- Integration of IIJ’s SoftSIM with Nordic’s nRF9160 Series simplifies the deployment of cellular IoT applications and reduces manufacturing costs.
- SoftSIM technology eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, streamlining device management and minimizing communication errors due to hardware failures.
- IIJ offers communication profiles for use in Japan and overseas, allowing IoT products to be deployed globally and updated over the air.
Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ), a prominent provider of Internet access and network solutions in Japan, has teamed up with Nordic Semiconductor to integrate IIJ’s SoftSIM with Nordic’s nRF9160 Series, a leading cellular IoT solution. This collaboration allows manufacturers to incorporate IIJ’s SoftSIM directly into Nordic’s nRF9160 System-in-Package (SiP), streamlining the deployment of cellular IoT applications.
SoftSIM technology removes the need for physical SIM cards or chip SIMs, simplifying device management and reducing manufacturing costs. By eliminating the SIM card slot, communication errors due to hardware failures are minimized, and devices become more resilient to environmental factors like dust and water ingress. IIJ, Japan’s sole SoftSIM provider since 2019, expands its offerings with support for the high-performance nRF9160 SiP, providing IoT developers and manufacturers with an efficient cellular IoT solution.
What advantages for customers?
The nRF9160 SiP integrates all wireless communication functions into a single package, reducing the need for additional components and cutting manufacturing costs. IIJ’s SoftSIM enhances the nRF9160’s capabilities by enabling communication profiles to be provisioned during manufacturing, facilitating efficient production. IIJ offers communication profiles for use both in Japan and overseas, allowing IoT products to be deployed globally and updated over the air.
Customers can choose between two types of SoftSIM: one for modem-only operation and another for embedding custom programmes alongside the modem. Existing applications based on the nRF9160 SiP can be upgraded to IIJ SoftSIM with minor software updates, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility.
IIJ SoftSIM for nRF9160 SiP is now available, with a live demonstration of the cellular IoT solution showcased at the Nordic Semiconductor booth during Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona.
IIJ has a unique and solid expertise in cellular IoT and SoftSIM in Japan. With both local adoption and global reach of cellular IoT outside of Japan’s borders increasing, including Nordic’s nRF9160 SiP in their offering, it was natural to support embedded developers. IIJ’s SoftSIM solution provides significant BOM and manufacturing cost reduction, miniaturization of designs and simplified connectivity globally.
Bjorn Bob Brandal, VP Sales and Marketing, APAC
Nordic Semiconductor
Bjorn Bob Brandal, VP Sales and Marketing, APAC at Nordic Semiconductor, commends IIJ’s expertise in cellular IoT and SoftSIM technology, highlighting the significant benefits it brings to IoT product development and manufacturing efforts both in Japan and globally.
About IIJ
Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japan’s leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ’s services include high-quality Internet connectivity services, systems integration, cloud computing services, security services and mobile services.
Moreover, IIJ has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia. IIJ was listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2022.
