ST Adds SoftSIM, Remote Provisioning to IoT Module

STMicroelectronics has added support for software-based subscriber identity module (SIM) authentication, with Onomondo SoftSIM, to its ST87M01 industrial NB-IoT module to allow devices to connect to cellular networks without a separate SIM chip. Further simplifying IoT deployment, the module family also adds capability options for in-factory SGP.32-compliant SIM profile provisioning, and a Zephyr real-time operating system (RTOS) driver for embedded applications.

The Onomondo SoftSIM runs SIM functionality on the module's processor rather than on a removable SIM card. This removes the external SIM component and its printed-circuit-board connections to reduce component count and board space. This accelerates IoT device deployment, lowers production cost, reduces power consumption, and simplifies supply chain management, according to ST.

The SoftSIM monitors the power states of the module, which is important for battery-powered devices that run in power saving mode (PSM) or extended discontinuous reception (eDRX).

STMicroelectronics has separately added factory provisioning based on the GSMA SGP.32 specification. Manufacturers can download cellular operator profiles during production to allow them to configure devices for different networks without installing operator-specific SIMs. This reduces the number of operator-specific variants required for multiple markets.

The addition of the SGP.32 provisioning provides for remote management of profiles on IoT devices that have a limited user interface. For example, smart utility meters can change cellular operators when coverage or service agreements change, without technicians having to physically change SIM cards.

Note that SGP.32 provisioning and SoftSIM are two separate capabilities. SGP.32 defines remote profile management for compatible eUICCs. SoftSIM replaces dedicated SIM hardware.

For firmware development, ST has released an ST87MXX modem driver for Zephyr RTOS, available through the Zephyr GitHub. The driver communicates with the module over UART and handles AT commands and network socket operations. This reduces the modem-specific code developers need to implement.

The integration supports TCP and UDP connectivity and application protocols such as MQTT and CoAP for sending sensor readings and device status. Developers also get access to GNSS, Wi-Fi positioning, and received signal strength (RSSI) information. The documentation includes the UART connections and an HTTP-client example to test connectivity on the module.

Available in multiple variants, the ST87M01 NB-IoT module family is housed in a 12.8 × 10.6-mm LGA package for compact IoT equipment. The IoT modules are compliant with SGP.32 for secure remote SIM provisioning and offer flexible options including GSMA-certified embedded SIM, GNSS/A-GNSS, Wireless M-Bus, and Wi-Fi positioning. They meet LTE Cat NB2 Release 15 and are certified in accordance with GCF, EU RED, RED-DA, FCC/ISED, PTCRB, Anatel, and Icasa.

STMicroelectronics will demonstrate the ST87M01 SIM provisioning at Enlit Europe, November 10-12, booth B.b110, in Vienna, Austria. The company is also showcasing the module at electronica 2026, November 10-13, Hall C3, booth 101 in Munich, Germany.

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