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How eSIM cards are changing the mobile experience
Plastic SIM cards are steadily being phased out in favour of eSIMs which are supported by most major mobile network operators and now even banks.
An eSIM, by contrast, is a small chip in your handset that you can’t remove. Picture: iStock
The trusty Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, has always been an integral part of owning a mobile phone, but that is slowly changing with the embedded SIM (eSIM)
A report from Juniper Research suggests that the global number of travel eSIM users will grow from 40 million in 2024 to over 215 million by 2028.
While the increase in the number of international travellers and growing awareness of travel eSIMs are big contributors to this growth, other reasons for the spiking trend are cost and comfort.
Plastic cards
But these plastic cards are steadily being phased out in favour eSIM cards, which are supported by most major mobile network operators and now even banks.
First National Bank (FNB) has joined the likes of Melon Mobile, Vodacom, C-Connect and TCL among others.
The eSIM is expected to further enhance the digital experience by speeding up the time between sign-up and activation, as it will take less than three minutes to connect to a mobile network with no additional time needed for the delivery of a physical SIM card.
ALSO READ: Melon Mobile makes eSim connectivity a breeze
SIM versus eSIM
A SIM card is a small plastic smart card that plugs into your mobile phone. It authenticates you to the mobile network, allowing you to make calls, send and receive SMSs, and use data. It stores information such as user identity, location and phone number, network authorisation data, personal security keys, contact lists and stored text messages.
An eSIM, by contrast, is a small chip in your handset that you can’t remove. eSIMs are based on a global standard that ensures they work uniformly across all smartphones and mobile networks. eSIMs are found in most modern smartphones, especially flagship models. For now, they usually coexist with a slot for a traditional SIM card.
Benefits of eSIMS
Switching networks more easily
You no longer need to get a physical SIM to change mobile networks. Your mobile network operator can onboard you remotely. Instead of going to a store or waiting for a SIM card delivery, you can complete the entire process online, including Financial Intelligence Centre Act (Fica) compliance.
This makes it incredibly convenient to change service providers or plans on the go.
Effortless travel connectivity
eSIMs make it simple to connect while travelling. You can easily switch to a local network when you arrive in a new country. You can enjoy local rates for data and calls without finding a SIM card vendor or worrying about losing a plastic SIM card.
Some travel-focused eSIM providers offer prepaid global plans, eliminating the need for multiple SIM cards.
Before travelling, research eSIM providers that offer global or regional plans. These can often be activated instantly via an app or QR code, ensuring you have connectivity as soon as you land.
Multiple numbers on one phone
An eSIM allows you to maintain multiple profiles on your device and you can usually have two numbers active at once. This allows you to have different numbers for work and personal life, which is great for tracking and claiming expenses.
You can also switch to a lower-cost network for specific purposes without needing two devices or a dual-SIM phone.
More space
In the longer term, eSIMs promise to eliminate the need for physical space on your device for a SIM card and its tray. Smartphone manufacturers could use this space to increase battery size, improve camera modules, enhance other hardware components, or just make the phone a bit more compact.
No risks
A SIM card can be broken during insertion or removal. It’s easy to lose a SIM card because it’s so small. Also, traditional SIM cards can be physically swapped if a criminal gets hold of your phone or persuades your network to issue a new SIM card in your name—in turn, allowing them to gain access to OTPs for online banking and other services. An eSIM isn’t vulnerable to these issues.
Disadvantages
Some mobile phones are network-locked, meaning they will only work with the mobile operator that you have signed up with.
If a phone is locked to a specific mobile carrier, it can only connect to that network. To use an eSIM on a locked phone, you’ll need to contact your carrier and request an unlock.
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