Thales announces the launch of Gemalto Instant Connect, a pioneering connectivity solution to simplify the connection of eSIM-enabled devices on a mobile network. While users are spared the inconvenience of establishing a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to kick-start their mobile experience, OEMs and mobile operators can now provision devices with mobile connectivity at their first use and not during manufacturing, saving both time and cost.

Connected PCs and laptops will be the first devices to integrate this faster and more efficient approach to out-of-the-box connectivity for eSIMs. Going forward, a wide array of OEMs and mobile operators stand to benefit from the solution, which is fully compliant with the latest GSMA Remote SIM Provisioning specifications. Between 2018 and 2022, an estimated 2.3 billion eSIM-compliant consumer devices will be shipped worldwide.

To date, eSIM-equipped devices have had to rely on some form of primary connectivity before they are able to activate a full mobile subscription, either via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other temporary connections. These solutions were naturally inconvenient for either customers or manufacturers.

In contrast, Gemalto Instant Connect leverages a revolutionary connectivity mechanism that allows mobile operators to remotely and automatically provide a mobile subscription to any genuinely offline eSIM-enabled device. Users can now activate their devices in the same way as they are used to with conventional smartphone SIM cards. OEMs can, in turn, simplify their supply chain and shorten production time. This solution is compliant with existing remote eSIM management solutions, such as Subscription Management Discovery Service.

“Qualcomm is excited to see the Gemalto Instant Connect solution eSIM and its potential to simplify eSIM sourcing for OEMs and the ability to quickly connect Snapdragon-powered Always connected PCs and other devices for consumers and enterprises.” Miguel Nunes, Sr. Director, Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies

“PCs with LTE connectivity improve a user’s experience by giving them productivity wherever they are, and we have a longstanding relationship with Thales to help realize this goal. Extending this collaboration will enable easy integration of truly instantaneous mobile connectivity into all Windows PCs. We look forward to the first wave of devices incorporating Instant Connect technology accelerating this exciting transformation.” Shai Guday, Partner Group Program Manager, Microsoft Corp

“We’re excited to be supporting the innovation behind the Gemalto Instant Connect solution today, as we’ve been a front-runner in the industry for nearly four years already, offering eSIM-based secure cellular connectivity for laptops and tablets worldwide. Consumers will discover Ubigi, their personal instant-on connectivity service, brought to them by Transatel!” Jacques Bonifay, CEO, Transatel a member company of NTT group

“By sparing OEMs and operators the need to pre-load a bootstrap and users the hassle of having a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection when they first turn on their new device, Gemalto Instant Connect sweeps aside the final obstacles to seamless mobile subscription activation via an eSIM. As a result, it is even easier to seed consumer markets with devices characterized by their effortless mobile connectivity.” Emmanuel Unguran, EVP Mobile Connectivity Solutions, Thales