APAC roaming gaps trap automakers in SIM gridlock

Fragmented telecom networks force vehicle manufacturers to stack multiple hardware part numbers for local operators.

Automakers expanding connected vehicle services across Asia Pacific are facing supply chain and network management problems as fragmented telecom systems force manufacturers to maintain multiple SIM configurations for different countries and mobile operators.

The issue is becoming more urgent as software-defined vehicles rely on over-the-air updates, emergency services, in-car payments, and subscription-based features that require uninterrupted connectivity throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle.

Philippe de Oliveira, Senior Vice President of Automotive and IoT at IDEMIA Secure Transactions, said carrier-specific SIM inventories are creating complexity across APAC markets where telecom infrastructure, regulations, and coverage quality differ country by country.

The discussion highlighted how connected vehicles are reshaping automotive manufacturing. Most vehicle components can remain standardised across regional production lines, but telecom systems often require country-specific changes tied to local mobile operators.

“The vehicle for APAC will have the same processor, the same modem, and the same memory,” he said. “Only the SIM is different.”

Roaming limitations and inconsistent mobile coverage also create operational risks as vehicles move between countries and carrier zones.

Static SIM systems tied to one carrier can cause service interruptions, higher roaming costs, and weaker network quality when vehicles cross borders, affecting navigation, emergency response, and software updates.

“The perception of the service by the end user is horrible,” de Oliveira said, referring to network interruptions during connected services.

Automakers are trying to reduce these bottlenecks by shifting toward software-based connectivity management systems that allow carrier changes later in production or ownership.

According to de Oliveira, eSIM technology allows manufacturers to use a standard hardware configuration whilst selecting or changing mobile operators during manufacturing, at dealerships, or after vehicles enter the market.

Reliable network access is becoming critical as automakers pursue recurring revenue from connected services that depend on uninterrupted mobile performance.