Top 10: eSIM Management Platforms

The telecommunications industry is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from physical SIM cards to software-defined connectivity. At the heart of the change is embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, which is reshaping the mobile value chain.

For decades, the physical SIM served as a tangible link between operators and customers, supported by complex logistics spanning manufacturing, personalisation, distribution and retail. eSIM replaces the model with a fully digital, over-the-air provisioning ecosystem, enabling greater agility and innovation.

In the new landscape, the advantage lies in software platforms that manage the digital lifecycle of subscriptions. eSIM management platforms are the central nervous system of connectivity, securely creating, delivering, activating and managing cellular profiles.

For mobile network operators (MNOs), device manufacturers (OEMs) and enterprises deploying large IoT fleets, expertise in these platforms is both operationally critical and a competitive differentiator.

The evolution continues with iSIM, embedding SIM functionality directly into device processors. Telco Magazine this week explores the leading platforms shaping the future of connectivity.

10. NXP Semiconductors

Founding Year: 2006 (as Philips spin-off)

Latest Annual Revenue: US$12.6bn

Chief Executive Officer: Kurt Sievers

Number of Employees: ~34,00

NXP Semiconductors, a Dutch spin-off from Philips, supports the eSIM and iSIM ecosystem through secure hardware innovations. Its SN-series convergence solution integrates an eUICC, embedded Secure Element and certified NFC controller into a single chip, compliant with GSMA standards. 

While not a direct subscription management platform, NXP’s hardware enables mobile operators, MVNOs and platform providers to deploy services securely and efficiently.

The milestone cements NXP’s role as a foundational enabler for compact, secure and connected devices across automotive, IoT and mobile markets.

9. Qualcomm

Founding Year: 1985

Latest Annual Revenue: US$43.2bn

Chief Executive Officer: Cristiano R. Amon

Number of Employees: ~50,000

Qualcomm, a global leader in wireless innovation, supports the mobile ecosystem through its Snapdragon platforms, powering smartphones, connected cars, PCs and XR devices.

While not a traditional eSIM management provider, Qualcomm is pioneering the integrated SIM (iSIM), embedding full SIM functionality directly into its SoC processors. 

In partnership with Thales, it has launched commercial, GSMA-certified iSIM solutions, achieving a milestone that enhances device efficiency, reduces physical footprint and sets a new standard for secure, next-generation connectivity across the mobile and IoT landscape.

8. Samsung Electronics

Founding Year: 1969

Latest Annual Revenue: US$220.6bn

Chief Executive Officer: Young-Hyun Jun (Device Solutions)

Number of Employees: ~270,000+

Samsung Electronics, the South Korean technology giant and the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer, plays a pivotal role in the eSIM ecosystem. Its Galaxy devices integrate the “SIM manager,” providing users with seamless access to eSIM services, including QR-code activation, Discovery Server support and instant profile transfers between devices. 

While Samsung relies on back-end subscription management platforms, its consumer-focused implementation sets the industry benchmark, driving global adoption, shaping carrier support and establishing user-friendly workflows that define the modern eSIM experience.

7. NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone)

Founding Year: 1952 (Public Corp.), 1985 (Privatised)

Latest Annual Revenue: ~US$80bn

Chief Executive Officer: Akira Shimada

Number of Employees: ~310,000

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), one of the world’s largest telecom groups, drives eSIM adoption through its subsidiary NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s dominant mobile operator. 

Its advanced eSIM platform offers a fully digital, end-to-end onboarding journey, integrating eKYC for secure, automated identity verification. Supporting new activations, number porting and SIM-to-eSIM conversions, the platform enables customers to activate services online in under an hour.

The milestone highlights NTT DOCOMO’s role in setting global standards for seamless, carrier-led eSIM management.

6. AT&T

Founding Year: 1983

Latest Annual Revenue: US$122.9bn

Chief Executive Officer: John Stankey

Number of Employees: ~141,000

AT&T, a US telecommunications company, is a major force in 5G, fibre and global IoT connectivity. Its Global SIM Advanced (GSA) platform provides enterprise customers with end-to-end control over multi-IMSI eSIM deployments, enabling automated switching between local carrier profiles to optimise cost, performance and compliance. 

