Comprion has developed a new testing architecture for embedded UICCs (eUICCs), also known as eSIMs. The new methodology focusses on quality assurance, especially on interface compliancy as well as system and platform behavior testing according to the GSMA and GlobalPlatform. This approach will be introduced at the Mobile World Congress taking place in Barcelona, February 22-25.

The use of UICCs in the machine-to-machine (M2M) environment poses new challenges to everyone involved. Once permanently installed and possibly even soldered into a device such as a mobile phone, car, wind wheel, or even refrigerator, the card profile – in particular the operator’s subscription – can only be changed remotely. Jens Christoph, responsible for eUICC testing solutions at Comprion explains, “M2M device and eUICC vendors as well as network operators have to ensure that the remote SIM provisioning works in a reliable way. As the UICC is embedded in the M2M device, it is tricky to access and test its functionality. Moreover, testing the complete over-the-air (OTA) communication chain between the eUICC and the backend server such as the MNO (Mobile Network Operator), SM-DP (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) and SM-SR (Subscription Manager Secure Routing) is complex with respect to the numerous components involved.”

Comprion – as one of the leading test solution providers for mobile communications – is currently developing a test infrastructure for eUICC technologies. Jens Christoph explicates, “As a first important step, we can provide our customers with GlobalPlatform-qualified eUICC interface tests, ensuring that the eUICC works properly according to the GSMA SGP.11/GlobalPlatform eUICC Test Specification.” However, from a quality assurance point of view, it is not sufficient to just enforce conformity for every single component used in this ecosystem; it is also vital to test a proper interaction between them. System and platform behavior test cases, covering this communication chain with its specific use cases in a reproducible way are essential to add confidence to the remote provisioning of an eUICC.

Comprion’s modular test infrastructure for embedded UICC technologies provides exchangeable simulation entities covering the whole remote provisioning chain. Depending on the test focus and requirements, a test solution might use real or simulated components for the MNO, SM-DP, and SM-SR as well as for the mobile network and the mobile device – all this in a lab environment, providing reliable and repeatable test results.