NTT DOCOMO INC. announced an agreement with Telefonica Brasil S.A. (Vivo) to launch an embedded subscription identity module (eSIM), which will enable machine-to-machine (M2M) devices to work on the Vivo network. The eSIM will be available for enterprises that use the docomo M2M Platform, a globally adopted platform that integrates the mobile networks of DOCOMO and operators in other countries.
DOCOMO is Japan's first mobile provider to provide an eSIM solution to a mobile operator outside of Japan. The eSIM enables M2M devices to use a single embedded SIM with a phone number which can be changed over-the-air to certain mobile operators, allowing companies to remotely manage connectivity with mobile operators without having to replace the SIM cards in their devices.
Permanent use of international roaming is forbidden in Brazil, so connected automobiles, construction machinery, etc. exported from Japan to Brazil have had to switch to SIMs of local operators. DOCOMO's eSIM now will make it easier for Japanese exporters to use the Vivo network in Brazil without switching SIMs.
The eSIM is based on specifications established in December 2013 by the GSM Association (GSMA), the world's leading association for mobile operators. DOCOMO has started offering eSIM as a M2M solution for corporate customers using the docomo M2M platform in Japan from June 2014. Going forward, the company plans to continue to provide support to corporate customers in their global expansion through the deployment of the eSIM solution.