Having delivered the world’s first commercial eSIM in 2012, AT&T continues to set milestones in secure, scalable eSIM management, solidifying its role as a strategic partner for global enterprise and industrial IoT connectivity.

5. Verizon Communications

Founding Year: 1983 (as Bell Atlantic)

Latest Annual Revenue: US$135.3bn

Chief Executive Officer: Dan Schulman

Number of Employees:  ~117,100

Verizon Communications, a global telecom provider, is a key enabler of 5G and IoT connectivity. Its Global IoT Orchestration platform, managed through ThingSpace, allows enterprises to remotely provision multi-operator eSIM profiles at scale, with API-driven integration into ERP and operational systems. 

Supporting localisation of up to 10,000 devices in a single operation, Verizon transforms complex global IoT deployments into a streamlined, software-defined process. This milestone cements its position as a leader in scalable, enterprise-focused eSIM management.

4. Telefónica

Founding Year: 1924

Latest Annual Revenue: US$44.7bn 

Chief Executive Officer: Marc Murtra

Number of Employees: 100,870

Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications company behind Movistar, O2 and Vivo, is a major force in global eSIM connectivity. Its Global eSIM platform serves multinational enterprises and wholesale partners, offering multi-IMSI capability for dynamic network switching and seamless international coverage. 

For retail and enterprise users, the eSIMFlag service provides a unified digital portal for full subscription management. The milestone highlights Telefónica’s dual role as both a foundational infrastructure provider and a direct-to-consumer eSIM operator, strengthening its influence across the global connectivity ecosystem.

3. STMicroelectronics

Founding Year: 1987

Latest Annual Revenue: US$17.2bn

Chief Executive Officer: Jean-Marc Chery

Number of Employees: 48,250

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader, provides the secure hardware and embedded software supporting the eSIM ecosystem. Its market-leading ST33 and ST4SIM platforms are GSMA-compliant and certified to the highest security standards, supporting consumer, IoT and automotive applications. 

As the first chipmaker accredited to securely personalise eSIMs, ST delivers ready-to-use modules directly to device manufacturers, streamlining the supply chain. The milestone positions STMicroelectronics as a pivotal enabler of secure, scalable and efficient eSIM deployment worldwide.

2. Deutsche Telekom

Founding Year: 1995

Latest Annual Revenue: US$121.2bn

Chief Executive Officer: Timotheus Höttges

Number of Employees: ~198,000

Deutsche Telekom, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, is a global telecommunications leader with a strong presence across Europe and is the majority shareholder of T-Mobile US. Its in-house developed eSIM entitlement server, continuously refined since 2017, supports advanced subscription management capabilities. 

It achieved a landmark milestone by becoming the first European operator and among the first globally to enable seamless cross-platform eSIM transfers between iOS and Android devices, addressing a major friction point for consumers. 

By developing proprietary platform technology rather than relying solely on third-party solutions, Deutsche Telekom has positioned itself as an innovator in user-centric eSIM management, setting new standards for device switching, reducing customer churn and influencing global MNO practices in the evolving eSIM ecosystem.

1. Thales

Founding Year: 2000

Latest Annual Revenue: US$21.4bn

Chief Executive Officer: Patrice Caine

Number of Employees: 83,000

Thales, a French multinational technology company, is the undisputed leader in eSIM management following its acquisition of Gemalto in 2019. Its On-Demand Subscription Manager (OSM) platform is the world’s most widely deployed eSIM solution, with more than 400 installations across 90+ countries, connecting billions of devices. 

The platform provides end-to-end digital lifecycle management, smart stock control and real-time profile adaptation, complemented by services such as eSIM Discovery, Entitlement Server and SM-DS Connect. 

5G-ready and SGP.32 IoT-certified, Thales enables mobile operators, OEMs and IoT providers to securely manage subscriptions at scale. Its technological completeness, global reach and strategic foresight make Thales the central, indispensable player in the eSIM ecosystem.