What is an eSIM?
The future of roaming
eSIM Basics
The term “eSIM” has been gaining rapid momentum in the last few years - you might have seen it while browsing for a new phone handset or in advertisements from telecom companies.
SIM cards (short for “Subscriber Identity Module”) have been an essential component of phones and other mobile devices since their launch in 1991. These small PVC cards provide the device with a unique identity, which in turn allows it to connect to a mobile network, send messages and make and receive phone calls.
Over the last few years, however, more and more providers have been looking to eSIMS to augment or even replace traditional SIM card technology. In an increasingly globalised society, the need to connect to multiple networks or easily switch between different roaming plans is fast becoming a priority for many smartphone users.
First developed in 2012, eSIMs are an answer to the limitations of the now 30-year old SIM card technology. In essence, they are a microchip that can store multiple different SIM card profiles on a single device, negating the need to physically switch cards in and out when different services or network providers are required. This is often needed when travelling between countries or switching between private and work phone numbers, for example.
What then, are eSIMS? And should you be using one?
The term “eSIM” has been gaining rapid momentum in the last few years - you might have seen it while browsing for a new phone handset or in advertisements from telecom companies.
SIM cards (short for “Subscriber Identity Module”) have been an essential component of phones and other mobile devices since their launch in 1991. These small PVC cards provide the device with a unique identity, which in turn allows it to connect to a mobile network, send messages and make and receive phone calls.
Over the last few years, however, more and more providers have been looking to eSIMS to augment or even replace traditional SIM card technology. In an increasingly globalised society, the need to connect to multiple networks or easily switch between different roaming plans is fast becoming a priority for many smartphone users.
First developed in 2012, eSIMs are an answer to the limitations of the now 30-year old SIM card technology. In essence, they are a microchip that can store multiple different SIM card profiles on a single device, negating the need to physically switch cards in and out when different services or network providers are required. This is often needed when travelling between countries or switching between private and work phone numbers, for example.
What then, are eSIMS? And should you be using one?
How do eSIMs work?
Unlike traditional plastic SIM cards, eSIMs can be reprogrammed at any time - they consist of software that is downloaded to a ready-installed microchip on your mobile device (the “e” stands for “embedded”). They then provide a similar function to traditional SIM cards - they allow the device to connect to a mobile data network, send and receive calls and texts and browse the internet. The key to their appeal lies in their digital capabilities: the microchip can “store” multiple different eSIM profiles, data plans, and numbers, dispensing with the need to own multiple SIM cards for different regions and mobile service providers - certainly a relief for anyone who’s had to spend hours combing their house for a misplaced SIM card before.
Who are eSIMS for?
First developed in 2012, eSIMs were initially mostly used as a method of communication between internet-connected “smart” objects like watches, televisions and vacuum cleaners in the “Internet of Things” (IoT) field. It’s worth noting that their potential for use in consumer electronics, especially smartphones is a relatively recent development - but one that has rapidly gained traction. As of 2023, major phone manufacturers like Apple, Nokia and Samsung include eSIM hardware as standard on many of their new models. The first eSIM-enabled iPhones appeared in 2018, and this year, Apple dispensed with physical SIM cards altogether in the eSIM-only version of the iPhone 14. As public awareness of the technology and its potential grows, the possible uses and benefits of eSIMs are only continuing to rise.
Planning a trip away? Regular travellers, tourists and those with family overseas clearly stand to benefit from the new technology - the intricate process of switching between multiple physical SIMs, and keeping them safe, is replaced by an entirely digital process. With eSIMs, adding or removing a roaming plan or new number is as easy as scanning a QR code. The latest iPhone model even has the capability to store up to 8 different eSIMs simultaneously - a major testament to the telecommunication industry’s commitment to the new technology.
Of course, it’s not only individual customers who can benefit from an eSIM - organisations and companies, from small business to major corporations, are adopting eSIM usage wholesale. Why supply your employees with work phones, when you could simply download a new work number to their existing eSIMs? This instant functionality also allows businesses to program and reprogram multiple devices at once, again saving costs and time across the board.
Who are eSIMS for?
First developed in 2012, eSIMs were initially mostly used as a method of communication between internet-connected “smart” objects like watches, televisions and vacuum cleaners in the “Internet of Things” (IoT) field. It’s worth noting that their potential for use in consumer electronics, especially smartphones is a relatively recent development - but one that has rapidly gained traction. As of 2023, major phone manufacturers like Apple, Nokia and Samsung include eSIM hardware as standard on many of their new models. The first eSIM-enabled iPhones appeared in 2018, and this year, Apple dispensed with physical SIM cards altogether in the eSIM-only version of the iPhone 14. As public awareness of the technology and its potential grows, the possible uses and benefits of eSIMs are only continuing to rise.
Planning a trip away? Regular travellers, tourists and those with family overseas clearly stand to benefit from the new technology - the intricate process of switching between multiple physical SIMs, and keeping them safe, is replaced by an entirely digital process. With eSIMs, adding or removing a roaming plan or new number is as easy as scanning a QR code. The latest iPhone model even has the capability to store up to 8 different eSIMs simultaneously - a major testament to the telecommunication industry’s commitment to the new technology.
