’s home carrier and foreign network operators. While this may seem like an efficient way to keep devices connected, it comes with several risks and many MNOs are becoming more hostile.

The Risks of Permanent Roaming

1. Underlying MNO Term Risks

Many countries have strict contracts around the use of foreign SIM cards on their network. Permanent roaming often violates these terms. Some MNOs (and countries) have already taken action, restricting or even blocking permanently roaming IoT devices. For businesses, this can result in unexpected device shutdowns and disruptions in service.

2. Valuation Risk

While roaming may initially seem like a cost-effective solution, it can lead to long-term financial risks. The old saying "You get what you pay for" is particularly relevant when roaming is extended. Roaming service is never guaranteed and quality of that service is often reduced. 

Moreover, when a company using permanent roaming seeks investment or plans to sell, these costs can raise red flags for potential buyers. The unpredictability and potential for increased rates or service disruptions tied to permanent roaming can result in a decreased company valuation. Investors or acquirers may view the reliance on roaming as a financial liability, reducing the perceived worth of the business due to future risk exposure.

3. Network Prioritization Issues

When an IoT device is permanently roaming, it is treated as a foreign entity on the local network with a lower QCI (Quality of Service Class Identifier) of 9, which is the lowest class on a mobile network. Local network operators often prioritize traffic from their own subscribers over roaming devices, leading to inconsistent performance, slower data speeds, or dropped connections. For IoT and FWA applications these inconsistencies can have severe consequences.

4. Security Vulnerabilities

Roaming introduces a layer of complexity that can increase security vulnerabilities. Data transmission over foreign networks means that IoT data can be exposed to more points of interception. Additionally, roaming devices may not receive timely software updates and security patches, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks.

How SIMPL eUICC Technology Resolves Permanent Roaming Risks

While the risks of permanent roaming are significant, they are not insurmountable. SIMPL’s eUICC technology offers a solution that ensures seamless connectivity without the downsides of permanent roaming. Here’s how:

1. Local Network Switching

SIMPL’s eUICC-enabled SIM cards allow for over-the-air (OTA) switching between multiple network profiles. This means that when an IoT device enters a new country, it can download and switch to a local carrier profile. This eliminates the need for permanent roaming and ensures compliance with local regulations, keeping devices connected without interruption.

2. Enhanced Performance and Network Prioritization

By using local carrier profiles, IoT devices equipped with SIMPL eUICC technology are treated as local subscribers, which means they enjoy better network prioritization. This leads to improved performance, more stable connections, and faster data speeds, which are crucial for applications that demand real-time data transmission.

3. Improved Security

SIMPL’s eUICC technology provides added security by allowing secure profile switching and regular updates to device configurations. This ensures that IoT devices remain protected against vulnerabilities and can access security patches in real-time. Furthermore, by avoiding permanent roaming, companies reduce the number of foreign networks their data passes through, lowering the risk of interception.

Future-Readiness with SIMPL eUICC

One of the key advantages of SIMPL’s eUICC platform is its future readiness. As IoT deployments expand and regulatory environments evolve, SIMPL’s platform is built to support GSMA’s specifications such as GSMA .22 ".5" and .32, ensuring that IoT devices remain compliant and functional in the long term. With the ability to manage multiple carrier profiles and switch dynamically, SIMPL’s eUICC technology future-proofs IoT deployments and minimizes the risks of disruption as regulations and technologies change.

Conclusion

Permanent roaming may seem like a quick fix for global IoT deployments, but the risks it poses—regulatory issues, high costs, poor performance, and security vulnerabilities—are significant. By adopting SIMPL’s eUICC technology, businesses can eliminate these risks and ensure their IoT deployments remain compliant, cost-effective, and reliable. With the ability to switch between local networks, optimize costs, and enhance performance, SIMPL’s eUICC solution is the smarter, more secure choice for the future of IoT connectivity.

If you’re looking to scale your IoT business globally without the headaches of permanent roaming, explore SIMPL’s eUICC technology today and take control of your connectivity future.