BICS and Valid Partner to Simplify Cross-Border IoT with SGP.32-ready eSIM Solution
BICS, a Proximus Group company, and Valid have unveiled a joint IoT solution aimed at reducing the complexity of deploying large-scale, multi-country IoT projects, according to their latest announcement. By aligning closely with the GSMA SGP.32 standard, the partnership effectively addresses common barriers to global IoT scalability, including fragmented connectivity frameworks, tedious provisioning workflows, and long setup timelines.
What the Partnership Delivers
The collaboration combines Valid’s advanced eSIM and remote SIM provisioning technology with BICS’ global cellular network infrastructure. The joint solution offers a streamlined integration point for device manufacturers and IoT service providers, bundling connectivity and eSIM management into one cohesive framework. This promises faster deployment timelines, fewer technical hurdles, and a smoother path from device manufacturing to live operations in the field.
SGP.32, the centerpiece of this solution, is not merely another technical standard. It fundamentally reshapes eSIM provisioning beyond consumer devices, enabling automated, large-scale management for unattended IoT devices like industrial sensors, smart meters, and automotive tracking modules. Unlike earlier iterations, SGP.32 supports long device lifecycles and interoperable SIM profiles, ensuring consistent performance across global deployments.
Market Context: IoT’s Push Toward Standardization
The partnership comes at a critical time for the IoT connectivity market, where enterprises demand better interoperability and simplicity. Traditional IoT connectivity models often involve stitching together hardware, connectivity, and lifecycle management from disparate vendors, leading to inefficiencies. The market has been moving toward standardization, open architectures, and modular platforms, as highlighted in recent GSMA reports and studies from Analysys Mason and Transforma Insights.
Major players like Vodafone Business IoT, Deutsche Telekom IoT, and Orange Business have already positioned themselves to support global connectivity with eSIM solutions. However, BICS and Valid distinguish themselves by fully embracing SGP.32 readiness and dividing responsibilities clearly: BICS focuses on global mobile network operations, while Valid provides the secure eSIM technology backbone. This focus on standards integration gives enterprises confidence that their deployments will remain both flexible and future-proof.
Future Outlook: A Path to Seamless IoT Scalability
The timing of this collaboration is strategic. Many IoT manufacturers are redesigning devices to meet emerging standards, and aligning projects with SGP.32 now prevents expensive retrofitting later. Additionally, geopolitical and regulatory hurdles around roaming, security, and reliability make flexible, multi-region approaches essential.
For BICS and Valid, their emphasis on execution rather than flashy innovation puts them firmly in step with market demands. The industry shift away from proprietary ecosystems further strengthens their position. By adopting interoperable frameworks, they lower barriers for enterprises scaling IoT solutions globally without adding unnecessary complexity to their supply chains.
If predictions from GSMA and Transforma Insights hold true, standardized, modular IoT connectivity platforms like this one are set to become the norm rather than the exception. For enterprise IoT stakeholders, the collaboration’s launch underscores the market’s increasing pivot toward simpler, more scalable solutions that prioritize seamless integration over vendor lock-in.
