Innovations in Telecommunication: The eSIM

Dear Reader,

Did you know that SIM stands for “Subscriber Identity Module”? Well, I didn’t know until now. So, that makes the two of us. A SIM card is a piece of hardware which contains data that authenticates us with our mobile operator and enables us connect to a network and receive mobile connection.

Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) also called embedded Universal Circuit Card (eUCC) is a technology that has made it easier to switch between networks or personal and business numbers.

Let me explain…

Basically, an eSIM is an electronic SIM card, different from the regular SIM card you use in your devices. This embedded technology cannot be removed and swapped because, as the name implies, it is integrated into the smartphone. What really gets me tripping is the size of the eSIM, just a fraction of a nano SIM. This is why it fits into ultra-compact gadgets like the Apple watches which cannot house a normal sim.

Benefits

eSIMs make it easier for you to choose a prepaid plan provider or change operator in your phone’s settings. You don’t need to buy a new SIM card; how convenient!
The information on the eSIM can be rewritable by operators and the identification information can be updated over time to enable a change in operator,
eSIMs eliminate the need for a SIM card slot. That’s right, it is time to say goodbye to the purchase of SIM cards and the need to keep changing SIMs. Invariably, it will help make devices smaller,
With the rise of 5G networks, there will be big changes in mobile and internet connectivity. The eSIM will maximize 5G’s processing power with speed and unparalleled connectivity,
This technology incorporates “Internet of Things” sensors to enable better user experience and service leveraging. So for travelers, this is good news. You can easily switch to a local network abroad where roaming charges are rather exorbitant,
Traditional SIM cards can accommodate data storage of 8KB to 256KB and your device can save about 250 contacts. The eSIM increases the number of device connections by saving data in cloud,
eSIM provides customers with better user experience to give customers more freedom of choice. Customers will know they are securely connected to a lot of mobile networks and,
The mobile operators can gain new business opportunities from connected services and devices which will reduce the logistics costs associated with handling traditional SIM cards.

How it Works

All the subscriber needs to do is

Go to settings and click “Cellular”
Scan a Quick Response code generated by the operator or manually enter the Subscription Manager Data Preparation (SM-DP) server address. The subscriber profiles are generated and the Local Profile Assistant (LPA) on the device requests the relevant profile and loads it on the microchip.
Click “Add Cellular Plan”
Click “Ok” once the pop-up message appears.

HEY! In case you didn’t know, QR code is a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone.

Latest technologies

Wearable devices such as the Apple Watch Series 3, Google Pixel 2, Samsung Gear S2 and S3 are eSIM-enabled. Devices like the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max all make use of eSIMs. The sims are currently available in Australia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Singapore, UAE, Kuwait, India, Spain, Hong Kong, the UK and the USA.

It may be awhile before the full potential of eSIM is realized but it is arguably most useful when you’re traveling. It would be nice to see network carriers around the globe adopt the technology in more countries. It is an exciting innovation and we hope to see more of it.