Cyshield, a leading digital solutions company, selected Thales a world leader in secure advanced technologies to launch Egypt’s first-ever eSIM (embedded SIM) connectivity services for consumer and IoT devices. Based in Cairo, Cyshield is supporting Egypt’s four mobile network operators in connecting eSIM devices in the country, optimising the user experience and enabling flexible subscription services for eSIM-enabled smartphones, smartwatches and other IoT devices.
Thales provides Cyshield with its leading eSIM Management platform, to enable fast and secure over-the-air downloads of mobile subscriptions to devices, leveraging proven expertise and capabilities to address sovereignty challenges. In addition, it ensures compliance with the latest consumer and M2M/IoT specifications1 for eSIM solutions, guaranteeing profiles and communication are interoperable and secure.
This new milestone in the development and digitalisation of mobile connectivity allows millions of Egyptians to enjoy the growing range of eSIM-enabled devices. Moreover, because Cyshield supports all the country’s mobile operators, it can take full advantage of the eSIM’s ability to host several mobile subscriptions. For the consumer market, end users can switch between operators and select their preferred subscription package with a single click on their phone. For the M2M/IoT market, Cyshield is becoming the national connectivity hub for smart metering in Egypt and other markets, while also preparing to meet evolving industry standards2 and requirements (GSMA SGP.32 standards).
Within less than five months of its launch, by December 5th, 2024, Cyshield had already completed over 400,000 end-user subscription downloads. Building on this success, the service will be extended to industrial IoT (Internet of Things) applications throughout 2025 and is already fully certified by Egypt’s National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA).
“Khaled Taher, Products Director at Cyshield, praised Thales for delivering a secure, GSMA-certified solution that meets both current and future operational needs, while maximizing eSIM technology to enhance user experience and create new commercial opportunities for mobile operators. Likewise, Waleed Ragab, Products Director at Cyshield, highlighted Thales’ expertise and guidance in successfully securing GSMA SAS-SM certification on the first attempt, ensuring swift regulatory compliance and enabling Cyshield to provide a reliable, innovative eSIM connectivity service with exceptional flexibility and convenience for customers.”
“Egypt’s first eSIM service is a truly collaborative and sovereign project, bringing together not just Cyshield and Thales, but also the GSMA, NTRA, and all the country’s mobile network operators” said Sherif Barakat, Country Director for Egypt, Thales. “This marks another major leap forward for the eSIM ecosystem, which is expanding at pace in north Africa and across the globe.”
