SIM Options & Fulfillment Models

Supported SIM types and fulfillment models, plus inventory, MOQ, and customization options.

Overview

Reach supports multiple SIM fulfillment and activation models. Brands choose a model based on operations, distribution channels, and device capability.

Backend provisioning and activation stays consistent across models.

At a glance

• What you choose: pSIM vs eSIM vs SIM‑in‑hand.

• What changes: customer journey, logistics, and who holds inventory.

• What stays consistent: provisioning, activation, and lifecycle tracking in Reach.

Supported SIM types

Reach supports:

• Physical SIM (pSIM)

• Embedded SIM (eSIM)

• SIM‑in‑hand (brand‑held physical SIM inventory)

Each SIM type follows a defined lifecycle from provisioning to activation.

Brand SIM inventory, MOQ, and customization (applies across SIM types)

Brands can choose inventory planning, bulk procurement, and kit customization options based on the SIM model selected.

This may include:

• Minimum order quantities (MOQ) for physical SIM inventory.

• Bulk shipment to brand-specified locations.

• Custom-branded SIMs.

• Custom SIM kits, packaging, and inserts.

• Inventory split between brand-held SIMs and Reach-fulfilled SIMs.

MOQ thresholds, inventory models, and customization options vary by brand setup and commercial agreement.

For brand-specific details (MOQ, branding feasibility, kit components, pricing, and logistics), contact your Reach Account Manager.

If you are pursuing custom kit collateral, also see Custom SIM Kit.

1) Physical SIM (pSIM)

What it is

A physical SIM (pSIM) is a removable SIM card. It is shipped to the end customer as part of a SIM kit (or welcome kit).

The customer inserts the SIM into a compatible device to enable network access.

pSIM lifecycle (inception to activation)

1

Provision and stock SIMs

Reach sources pSIM inventory per the agreed commercial model.

SIMs are registered in Reach inventory and made available for assignment.

2

Reserve a SIM for an order

A SIM is reserved when a customer order is created.

Reservation prevents double-allocation of the same SIM.

3

Fulfillment

Reach (or the brand, depending on the model) ships the SIM kit to the customer.

Tracking and shipment status flows back into the platform.

4

Activation

Customer activates service using the SIM’s activation identifier (typically a barcode).

Reach provisions service with the network and confirms line activation.

2) Embedded SIM (eSIM)

What it is

An eSIM is a digital SIM profile. It is installed on a compatible device.

No physical SIM card is shipped.

eSIM lifecycle (inception to activation)

1

Provision eSIM profiles

Reach (and the underlying carrier stack) provisions eSIM profiles for the tenant.

Profiles are made available for assignment during the purchase or SIM-change flow.

2

Assign and deliver the eSIM

The eSIM is delivered electronically.

Common delivery patterns include:

• QR code display/download.

• In-app installation prompts.

3

Install on device

Customer installs the eSIM on a compatible device.

Device connectivity depends on device OS support and carrier bundle behavior.

4

Activation

After installation, Reach completes provisioning and confirms line activation.

See also: Activation identifiers.

3) SIM‑in‑hand (brand-held physical SIM)

What it is

SIM‑in‑hand is a model where physical SIMs are shipped in bulk to the brand.

The brand distributes SIMs to customers via its own channels. Examples include retail stores, enterprise onboarding, field sales, or device bundles.

SIM‑in‑hand setup and logistics

• Reach ships SIM inventory in bulk to brand-specified locations.

• The brand controls downstream distribution and on-hand inventory.

• SIM activation still occurs in Reach journeys using the SIM’s activation identifier.

MOQ is typically commercial-dependent. Confirm quantities, shipment locations, and any kit customization with your Reach Account Manager.

SIM‑in‑hand lifecycle (inception to activation)

1

Bulk inventory delivery

Reach delivers physical SIM inventory to the brand.

SIMs are registered in Reach inventory before distribution.

2

Brand distribution

Brand distributes SIMs to customers through brand-owned channels.

This can happen before or after a purchase, depending on the channel.

3

Activation

Customer (or an agent) activates service by entering/scanning the SIM identifier.

Reach completes provisioning and activation with the network.

Operational notes

• pSIM activation uses a physical identifier (usually a barcode).

• eSIM activation uses a digital identifier (usually a QR code).

• SIM swaps (SIM ↔ eSIM) are supported before and after activation.

  • See: Plan changes (upgrade, downgrade, SIM change).

Questions or clarification? Reach out to your respective account manager or email at [email protected]