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eSIM technology by Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) supports Vodafone´s implementation of eSIM specification

Munich, March 2, 2016 – Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) has delivered the embedded SIM (eSIM) management solution for Vodafone Group’s first implementation of the industry-agreed Remote SIM Provisioning specification. 

AirOn, G&D’s eSIM management solution secures the lifecycle management of eSIMs. It has been developed in accordance with the Remote Provisioning specification, which was the first output from the GSMA’s industry-backed Consumer Remote SIM Provisioning initiative to secure a common and interoperable specification for using eSIMs in companion consumer mobile devices.

Vodafone will soon launch the Samsung Gear S2 classic 3G smartwatch in Germany. It is one of the first devices in any market to contain an embedded eSIM based on the new industry-agreed specification.

Carsten Ahrens, Head of the Telecommunication Industries division at G&D: “We have been driving the eSIM development from the beginning and are proud to be the partner of Vodafone. Smart devices will increasingly be shipped with an eSIM. The eSIM will be a key component for the Internet of Things. Thanks to the eSIM, smart devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and data glasses, which don’t offer space for a conventional SIM card, can be connected to the mobile network even more easily. We are pleased to be part of Vodafone’s initiative to offer mobile customers even more convenience when dealing with multiple devices.” 

As with removable SIM cards, eSIM security is based on what is referred to as a SIM chip: a built-in security module. The eSIM profile is encrypted during installation. Asymmetrical algorithms ensure end-to-end encryption of the entire transmission between Vodafone servers and the module. Each device can therefore only decrypt and install the eSIM profile assigned to it. As a result, the eSIM satisfies the highest security requirements, in the same way as the removable SIM cards.

As Ahrens explains: “The eSIM works as a high-security microcomputer where sensitive data is kept highly encrypted in the eSIM memory and, in turn, can only be accessed with the corresponding key. The data is therefore effectively protected from manipulation and copying attempts.”

About Giesecke & Devrient

Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is a leading international technology provider headquartered in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1852, the Group has a workforce of over 11,450 employees and generated sales of approximately EUR 1.83 billion in the 2014 fiscal year. 58 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 31 countries ensure customer proximity worldwide.

G&D develops, produces, and distributes products and solutions in the payment, secure communication, and identity management sectors. G&D is a technology leader in these markets and holds a strong competitive position. The Group's customer base mainly comprises central and commercial banks, mobile network operators, business enterprises, governments, and public authorities. For more information, please visit: www.gi-de.com.

Giesecke & Devrient GmbH . Corporate Communications . www.gi-de.com/presse
Press contract: Andrea Nitsche . E-mail: Andrea.Nitsche@gi-de.com
Prinzregentenstraße 159 . 81677 Munich . Phone +49 (0)89 4119 3494 . Fax: +49 (0)89 4119 1208

For further information: Andrea Nitsche, E-mail: Andrea.Nitsche@gi-de.com, +49 (0)89 4119 3494