IIJ Begins Offering Single eSIM Profiles for Local 5G Use | News

Significantly reduces the operational burden and cost of eSIM profile issuance, supporting even small-scale local 5G environment setup

February 18, 2026
Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

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TOKYO - February 18, 2026 - Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (TSE Prime: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced the immediate availability of its new solution enabling single eSIM profile issuance, aimed at local 5G usage. An eSIM profile for local 5G use must be issued using a dedicated server certified by the GSMA (*) , an industry organization. Up to now, profile issuance in small lots was not economically viable. The solution announced today greatly reduces the efforts and cost of profile issuance, to the benefit of factories, universities, municipalities, integrators and others contemplating small-scale local 5G use with iPhones, iPads or other eSIM-only devices.

(*)GSMA (GSM Association): The world's largest global industry-led organization made up of mobile operators and related companies, responsible for setting industry standards for mobile communication technology and devising rules for roaming and interconnection.

Background

An obstacle to local 5G adoption has been the limited number of supporting devices, but progress in support by iPhone and iPad models, with their high market shares in Japan, is helping to ease the process of local 5G introduction. The need for an eSIM profile for local 5G uses, however, is becoming more common as iPhone, iPad and other devices do away with physical SIM slots in favor of eSIM-only designs. At the same time, there are considerable efforts and costs involved in issuing an eSIM profile. An SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) server needs to be built and operated, it must be certified by the GSMA through ongoing auditing, and profiles have to be developed. Since the requirements are high for the smallest lots, preparing such an environment can be prohibitively expensive for small-scale users, presenting a major obstacle to introduction. IIJ has addressed these issues by adopting Thales eSIM as a Service from the French Thales Group, the world leader in eSIM connectivity management, and providing a pre-defined eSIM profile in a format that can be used for a wide range of applications, from small-scale testing to pilot and full rollout. The need for delivery server installation or profile development is eliminated, and even a single eSIM profile can be issued supporting local 5G.

Features of the solution

1. eSIM profiles supporting local 5G can be issued in units as small as one profile

The necessary number of eSIM profiles supporting local 5G SA (standalone) can be issued flexibly, starting from one profile.

2. Supports subscriber information encryption mandatory in iPhone and iPad devices

A profile can be issued supporting the Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI), which conceals subscriber information (IMSI), added to 5G SA. This function is required when using an iPhone or iPad in a local 5G environment.

Main use cases

Stable use of AGV/AMR (autonomous robots) in factories or warehouses
Wide-area connectivity using general-purpose devices at schools, local municipalities, etc.
Wanting to ensure wide-area, fast, and stable communication without large-scale installation of Wi-Fi access points
Streaming of dedicated content at stadiums or event venues

Typical usage

Pricing information

Fee for eSIM profile issuance and basic handling fee	JPY100,000
Profile issuance price	JPY5,000/profile
Monthly use charges	0

Note:Profile issuance price varies with the number issued.

Ordering Process

(*) The IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) code is designated by the customer.

IIJ is committed to the active ongoing development of services and solutions that help corporate, municipal, and other customers introduce local 5G and that meet a greater diversity of network needs.

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.

For more information about IIJ, visit the IIJ Web site at https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/.

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.

For inquiries, contact

IIJ Corporate Communications

+81-3-5205-6310
+81-3-5205-6377
press@iij.ad.jp

(*)All company, product, and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.