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Wireless Communications: Everything to Know About eSIM

Most people nowadays check their mobile phone over 400 times per day. What used to be a luxury is now a necessity because it's a handheld way of getting in touch with everything, such as the Internet, our loved ones, our bank, and other needs. However, a phone is almost useless without a subscriber identity module (SIM) card that keeps it connected to wireless services. Similarly, it has also been subjected to recent innovations, which come in the form of the eSIM.

An eSIM is essentially the same as a SIM card, but the E stands for 'embedded'. This means that the SIM card can be embedded into the device, eliminating the need for the card itself. In essence, it's like a virtual SIM card that allows you to use almost any network, as long as you have the credentials and an active plan. eSIM is still in its early stages, so people have some misconceptions about this new wireless technology. For this reason, we'll go into detail about the subject in this article.

How eSIM Technology Works

Aside from the details mentioned above, in simple terms eSIM technology allows users to activate wireless plans using digital ways like QR or activation codes. It doesn't utilize traditional physical card to communicate with mobile networks. Instead, it tries to integrate the network with the device to display all the available services directly on the phone without needing a physical SIM card.

Today, most mobile devices have multiple features and applications installed on them. Such features like the eSIM are growing to become a default feature of recent phones, exactly like Bluetooth. So an eSIM is secure element within the device allowing the user to securely use a QR code or activation code to activate new wireless plan(s). It allows the user to choose and activate services from multiple networks instead of being forced to use the only network specified by SIM card. So effectively the device need to be eSIM enabled for the user to benefit from eSIM powerful features.

Benefits of an eSIM

If you use an eSIM, you'll reap many of its benefits including the following:

Eliminates the Need for Additional SIM Cards

An eSIM can provide you with all the services you need, including the option to connect to multiple networks. With this technology, you no longer need to carry multiple SIM cards around with you, as long as you have an eSIM in your device.

This technology also allows you to choose your preferred phone services. You no longer have to be confined to a specific provider or brand. In this case, you can choose the services that you think will best fit your needs whether for travel, personal, or business use.

Stay Connected Wherever You Go

Another advantage of an eSIM is that it allows you to stay connected globally. Most of the time, we go to places where internet access is limited or not available at all. In those cases, we are forced to use the mobile network of another country to stay connected and go through the hassle of getting a local SIM card.

On the other hand, an eSIM doesn't need a SIM card to activate the service, so you can connect to any network you want.

Eliminates the Need for Roaming

When you travel abroad, roaming is necessary because it allows you to connect to your home network. Through roaming, you can stay connected to your loved ones and have access to the services you have come to rely on. However, roaming is very expensive and most users cannot afford to keep it on during their travel. So if you have an eSIM, you can choose an affordable service for your destination instead of being forced to use your home network roaming.

Increased Level of Data Security

If you use multiple SIM cards, you may experience a potential security risk. Hackers can swap and clone your SIM card, and potentially steal your identity to access your bank account or other critical information!

An eSIM eliminates this SIM swap fraud risk, as it is built into the device and cannot be swapped.

Possible Challenges

While it's a highly effective communication solution, an eSIM isn't without its faults. These include:

Limited Number of eSIM Service Providers

The number of eSIM service providers is limited, especially in the US. Although it is growing, it's still constrained. In Europe and the UK, the number of providers is growing faster, so it might take a while before the technology becomes more common in the US.

High Cost

Due to the limited number of providers, the technology is also limited in price. Since the corporations are handling the technology, there is a significant impact on the price. The cost of an eSIM is higher than buying a physical SIM card, but it saves your time and commute as it can be activated online.

Device Compatibility Issues

When using an eSIM, you need a device that supports it. Since the technology isn't very prevalent yet, you may have to upgrade your device to use the service. For example, Apple has been known for supporting this new technology fast enough, making it now available in over 1.2 billion devices. But many Android devices are still catching up.

Is It for You?

An eSIM is still new technology, which may not be a perfect fit for everyone. If you're curious about it and want to experience its benefits, it's best to give it a shot, especially if you already have a compatible device.

Final Note

In today's world, we are continuously searching for ways to stay connected. An eSIM can provide us with a wide range of options, which will make it easier for us to stay connected. It also eliminates the need for carrying multiple SIM cards around with us. Most importantly eSIM will give you the power to pick the best service that best fits your need.

If you’re looking for a cellular data API for your company, CELITECH is the one for you. We provide comprehensive cellular data solutions for businesses through an award-winning eSIM API, which removes the hassle and costs of global wireless services. Contact us today to request a live demo.

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