By 2025, the number of international travelers is expected to exceed pre-pandemic figures.
In a world where smartphones are used to book flights, navigate new cities, and stay connected with loved ones, do travelers still need to encumber themselves with physical SIM swaps in each new destination?
Fortunately, the answer is no, thanks to the dawn of eSIM technology.
What makes this all possible is a software interface called Local Profile Assistant (LPA). Let's dive into what an LPA is, its crucial role in the eSIM ecosystem, and the fantastic benefits it brings to Communications Service Providers (CSPs) and their customers.
What Does an LPA Do?
Think of the LPA as the friendly software helper that makes it possible to download, manage, and activate profiles on an eSIM, making life much easier for everyone. The LPA acts as a bridge between devices and mobile operators ensuring a seamless transition between different networks.
eSIM profiles are encrypted, so the LPA was created to make them easier to find and use. Here are the key functions of LPAs:
Local Discovery Service
Based on user device and location, the LPA helps your device discover available eSIM profiles.
Local Profile Download
The LPA allows secure downloading of SIM profiles from a remote server (known as the SM-DP+, or Subscription Manager Data Preparation) directly to the eSIM.
Local Profile Management
With the LPA, users can manage multiple profiles on a single eSIM. This is super handy for frequent travelers or anyone needing multiple network subscriptions in different regions.
Profile Activation
Once a profile is downloaded, the LPA takes care of activating it, ensuring the device can connect to the chosen network without a hitch.
What Are the Different Types of LPA?
There are two variants of the LPA:
- LPA embedded (LPAe) which runs directly in the Embedded UICC (eUICC)
- LPA on device (LPAd) which resides in the device’s operating system.
Are LPAs Compatible With All Devices?
LPAs are designed to work with devices that support eSIM technology, especially those that follow GSMA standards.
Leading manufacturers such as Apple, Google, and Samsung have embraced eSIM technology. This trend indicates that eSIMs—and by extension, LPAs—are likely to become standard features in future smartphones and other mobile devices. It’s estimated that 75% of mobile devices will be
eSIM compatible by 2028.
However, it's important to note that while LPAs are compatible with most devices that support eSIM technology, the specific features and functionalities of LPAs may vary depending on the device manufacturer and the operating system. IoT devices, for example, are slower to adopt
eSIM technology.
What Are the Benefits of LPA for CSPs?
- Reduced Operational Costs: Remote provisioning of SIM profiles means streamlined logistics and lower costs compared to distributing physical SIM cards.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: LPAs lead to a more seamless onboarding experience for customers, as well as more flexibility, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and retention.
- Global Reach: LPAs provide simplified global connectivity to international travelers.
- Increased Security: LPAs use strong encryption protocols to ensure secure profile downloads and activations.
- Support for IoT devices: LPAs enable CSPs to manage profiles on large volumes of IoT devices.
- GSMA Compliant: ensuring interoperability across different devices and platforms.
Conclusion
LPAs are transforming the way we manage mobile connectivity, making eSIM technology more accessible and user-friendly. By enabling seamless profile management and activation, LPAs offer significant benefits to both CSPs and end-users. For CSPs, LPAs streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance global connectivity, while also supporting a growing number of IoT devices. For end-users, LPAs simplify network management, eliminate the need for physical SIM swaps, and provide a more flexible and secure connectivity experience.
As eSIM technology continues to advance, LPAs will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of mobile communication and connectivity.
At Telna, we’re passionate about providing innovative eSIM solutions that help CSPs unlock new revenues and boost customer satisfaction rates. Want to learn more about how our eSIM solutions can transform your operations? Reach out to us today—we’re here to help!
Glossary
- Communications Service Providers (CSPs): Companies that offer network connectivity solutions, including internet, mobile, and IoT services, to consumers and businesses.
- eIM (eSIM IoT Manager): A specialized software or system that manages eSIM profiles for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The eIM handles tasks such as provisioning, activating, and updating profiles, ensuring connectivity for a wide range of IoT applications.
- eSIM (Embedded SIM): A programmable SIM card embedded within a device, allowing users to switch network providers and manage multiple profiles without needing a physical SIM card.
- Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC): The hardware component within a device that houses the eSIM and enables secure storage and management of multiple network profiles.
- GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association): An industry organization that sets standards for mobile communication, ensuring interoperability and compatibility across devices and networks.
- IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that communicate and share data with each other, used in various applications such as smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare.
- IPA (Identity and Access Management Platform): A platform or system used to manage user identities and access rights across different services and applications.
- Local Profile Assistant (LPA): A software component that facilitates the downloading, activation, and management of eSIM profiles, acting as a bridge between devices and mobile operators.
- Local Profile Assistant embedded (LPAe): The LPA that is integrated directly into the eUICC hardware, providing efficient and secure profile management within the device.
- Local Profile Assistant device (LPAd): The LPA that resides within the device's operating system, offering a user-friendly interface for managing eSIM profiles.
- M2M (Machine-to-Machine): A communication method where devices and machines exchange data and commands directly with each other over a network without human intervention.
- Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP+):The remote server that securely stores and prepares eSIM profiles for download to the eUICC via the LPA.
- Subscription Manager Data Subscription (SM-DS): A service that provides data subscription management for eSIM profiles. It works in conjunction with the SM-DP+ to handle subscription-related tasks, including profile updates and management