eSIM: The Future of Cellular connectivity

We know SIM card very well, but do you know about eSIM? Are you familiar with the eSIM? There are some points about eSIM you need to know. Before describe the eSIM, we need have a brief introduction of SIM card.

What is an eSIM?

An embedded SIM, also called eSIM, cannot be removed and it is invisible. It’s a programmable SIM card that’s physically connected (soldered) to the motherboard. It does everything an external SIM card does, only you can’t physically remove it without breaking open the phone and unsoldering the chip.

The eSIM stands for electronic Subscriber Identity Module and aims to be the virtual equivalent of the physical SIM card. You can activate and subscribe to cellular services from more than one mobile operator without having to insert a new physical SIM in your particular device.

What is the advantage and disadvantage of eSIM compare with traditional SIM card?

At first, if you want to change a new ISP’s service, you have to change a new SIM card by removing the old SIM card. For instance, when traveling abroad using phones with removable SIM cards, you must swap to another carrier’s SIM card to keep mobile coverage. Likewise, if you wanted to switch local carriers but keep your phone, you’d discard the older carrier’s card and install the new ISP’s SIM card.

However, eSIM technology makes switching carriers much more easier. Instead of waiting for a new SIM card, you can make the switch right on your phone, as there are a few new settings devoted to your eSIM card that allow you to switch between lines and carriers and manage accounts. If you’re a dual-SIM user, eSIM technology supports multiple accounts — and switching between them is super easy.

Are there any disadvantages to eSIM?

There could be a disadvantage for consumers in terms of choice. If a phone is sold exclusively, it's possible that all handsets could come pre-loaded with a particular network rather than being open to all. 

Also, people can't easily switch phones with eSIM unless they contact their network.

Which device you can use an eSIM?

Infact you can use eSIM in many devices as long as the devices already supported eSIM. From cellphone to cellular router, from CPE to RTU, as well as other M2M&IoT devices.

Compare to the traditional physical SIM card, eSIM is not as popular as SIM card; but I think it will be widely used in future during the M2M&IoT world.

For more information, please visit E-Lins Technology!