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Bridge Alliance member operators AIS, Globe Telecom, Optus and Singtel have deployed what the group describes as the first multi-operator enterprise eSIM connectivity network for IoT, built on Thales’ orchestration platform and the GSMA SGP.32 specification.
The network has completed multi-operator testing across four countries – Thailand, the Philippines, Australia and Singapore – and is now ready to support enterprise IoT deployments across the region. It enables enterprises to remotely manage connected devices across multiple operators and markets through a single centralised platform, removing the need to maintain separate connectivity arrangements with each mobile operator in each country.
The Problem It Addresses
Enterprises deploying connected solutions across multiple Asia-Pacific markets currently face fragmented management systems and operator-specific provisioning requirements. Manual interventions are often required to resolve connectivity issues, adding cost and complexity to cross-border IoT deployments.
GlobalData forecasts the region’s cellular IoT and M2M connections will grow to 1.3 billion by 2030, driven by applications spanning connected vehicles, payment terminals, utility meters and industrial equipment.
How The Platform Works
The platform is built on Thales’ end-to-end IoT eSIM solution and uses the GSMA SGP.32 specification, which represents the latest evolution of IoT eSIM technology. Thales developed the orchestration layer that connects the four participating operators into a single management environment.
Testing was completed using devices running the SGP.32 standard with both the IoT Profile Assistant Embedded (IPAe) and the IoT Profile Assistant on Device (IPAd). The result is a platform that allows devices to automatically connect to the local network as they enter new markets, switch between participating operators and maintain service without manual intervention or a physical SIM replacement.
Automatic network fallback and recovery mechanisms are built into the system to maintain service continuity if a primary connection fails.
For enterprises, the practical effect is that entire fleets of connected devices can be managed throughout their lifecycle and across borders from a single platform, rather than through separate operator-specific systems in each country.
Bridge Alliance’s Position
Loo Boon Chee, CEO of Bridge Alliance, pointed to the regional scope of the deployment.
“The expansion of the SGP.32 standard across multiple Asia-Pacific markets represents a milestone in realising Bridge Alliance’s vision to enable regional enterprise IoT connectivity,” Loo commented. “Building on the success of the proof-of-concept, we are helping accelerate the adoption of a common eSIM framework with Thales and our member operators and simplify IoT deployment across multiple markets.”
Bridge Alliance, founded in 2004, is a collective of mobile operators representing close to 2 billion customers worldwide. The Bridge Alliance Technology Partner Programme connects technology providers with member operators to deploy solutions including 5G, IoT and network APIs across the region.
Singtel And Optus
Jorge Fernandes, Group Chief Technology Officer at Singtel, described the platform’s approach to managing cross-border IoT.
“Our collaboration with Thales combines the latest eSIM standards with intelligent automation enabling businesses real-time visibility and control of their IoT devices across multiple geographies through a single eSIM orchestration platform,” Fernandes explained. “The successful completion of testing with Singtel, Optus, AIS and Globe Telecom marks a step towards enabling the next generation of IoT across Asia Pacific.”
Optus, which is part of the Singtel Group, participated in the testing as the Australian operator in the network.
AIS And Globe Telecom
Phupa Akavipat, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at AIS, pointed to the platform’s potential across Thai industries including manufacturing, logistics, automotive, utilities, retail and smart infrastructure. AIS positioned its involvement as part of a broader commitment to building digital infrastructure that supports connectivity management across multiple markets from a single platform.
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Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom, framed the Philippines’ participation as part of a push for a larger role in the region’s digital economy.
“The Philippines has an opportunity to play a bigger role in the region’s digital economy, and that starts with giving businesses the right digital foundations to grow beyond our borders,” Cruz noted. “This gives enterprises the confidence to scale across Asia Pacific while opening new opportunities for growth.”
Thales’ Orchestration Role
Nicolas Bouverot, VP of Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales, outlined the approach of bringing operators together on a shared infrastructure layer.
“By bringing multiple operators together on a single orchestration platform, we are helping businesses deploy and manage connected devices more efficiently while ensuring the flexibility and resilience required for large-scale IoT deployments,” Bouverot stated.
Thales provides the underlying eSIM solution and the orchestration capability that enables the platform to work across the four participating operators. The company’s role extends beyond the eSIM technology itself to the coordination layer that allows devices to move between networks without manual provisioning.
Target Industries
The platform targets industries that depend on long-term, cross-border device connectivity.
Connected vehicles can maintain connectivity across borders for navigation, safety services and over-the-air software updates. Utilities and smart metering providers can remotely manage large device fleets over extended periods without on-site interventions. Retailers and payment providers can keep payment terminals connected to reduce the risk of lost transactions. Infrastructure operators can centrally manage connectivity across routers, gateways and fixed wireless access equipment deployed in multiple locations.
Expansion Plans
The partners plan to expand the platform to additional Bridge Alliance member operators following the successful testing with the initial four. The expansion is supported by the Bridge Alliance Technology Partner Programme, which is designed to accelerate deployment of solutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
For more information, visit www.bridgealliance.com.
Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Nick Ross
