Abstract
In some geographies, the lack of ubiquitous WiFi can complicate electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) adoption. In some geographies, carriers can mandate device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to enable bootstrap connectivity, but eSIM-based bootstrap connectivity can be expensive for OEMs. This disclosure describes techniques that leverage extensible authentication protocol/ transport layer security (EAP-TLS) to enable secure connectivity of a mobile device to a cellular or satellite 5G network without an eSIM or physical SIM (pSIM). Following successful EAP-TLS authentication, the carrier enables traffic between the EAP-TLS-authenticated user equipment (UE) and the relevant service (based upon carrier-defined specific network policy). In particular, the device is granted access to communicate with an eSIM server (which is used to prepare and download eSIM profiles to the device), eSIM discovery servers (which help a device discover eSIM profiles), and GSMA TS.43 entitlement servers (which manage the eligibility of the device for specific carrier services). The device can thereby complete its cellular or satellite connectivity setup without a pre-installed eSIM or physical SIM (pSIM).
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Barry, Aguibou; Auer, Tim; Wang, Wendy; and Kumar, Pankaj, "Bootstrap Connectivity for Mobile Devices without SIM Cards", Technical Disclosure Commons, (July 07, 2026)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/10829