Introduction
For many mobile network operators, legacy infrastructure is both a strength and a burden. It represents years of investment, tested processes, and reliable service delivery. But in a landscape where consumers demand instant activation and OEMs are shifting entirely to eSIM-only devices, that same infrastructure can quickly start to show its age.
Take, for example, a regional telecom provider with a solid market share and a mature network stack built around traditional SIM operations. Their physical SIM supply chain is streamlined, customer onboarding flows are optimized for retail, and backend systems are closely integrated with billing and provisioning modules that have worked flawlessly for years. From the outside, there’s no reason to change.
The product team wants to roll out a digital-only prepaid plan that supports instant eSIM activation. Enterprise clients are asking if IoT modules can be pre-provisioned (having a bootstrapped profile) for deployment across borders. New MVNO partners are evaluating RSP support as a baseline for collaboration. And compliance officers are concerned about being behind on GSMA’s evolving eSIM standards.
While these needs are emerging from different departments, they point to a common question: How ready is the organization for an eSIM-first future?
Challenges
As the push for digital transformation gains momentum across the organization, the internal readiness tells a different story. For the telecom provider’s core network and IT teams, the shift to eSIM isn’t simply a matter of adding a new feature—it’s a fundamental rethinking of architecture, operations, and compliance.
The first roadblock is infrastructure compatibility. Most of the backend systems were built around physical SIM logistics—inventory management, card activation, distribution channels, and manual provisioning workflows. These are deeply embedded into the organization’s daily operations, and decoupling them from the broader service lifecycle is no small task.
Then comes the issue of provisioning. Without a Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) platform in place, the operator is unable to support secure, over-the-air eSIM profile downloads. Even if a cloud-hosted solution is brought in, integration with legacy OSS/BSS, entitlement servers, and CRM systems often demands months of custom development—something the IT team doesn’t have the bandwidth for.
From a security standpoint, compliance with GSMA standards such as SGP.22 (for consumer devices) and SGP.32 (for IoT) isn’t just desirable—it’s mandatory for gaining trust in regulated markets. For on-premise deployments, this means investing in cryptographic modules, GSMA SAS certification, and expert resources. Even for SaaS or hybrid models, customers must ensure that their providers meet these standards to avoid compliance risks and maintain interoperability.
Meanwhile, siloed decision-making across business units creates further friction. While product managers seek agility and faster time-to-market for digital plans, network operations prioritize stability. Without a unified approach, even the smallest pilot project risks stalling in cross-functional gridlock.
In essence, the operator faces a classic transformation dilemma: How do you embrace the future without breaking what already works?
Resolution
Recognizing the complexity of legacy transformation is the first step; the next is designing a modernization path that balances ambition with operational reality. For organizations at this juncture, the key lies in starting small, but smart—with a scalable
eSIM orchestration approach that doesn’t disrupt existing infrastructure, yet sets the stage for full digital enablement. Instead of a rip-and-replace strategy, many operators are finding success by layering a modern Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) stack on top of their legacy systems.
This modular approach allows core systems to remain intact while selectively modernizing the parts most critical to enabling eSIM services: provisioning logic, profile management, device entitlements, and remote lifecycle control. With GSMA-compliant orchestration platforms now available, operators can start supporting both consumer and IoT eSIM deployments without having to rebuild their entire tech stack.
Organizations have different operational realities, so modernization strategies must be adaptable. Some may opt for fully managed SaaS deployments, where the orchestration layer, profile management, and MNO integrations are handled end-to-end by the provider. This is ideal for teams looking to accelerate their time to market without committing internal resources to infrastructure or ongoing maintenance.
Others may require more control and data isolation—in which case, containerized deployments in public cloud environments offer a balanced approach. This model allows for dedicated environments with stronger data governance, while still offloading technical operations like updates and system management to the provider.
For enterprises with stringent data sovereignty or compliance requirements, a private deployment—either in a private or customer-controlled public cloud—delivers maximum control and customization. These setups typically involve an initial phase where the solution provider supports deployment and operations, eventually transitioning management to the in-house team.
In all these models, there’s also room for advisory and consulting support, especially during the planning and integration phases. For many operators, expert guidance on deployment architecture, compliance alignment, and interoperability can be the difference between a smooth rollout and a stalled project.
Regardless of the model chosen, success hinges on one thing: the ability to integrate securely and seamlessly with existing workflows while laying a path to future-readiness. The ideal partner isn’t one that simply sells software—but one that understands the rhythm of telecom evolution and builds with interoperability, compliance, and performance at the core.
✅ Need to modernize your eSIM capabilities without overhauling your legacy systems? Redtea Mobile offers flexible, GSMA-compliant deployment options—SaaS, containerized, or private—along with expert consulting to help you design and implement a solution that fits your operations.
Conclusion
Modernizing legacy infrastructure for eSIM isn’t a matter of “if” but “when”—and perhaps more importantly, how.
Operators and enterprises sitting on decades-old systems aren’t alone in this journey. Around the world, telcos, MVNOs, and OEMs are facing the same inflection point: meeting modern customer expectations while working within the realities of legacy infrastructure.
But the path forward doesn’t have to be disruptive or overwhelming. With the right orchestration strategy, modern eSIM capabilities can be integrated without uprooting core systems, allowing organizations to offer future-ready connectivity while preserving the stability of their operations.
The challenge is real—but so is the opportunity. Whether it’s through a fully supported on-premise deployment, a nimble SaaS rollout, or a customized licensing plan backed by consulting expertise, a tailored approach exists for every business.
By making thoughtful decisions today, operators can not only bring their infrastructure up to speed—they can position themselves to lead in the era of connected devices, embedded mobility, and on-demand provisioning.
And as backend systems evolve, the next frontier lies in empowering end users—through consumer awareness, seamless activation journeys, and digital touchpoints. More on that in an upcoming post.
