Can Connectivity Be More Sustainable?

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There are more plastics in circulation in the world than there are people on the planet. In the telecommunications industry, plastic SIM cards represent a significant source of landfill waste when replaced or decommissioned. While recyclable plastic SIM cards may seem like a solution, the reality is more complex.

Currently, only 9 percent of materials in the global economy are recycled, with the US recycling a mere 5 percent of its 51 million tonnes of plastic waste produced in 2021. When plastics end up in landfills, they degrade into tiny toxic particles, contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food chain, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

Telcos and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have a vital role to play in reducing plastic pollution. So we asked a member of our Partner Community, Bijal (Bee) Hayes-Thakore , VP of Marketing at Kigen , to tell us more about the impact of the transition from traditional single-use plastic SIM cards to innovative solutions like eSIM and iSIM.

?“One approach Telcos and OEMs can take is to reconsider every aspect of packaging and transition to biodegradable, compostable, or bio-based plastics. Moreover, innovative alternatives are available for plastic use associated with SIM cards. For example, our iSIM solution integrates radio, compute, and secure enclave capabilities directly into silicon rather than plastic.?

We predict that the adoption of eSIM and iSIM will reach 6 billion devices by 2025. And with the rise of eSIM technology more specifically, we’re seeing Telcos implement strategies to digitize, significantly reducing the need for any physical components and therefore limiting plastic waste. This makes eSIMs the most sustainable and compelling choice for network operators. Telcos are already embracing these options. For instance, AT&T Business offers connectivity with iSIM or eSIM through Kigen, streamlining global connectivity services.?

But iSIM and eSIM adoption don’t just benefit businesses and enterprises. It benefits the average consumer who travels too. Kaleido Intelligence predicts that the travel eSIM retail spend will rise 500% between 2023 and 2028. Consumers can avoid swapping physical SIM cards and can subscribe to out-of-home-territory networks by simply using QR codes.?

So not only does the transition away from traditional SIMs significantly reduce plastic waste, but it also improves the consumer experience and allows for more flexibility when finding connectivity solutions.”

1. 5 Innovative eSIM and iSIM Services for 2024 - article written by Kigen
2. How Technology is Driving Sustainability: A Look at IoT for Good - article written by KORE
3. How Smart Lighting Shapes Efficient, Safe, and Sustainable Cities - article written by Laragh Larsen of ZARIOT

Keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts on the transition to iSIM and eSIM technology in the comments below!?

Curious about how you or your company’s experts can be featured? Reach out to me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn: Ryan Chacon

See you next week!