Of course, it’s not only individual customers who can benefit from an eSIM - organisations and companies, from small business to major corporations, are adopting eSIM usage wholesale. Why supply your employees with work phones, when you could simply download a new work number to their existing eSIMs? This instant functionality also allows businesses to program and reprogram multiple devices at once, again saving costs and time across the board.
Who are eSIMS for?
First developed in 2012, eSIMs were initially mostly used as a method of communication between internet-connected “smart” objects like watches, televisions and vacuum cleaners in the “Internet of Things” (IoT) field. It’s worth noting that their potential for use in consumer electronics, especially smartphones is a relatively recent development - but one that has rapidly gained traction. As of 2023, major phone manufacturers like Apple, Nokia and Samsung include eSIM hardware as standard on many of their new models. The first eSIM-enabled iPhones appeared in 2018, and this year, Apple dispensed with physical SIM cards altogether in the eSIM-only version of the iPhone 14. As public awareness of the technology and its potential grows, the possible uses and benefits of eSIMs are only continuing to rise.
Planning a trip away? Regular travellers, tourists and those with family overseas clearly stand to benefit from the new technology - the intricate process of switching between multiple physical SIMs, and keeping them safe, is replaced by an entirely digital process. With eSIMs, adding or removing a roaming plan or new number is as easy as scanning a QR code. The latest iPhone model even has the capability to store up to 8 different eSIMs simultaneously - a major testament to the telecommunication industry’s commitment to the new technology.
Of course, it’s not only individual customers who can benefit from an eSIM - organisations and companies, from small business to major corporations, are adopting eSIM usage wholesale. Why supply your employees with work phones, when you could simply download a new work number to their existing eSIMs? This instant functionality also allows businesses to program and reprogram multiple devices at once, again saving costs and time across the board.
How do I use an eSIM?
Anyone with a compatible device can use an eSIM. Nowadays, installing a new eSIM profile on your mobile device can be done in a matter of minutes. You can easily check whether your device is eSIM-enabled on the manufacturer’s website. As the chips themselves are already an integral part of eSIM-enabled devices’ hardware, all you need to do is download a new profile, which can be as straightforward as scanning a QR code or clicking on a link. For a guide to downloading and installing your BetterRoaming eSIM, check out the "How to Install your eSIM" page.
eSIMS and traditional SIMs
It’s not just functionality that has caused this market shift - while now considerably smaller than the credit-card sized SIMs of the early 90s, plastic SIM cards continue to take an environmental toll. Their relatively complex construction of PVC, silicon and even gold makes them unsuitable for home recycling, while their environmental impact only increases when you factor in the larger plastic card holder that new SIM cards are housed in.
While physical SIM cards are still a necessary component of smartphones, eSIMs negate the need for users to own multiple plastic SIM cards, drastically reducing the material usage of the mobile phone industry. Much like the banking industry’s gradual shift from physical plastic credit cards to digital card payments, eSIMs are seen as the logical next step in the product cycle. As the climate crisis accelerates, telecommunications brands are trying to achieve a greater level of sustainability, with eSIMs playing a key role.
As it stands, eSIMS are a seamless way to enhance connectivity for phone users everywhere. In most cases, they haven't directly replaced traditional SIM cards, but can work in tandem with them to provide a range of new uses and options. Already in widespread usage, the potential of eSIMs is still being explored.
eSIMS and traditional SIMs
It’s not just functionality that has caused this market shift - while now considerably smaller than the credit-card sized SIMs of the early 90s, plastic SIM cards continue to take an environmental toll. Their relatively complex construction of PVC, silicon and even gold makes them unsuitable for home recycling, while their environmental impact only increases when you factor in the larger plastic card holder that new SIM cards are housed in.
While physical SIM cards are still a necessary component of smartphones, eSIMs negate the need for users to own multiple plastic SIM cards, drastically reducing the material usage of the mobile phone industry. Much like the banking industry’s gradual shift from physical plastic credit cards to digital card payments, eSIMs are seen as the logical next step in the product cycle. As the climate crisis accelerates, telecommunications brands are trying to achieve a greater level of sustainability, with eSIMs playing a key role.
As it stands, eSIMS are a seamless way to enhance connectivity for phone users everywhere. In most cases, they haven't directly replaced traditional SIM cards, but can work in tandem with them to provide a range of new uses and options. Already in widespread usage, the potential of eSIMs is still being explored.
eSIMS and traditional SIMs
It’s not just functionality that has caused this market shift - while now considerably smaller than the credit-card sized SIMs of the early 90s, plastic SIM cards continue to take an environmental toll. Their relatively complex construction of PVC, silicon and even gold makes them unsuitable for home recycling, while their environmental impact only increases when you factor in the larger plastic card holder that new SIM cards are housed in.
While physical SIM cards are still a necessary component of smartphones, eSIMs negate the need for users to own multiple plastic SIM cards, drastically reducing the material usage of the mobile phone industry. Much like the banking industry’s gradual shift from physical plastic credit cards to digital card payments, eSIMs are seen as the logical next step in the product cycle. As the climate crisis accelerates, telecommunications brands are trying to achieve a greater level of sustainability, with eSIMs playing a key role.
As it stands, eSIMS are a seamless way to enhance connectivity for phone users everywhere. In most cases, they haven't directly replaced traditional SIM cards, but can work in tandem with them to provide a range of new uses and options. Already in widespread usage, the potential of eSIMs is still being explored.