Soft SIM: Pros/Cons, Use Cases, and Best Practices

A soft SIM, or software SIM, is a digital SIM card integrated into a device’s hardware or software, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This approach removes the logistics of distributing and swapping physical cards, frees up space on mobile devices, and reduces hardware complexity. 

However, it also has important disadvantages, such as security concerns and compliance issues, stemming from the fact that soft SIM is not a GMSA standard, and mobile network operators (MNOs) may be required by regulators to authenticate users via standard SIMs.

Soft SIMs are especially beneficial for devices that lack the space for a physical SIM slot. Some soft SIMs, depending on their software, can be updated or changed over the air using eUICC technology. This flexibility enables quick transitions between carriers and network configurations without manual intervention. 

This is part of a series of articles about Subscriber Identity Module

How Does Soft SIM Work?

Soft SIM technology leverages a software-based implementation of traditional SIM card functionality. Instead of relying on a physical card, the SIM profile is represented as software and data, stored in the memory or processor of the device. This profile contains essential credentials, such as the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and authentication keys, that enable the device to connect to a mobile network.

The provisioning process for a soft SIM typically occurs over-the-air (OTA). Service providers send the necessary data directly to the device, securely installing or updating the SIM profile. This eliminates the need for physical handling, such as inserting or swapping cards.

Once the soft SIM profile is activated, it interacts with the device’s modem and mobile network in the same way as a traditional SIM. This ensures compatibility with existing cellular standards, including 3G, 4G, and 5G. Additionally, encryption and secure protocols are used to protect the transmission and storage of soft SIM data.

Soft SIM vs. Embedded SIM: What’s the Difference?

While soft SIMs and embedded SIMs both eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, they differ in their implementation and use cases.

Note: Both soft SIM and embedded SIM are different from eSIM, a type of SIM that can be remotely provisioned using the eUICC standard. Soft SIMs and embedded SIMs may or may not incorporate eSIM / eUICC technology.

Implementation

Embedded SIM: A physical chip embedded into the device, conforming to GSMA standards. It acts as a hardware-based SIM, which can typically be programmed remotely.
Soft SIM: A purely software-based solution, integrated into the device’s operating system or firmware, without requiring dedicated hardware.

Flexibility:

Embedded SIM: Limited by the number of profiles the embedded chip can store, though it offers a balance between hardware and OTA provisioning.
Soft SIM: Not constrained by hardware limitations, allowing for potentially unlimited profiles, depending on software configuration.

Adoption:

Embedded SIM: Widely used in modern smartphones and IoT devices, typically complies with established technology standards.
Soft SIM: Not standardized, still emerging and often used in niche applications like IoT devices or proprietary ecosystems.

Security:

Embedded SIM: Provides stronger security, because it is generally harder to hack into hardware than device operating systems, and because there are two security factors (the operating system and the SIM).
Soft SIM: Relies heavily on software security measures, requiring encryption and secure environments to match the protection level of embedded SIMs.

Related content: Read our guide to eUICC vs eSIM

Pros of Soft SIM

Space savings in devices: By eliminating the need for a physical SIM card and its associated slot, soft SIMs free up valuable internal space in devices. This is particularly beneficial for compact devices like IoT sensors, wearables, or slim smartphones.

Cost efficiency: The absence of physical SIM cards reduces manufacturing, distribution, and replacement costs. Additionally, mobile network operators can remotely provision services, further cutting operational expenses.

Scalability for IoT: Soft SIMs are well-suited for the internet of things (IoT). Depending on their software configuration, they may support remote management and provisioning for large-scale deployments.

Cons of Soft SIM

Despite its potential, soft SIM comes with certain limitations that need to be considered:

Reliance on software security: Since soft SIMs lack the hardware isolation provided by physical SIMs or eSIMs, they depend heavily on encryption and secure software environments. This increases the potential risk of cyberattacks if vulnerabilities exist in the device’s software.

Limited adoption: The technology is still emerging, with limited adoption compared to traditional SIM cards and eSIMs. This may result in compatibility issues with some networks or devices.

Increased dependency on OEMs and carriers: Soft SIM provisioning requires collaboration between device manufacturers and mobile carriers. Users may face limitations or delays if their preferred network is not supported by their device’s soft SIM implementation.

Potential for lock-in: Without standardized frameworks, proprietary implementations of soft SIMs could lead to vendor lock-in, restricting users to specific ecosystems or carriers.

How to Implement Soft SIM Technology in Your Organization?

Here are some of the ways that organizations can ensure successful implementation of soft SIM.

1. Evaluate Soft SIM Vendors

When implementing soft SIM technology, it’s essential to assess potential vendors thoroughly. Each provider offers different capabilities and features, so examining their offerings is necessary to ensure they align with the organization’s needs. Comparing aspects like scalability, security protocols, pricing models, and ease of integration will help identify the best vendor.

2. Evaluate Device Compatibility

Ensuring devices are compatible with soft SIM technology is critical. Verification of hardware and firmware capabilities must be carried out before implementation. Identify which devices support soft SIM through manufacturer specifications and consider the necessary upgrades for incompatible devices.

Prepare for potential adjustments in device management processes, as soft SIMs introduce new configuration and provisioning dynamics. Device compatibility also influences the overall connectivity strategy, dictating which models can fully leverage the benefits of soft SIM technology.

3. Create a Deployment Strategy

Developing a deployment strategy ensures a straightforward soft SIM implementation. Begin by outlining goals and defining the scope of deployment. Determine timelines for each phase, from initial testing to full-scale rollout. Identify key stakeholders who will manage different aspects of deployment, ensuring that each team understands their responsibilities.

Consider risk management strategies and prepare contingency plans for potential setbacks. Regular updates and progress tracking are vital for staying on schedule and addressing issues as they arise.

4. Protect Data and Ensure Security

Data security is paramount when implementing soft SIM technology. Ensure encryption methods are in place to protect user information and maintain network integrity. Collaborate with vendors to understand their security frameworks and any additional protective measures they offer.

Regularly update software and firmware to protect against vulnerabilities. Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses. Establish comprehensive security protocols and employee training programs to protect organizational data.

5. Test and Pilot

Before full implementation, conduct thorough testing and pilot programs to evaluate the functionality of soft SIM technology within a controlled environment. This stage assesses how soft SIMs perform under real-world conditions, identifying any potential issues that need resolution before widespread deployment.

Testing should involve various scenarios to simulate different user experiences and network conditions. Gather feedback from pilot participants to understand their experiences and adjust strategies. The insights derived from these pilots inform refinements to the deployment strategy, ensuring smoother integration and better performance outcomes.

Flolive SIM solution The Flexible, Secure Alternative to Soft SIM

floLIVE’s SIM solution provides a flexible, secure alternative to Soft SIM technology by offering a multi-IMSI, standards-based SIM that supports seamless global connectivity for IoT devices. floLIVE’s solution is agnostic to the SIM form factor, allowing you to benefit from our capabilities with any SIM type you choose—from plastic SIM, eSIM, and iSIM to even Soft SIM.

Unlike Soft SIMs that rely solely on software-based provisioning, floLIVE’s solution features robust security through hardware-based authentication, protecting devices against cyber threats.

With a built-in capability to auto-switch between up to 10 IMSIs, floLIVE’s SIM ensures optimal coverage and cost efficiency by dynamically selecting the best available network. This empowers businesses with greater control, resilience, and compliance in their IoT deployments, making it an ideal choice for industries that prioritize security, scalability, and network independence.

Learn more about Flolive