Easy to Activate

One of the biggest advantages of eSIM for consumers comes right at the point of activation. eSIMs, compared to physical SIMs, are much easier to activate. This is due to the fact physical SIMs, in certain models, need ejector pins to even open the SIM slot. Once opened you also need to be careful inserting the SIM, by inserting the card incorrectly you risk damaging both the card and the device. By having a SIM card already embedded within the device you remove this risk. Devices can then easily be activated by customers when they are ready.

With eSIMs able to store upwards of 3 network profiles on the same SIM, consumers no longer have to physically remove the SIM card and add a new different card to add multiple providers to their phones, it can be done in just a few clicks. This presents many opportunities for consumers. 

Consumers don’t need to worry about network outages or black spots. For example, a commuter might have an excellent signal at their office with one provider but poor coverage at home. By using eSIM technology they can easily switch to another provider with better network coverage when they are at home and still enjoy the same coverage, with another provider,  in their office.  Working people can also take advantage of eSIM to have multiple numbers on the same device. This means they can have their work number and personal number on one device, eliminating the need to carry multiple devices.

Better for Traveling

It's not only domestic travellers that will benefit from eSIM, international travellers will be more than keen to take advantage of eSIM technology. In the past international travellers were shoehorned into switching to a domestic network provider, of their operators' choosing, upon touching down at their destination. The only way around this would be to insert a new SIM card from a different provider into their device, something many travellers would find inconvenient. Being forced to use a single provider meant travellers had no choice but to pay the roaming fees that the provider charged, often these were extremely high. eSIM technology puts the power back into the consumer's hand. With eSIM, travellers can simply download a SIM from a local provider of their choice, selecting a package that will suit their needs for the time they are in that country. They can then use their device as they normally would, safe in the knowledge they won't be charged extortionate roaming fees. Once their travels are over they can simply switch back to their domestic provider, deleting the SIM they used abroad. 

Saved Space, Extra Features and Safer Devices

Another advantage of eSIM is that by removing the physical SIM tray manufacturers can use the space saved to add additional features to the device. One example of this, expected to be deployed in future models, is to use the free space to install a larger battery, extending the battery life of a device. The removal of the SIM tray also creates fewer ingress points on a device. This in turn means there are fewer points of access for water or dust to get into a device and destroy them.

Devices are also safer from a security point of view. With a physical SIM card, if a device is stolen, the SIM can be removed and replaced making it harder to track the device and easier for the thief to sell-on the device. With eSIM however, the SIM cant be removed, making it much easier to track a stolen device and much harder for a potential thief to resell the device.

Better for The Planet

A final advantage of eSIM technology many consumers will be excited to capitalise on is the argument that eSIMs are better for the planet.  Physical SIMs consist of a small plastic card, often supplied in a bigger plastic card, from which they are "popped" out of. The bigger plastic card is then thrown away, as is a used or damaged SIM card. Despite the seemingly small amount of plastic a SIM card used the environmental effect can be massive.  According to the Trusted Connectivity Alliance In 2021 physical SIM card production and shipment amounted to over 560,000 tons of CO2 emissions and 18,000 tons of plastic. eSIM technology however helps to greatly reduce the environmental impact. By having the SIM already embedded within a device the transportation and logistical footprint of SIM management is nearly non-existent. An eSIM also uses less plastic and completely removes the plastic packaging of a physical SIM, It also doesn’t need to be removed and thrown away when upgrading or changing networks meaning the amount of plastic thrown away within the SIM lifecycle is cut dramatically. Environmentally conscious consumers will be more than keen to take advantage of these environmental factors.

To find out more about Oasis Smart SIM's eSIM technology and partnerships, get in touch with a member of our team now.

About Oasis Smart SIM

Established in 2011, Oasis Smart SIM is a France and Singapore-based company simplifying Telcos, Service Providers and OEMs’ adoption of eSIM by providing a range of GSMA-certified eSIM infrastructures, platforms and services designed to simplify technology. Oasis Smart SIM is now a member of the GSMA and TCA (Trusted Connectivity Alliance), ranked by Counterpoint Research as the 6th Global eSIM Management Solution Provider in 2022.
Oasis Smart SIM is a subsidiary of Tata Communications Limited, a digital ecosystem enabler powering today’s fast-growing digital economy.