Introduction: A New Era of Instant Mobile Connectivity
In a world where digital-first experiences are the norm, consumers expect mobile connectivity to be as seamless as ordering a coffee. For Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), MVNOs, and digital service providers, this means moving beyond plastic SIM cards and friction-heavy onboarding processes. This is where the eSIM remote provisioning comes into play, not just as a feature but as the backbone of the next-gen connectivity.
But how can operators achieve eSIM profile distribution and activation at scale, without friction, and in real-time?
The answer: Group Profiles with Generic QR code
What is and How it works
Thanks to a flexible yet secure mechanism implemented in the eSIM platform, a single QR code (or Activation Code) can be scanned by multiple devices for downloading an eSIM profile. Every/each eSIM profile will be uniquely identified through its ICCID, associated IMSI subscription in the Operator’s HLR/HSS. Profiles provided via Generic QR code are typically grouped under a common template (Profile Type), often designed for limited-time availability or short-term usage.
To address these realities, the GSMA introduced SGP.32, the 3rd Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) specification in the eSIM ecosystem, following the M2M model (SGP.02) and the Consumer model (SGP.22). Published first in July 2023, SGP.32 is designed from the ground up to serve main IoT needs: automation and scalability. It builds on the strengths of its predecessors while resolving many of their limitations, offering a flexible and modern architecture tailored to the constraints and demands of connected devices in the field.
Use cases
Airports & Travel Hubs: Travelers landing abroad often turn off roaming due to high costs and seek affordable local plans. By placing branded QR codes in arrival halls, baggage claim areas, or information kiosks, operators can offer instant eSIM activation. This approach is increasingly relevant, with travel eSIM spending projected to reach $10 billion by 2028, according to Juniper Research. Moreover, a Counterpoint Research survey shows that 87% of users who have tried travel eSIMs consider them essential, underscoring the growing demand for simple, on-the-spot connectivity. In markets with SIM registration laws, integration with eKYC flows is needed, enabling operators to validate identity digitally before profile download, ensuring compliance without compromising user experience.
Concerts & Festival Airports & Travel Hubs: At large-scale events like concerts or sports games, attendees need quick, temporary access to mobile data. With thousands in one location, traditional SIM distributor is impractical. Simartis enables branded QR codes that link to Group Profiles letting users instantly activate short-term eSIMs with no app, shop, or queue - perfect for high-density, time-limited environments.
Education & Campuses (Private 5G networks): Universities and schools can distribute eSIMs via QR codes to students, staff, or visitors for seamless and secure access to academic apps, online exams, or hybrid learning environments. This is especially powerful in institutions deploying private 5G networks for high-speed, secure campus-wide connectivity across smartphones, tablets, routers, and laptops.
Corporate & Private Enterprise: Organizations can provision both employees and device fleets (such as tablets, routers, POS terminals, or IoT equipment) with mobile connectivity via internal QR-branded campaigns. This is ideal for onboarding staff, bootstrapping new devices, or connecting temporary contractors in distributed or BYOD environments.
Emergency & Humanitarian Aid: In emergency situations, reliable mobile connectivity is a lifeline. During such events like natural disasters (floods, wildfires) or humanitarian crises (refugee resettlement, displacement zones) QR-based eSIMs can be displayed on screens or printed and handed to first responders, volunteers, or displaced individuals for immediate and secure mobile access.
Key Features:
- Define and manage Group Profiles based on campaign logic and advanced scheduling
- Track every download in real-time
- Increase profile resources limit in a group
- Branded QR code to enable identity logos and visuals for public use
- Device filtering based on various identifiers like: EID, TAC, IMEI for increased control Optional Confirmation Codes & eKYC flows, where identity is required
Conclusion:
eSIM is no longer a premium feature, it’s the expected standard. And Generic QR code onboarding is the smartest, fastest way to deliver it at scale. Whether you're serving a crowd of tens of thousands, launching a new digital offer, or connecting emergency teams: one scan is all it takes.
With full end-to-end ownership of software stack and GSMA-certified infrastructure, and backed flexible solution design, and proven deployment experience, the Simartis eSIM solution is ready to deliver instant, compliant, and scalable connectivity, serving a variety of use cases.
