When Technology Meets Freedom of Movement
Imagine traveling anywhere in the world without ever having to worry about changing SIM cards, stress-free managing international data plans, or connecting billions of IoT devices without physical limitations. This is no longer a futuristic dream: it's a reality that's becoming more and more established these very weeks. eSIM, iSIM, and 5G networks are redefining the way we connect, work, and experience global mobility.
This week in October 2025 brought extraordinary developments that deserve your attention, whether you're an industry professional, a frequent traveler, or simply curious about technology. Let's explore the 10 most relevant news stories shaping the future of connectivity.
Top 10 News of the Week for October 18, 2025
1. Boom in eSIMs for Travelers: +85% in 2025
The travel eSIM market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by the end of 2025, representing a dramatic 85% growth from $989 million in 2024. This explosion is driven by the increasing affordability of eSIMs compared to traditional roaming services.
Growth is fueled by lower barriers to entry and Connectivity-as-a-Service platforms that simplify infrastructure management. For travelers, this means greater freedom and savings, while for traditional operators, it represents an unprecedented competitive challenge.
Link: Travel eSIMs Surge as Roaming Alternative - Up 85% in 2025
2. Global eSIM Market: Towards $5.28 Billion by 2032
The embedded eSIM market, valued at $1.10 billion in 2024, is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 21.66% between 2025 and 2032, reaching nearly $5.28 billion.
This growth is driven by the growing demand for seamless connectivity in devices such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, and IoT devices. eSIM technology enables remote provisioning of mobile network profiles, eliminating the need to physically replace SIM cards.
Link: Embedded SIM Market Reaching USD 5.28 Billion by 2032
3. iPhone Air Arrives in China: The Final Push to eSIM
Apple has announced that pre-orders for the iPhone Air in China will begin on October 17, with availability in stores starting October 22. This marks a historic moment: the iPhone Air is the first fully eSIM-only iPhone in the Chinese market.
The launch had previously been delayed due to regulatory challenges surrounding eSIM technology, which required approval from China's telecommunications authorities. Now, with the approval granted to China's three major carriers (China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom), a new era for connectivity has begun in one of the world's largest markets.
Link: The iPhone Air is finally coming to China
4. iSIM: The Technology That Will Change IoT and Mobile Devices
The release of certified iSIMs compliant with the GSMA specifications for remote SIM provisioning by companies such as Qualcomm and Thales has the potential to spark a trend towards mass adoption of this new eSIM technology.
Research from Kaleido Intelligence suggests that the iSIM market will grow to 300 million units by 2027. iSIM technology integrates SIM functionality directly into the device's processor, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card or soldered eSIM, enabling even more compact and efficient devices.
Link: iSIM opens a new world of opportunity for mobile and IoT innovation
5. AT&T Launches Standalone 5G Nationwide in the US
AT&T announced that its 5G Standalone (SA) network is now deployed nationwide in the United States. Unlike "Non-Standalone" (NSA) 5G, which relies on 4G LTE infrastructure, Standalone 5G is a completely independent 5G core and radio network designed specifically for the next generation of wireless.
Using a dedicated 5G core, it can unlock capabilities such as faster upload speeds, ultra-low latency, ultra-high reliability, and edge features. This development lays the foundation for next-generation applications and services.
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6. 5G Americas: AI-Based Autonomous Networks
5G Americas has published a white paper titled "Enabling Intent-Based Autonomous Networks," which explores how telecom operators can leverage self-configuring and self-healing AI-powered systems to manage the growing complexity of 5G, AI, IoT, and cloud-native services.
The report highlights how intent-based autonomous networks represent a critical step in making telecom infrastructure adaptive, efficient, and aligned with business objectives, delivering superior customer experiences.
Link: 5G Americas Publishes White Paper Advancing AI-Driven Networks
7. Hybrid IoT Connectivity: Semtech and Skylo Unite Terrestrial and Satellite
Semtech has launched Smart Connectivity Premium, the industry's first device-to-cloud IoT solution that offers access to terrestrial and satellite networks through a single SIM. In collaboration with Skylo, this solution enables automatic and seamless switching between terrestrial and satellite networks.
Through the AirVantage management platform, businesses can manage devices, SIMs, and billing on a single interface with predictable monthly fees, dramatically reducing operational complexity and total cost of ownership. General availability is planned for November 2025.
Link: Semtech Launches Industry's First Single Vendor Solution
8. Karrier One e Iridium: Partnership per IoT Globale
Karrier One, a leader in decentralized telecom infrastructure, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Iridium Communications, the only satellite network offering truly global coverage.
This partnership will enable Karrier One deployers to connect critical sensors, devices and monitoring equipment anywhere on the planet, including remote regions beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, without the need to install or operate a local base station.
Link: Karrier One & Iridium Partner to Expand Global IoT Connectivity
9. Hardware Challenges: 75% of IoT Projects Fail Due to Flawed Design
The majority of Internet of Things project failures are caused by device-level issues, according to the new State of IoT 2025. The report highlights that two-thirds of companies (66%) report “regular” or “constant” IoT connectivity issues due to hardware problems.
This has significant operational implications, with 35% of IoT adopters experiencing loss of operational efficiency and increased costs. Choosing the right components, from the processor to the antenna and SIM, is critical to the project's success.
Link: Three in Four Failed IoT Projects Undermined by Poor Hardware Design
10. Monogoto and Kigen: iSIM Evaluation Kit for Developers
Monogoto has launched the iSIM Evaluation Kit, which gives developers the ability to test iSIM technology before scaling their project. Maor Efrati, co-founder and CTO of Monogoto, expressed his excitement for this new technology, which eliminates the physical component that has caused so many problems for developers.
Monogoto supports iSIM using an evaluation platform based on Murata's 1SC module with the Sony Altair ALT1250. The kit was demonstrated at Embedded World North America.
Link: Monogoto and Kigen Offers iSIM Evaluation Kit
Conclusion: Towards a World Without Digital Borders
The past week has told us a clear story: we are witnessing the definitive transition to an era of connectivity without physical barriers . eSIMs for travelers are growing at a dizzying pace, iSIMs promise to revolutionize the IoT and mobile devices, and 5G Standalone is becoming a concrete reality on a national scale.
The dominant trend? Technological convergence . We're no longer talking about isolated technologies, but integrated ecosystems where eSIM, iSIM, 5G, AI, and satellite connectivity merge to create seamless experiences. With the iPhone Air in China, Apple demonstrates that even the most complex markets are ready for the leap. Partnerships like the one between Semtech and Skylo demonstrate that the future is hybrid: terrestrial and satellite, physical and virtual, local and global.
For traditional operators , the message is clear: innovate or risk obsolescence. For consumers and businesses, it opens up extraordinary opportunities for global connectivity, unprecedented flexibility, and optimized costs.
The question is no longer "if" we will adopt these technologies, but "how quickly" we will be able to exploit their potential.
