One innovation that has made a big difference in how we connect to cellular networks in the ever-evolving world of mobile technology is the eSIM (Embedded SIM). As smartphones, tablets, wearables and other connected devices change to meet a host of evolving requirements, the need for connectivity solutions that are both flexible and reliable becomes ever more apparent. Now comes the eSIM, a discreet technology that changes how we use mobile networking and ensures an even more convenient, practical and seamless user experience for both individuals on the move and business users in particular. What is an eSIM and how does it work? Let’s dive into the details.
What is an eSIM?
The way in which an eSIM works, is that it is a virtual SIM card, now the obvious difference here is that you will not be inserting a piece of plastic anywhere on to your device. Whereas the regular SIM card is often a tiny chip you place in your phone, an eSIM is soldered onto a device's hardware. This reduces the need to swap SIM cards each time users want to change carriers or move up to a new device. The eSIM is programmable which allows it to be remotely activated, deactivated or reprogrammed OTA (Over The Air) by the operator of MVNO.
The eSIM technology itself is not new, but since a couple of years it has become quite popular in consumer devices like smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Both major carriers and device manufacturers (e.g. Apple, Google, Samsung) have adopted eSIM technology, with it becoming a key feature in the latest premium devices -not limited to only phones but wearables as well-.
How Does an eSIM Work?
At a high level, an eSIM functions the same as SIM: it stores profile information and applies it to the radios people care about. A SIM card stores data that is necessary for a stable connection to an operator's network – your phone number, carrier-related information and security keys; eSIM works similar to a regular chip but packs info in a digital format. Here is a step by step guide of how an eSIM works :
Activation of the eSIM
The beauty of setting up a device that has eSIM is that you need not to insert any physical SIM card. Now, you just need to get a carrier profile for the eSIM downloaded onto your device. You can do this via a QR code from your carrier, with the use of a carrier app or you can enter some activation code. After the carrier profile downloads, your eSIM is ready to use and connected to the mobile network.
The eSIM does away with that by letting one device store multiple carrier profiles, compared to the physical swapping we traditionally need to do to switch carriers or plans. It's why you can switch between carriers so long as they belong to the same parent company, which is especially useful while traveling abroad or when needing a line for work without mixing it in with your personal life.
Remote Management
One of the most important advantages of the eSIM card is that it allows the card to be managed remotely. It simply allows for updates and changes to the network profile wirelessly if necessary unlike the physical card that needs to be swapped. This allows you to swap carriers or plans over the air without having to physically go into a store or have a new SIM card sent to your house Software-based carrier profiles can be added, updated or removed through over-the-air (OTA) update processes or by running specific carrier packaged installs.
This includes activating a local carrier's plan when traveling abroad, instead of needing to purchase an eSIM card at the airport or some other store. Both improve the profiles of features that should appeal to customers on every level of interest in a mobile service.
Storage of Multiple Profiles
The only other thing that is unique in eSIM technology is that multiple profiles can be stored at once. These profiles are typically deployed on an eSIM, allowing one device to contain multiple phone numbers or alternatively, the ability for a phone number to be shared with other carrier service providers (a model being heavily promoted by eSIM solutions architects). This could be using one for personal and another for business, or one carrier in your home country and become an international traveler.
Although only one user can be logged in at a time, switching between profiles is simple and can be completed through the setting on the device. This is in stark contrast to traditional SIM cards, which are only tied up with a single network at any given time.
Smaller and More Efficient Design
he eSIM is built in the device, so there are no any physical SIM card slots available. This saves space and allows for smaller, more compact device designs. This frees up more space for other parts, e.g. bigger batteries, better cams or more sensors for manufacturers. Indeed, this kind of setup means that wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers can be designed in a more compact and seamless way because they don't have to make room for a physical SIM slot.
This might also mean fewer headaches for consumers who now likely find fumbling with or losing a SIM card to be banal. Since the eSIM becomes a part of the phone, you will also never have to carry around or swap out SIM cards.
Advantages of eSIM Technology
Benefits of using an eSIM that improve user experience and device design;
Convenience and Flexibility
The biggest benefit of using eSIM technology is that it makes life easier and convenient. Physical SIM card swapping is now a thing of the past when traveling to different countries and carriers. This means that eSIM allows you can provision new network profiles in a cloud-based manner and switch between them easily directly via the device settings. It is especially good for those who travel a lot, digital nomads or just need more than one phone number on a single device.
Better Design and Space Efficiency
As the eSIM is built into the device, it enables manufacturers to create thinner, more elegant devices without needing to feature a physical SIM slot. This free space is then used to either include other features or reducing the overall thickness of the device, aiding towards a more suave and minimalistic design.
Security and Durability
The eSIM is more secure than the traditional SIM card because it is soldered directly to the motherboard of a device which makes more difficult its removal or tampering. Moreover, due to the better protection against wear and damage from bending or cracking, longer life may also be possible for eICCs.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Choosing to use eSIM technology means fewer physical SIM cards are made and sent around the world, which does potentially have a knock-on environmental plus point: less waste. In also helps, quite a bit too, in terms of carbon-footprint when you debacle the distribution (and equally waste) of traditional SIM card with back-page adhesion.
Limitations of eSIM Technology
While eSIM technology comes with several perks, there are some cons as well:
Carrier Compatibility
Unfortunately not all carriers currently support eSIM, which restricts its appeal for many users. Rapid Growth but New TerritoriesCarriers around the world are increasingly adopting eSIM technology, however new territories are still embracing this technology. Make sure to verify whether your carrier supports eSIMs before you commit!
Device Compatibility
Although most high-end smartphone, smartwatches, and tablets now do support eSIM but some of the older models or budget devices are missing this. You should know before you do anything if your device supports eSIM technology.
Complexity for Some Users
The eSIM profile setup and maintenance process may appear to be complex, especially to those users who are not well versed with the digital technology But, with more widespread eSIM adoption and easier-to-follow directions from carriers and phone makers, this will likely become less of a problem.
Conclusion
The eSIM (embedded SIM) is a technology that has turned the way we connect to our mobile network on its head. The technology is offering ease of use, unprecedented customization, and remote management by eliminating physical SIMs from the equation completely – locking down mobile connectivity better than ever. If carried forward, we could expect device-level support for RCS as the technology and adoption of it continues to bloom among carriers and device manufacturers which in return will enable a more connected world.
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