With the wide adoption of eSIM technology, the dreaded SIM swapping phenomena is finally coming to an end. The term “eSIM” simply stands for an embedded SIM card or chip which requires no physical swapping. This tiny embedded chip works in a similar fashion to the NFC chip that is widely used for Apple Pay and Google Pay. For this chip to function, it must be supported by your network carrier, however, not all networks support the eSIM at this point. According to the GSMA eSIM Report of June 2020, at least 158 mobile service providers spanning across more than 60 countries have joined the eSIM bandwagon for smartphones.
By offering interoperability and ease of access, the evolution of eSIM technology is specifically geared towards the progression of IoT devices. The eSIM offers a plethora of benefits for consumers and is a sure-shot game-changer in the world of mobile technology. Let us peek inside its main benefits in the next section.
Benefits of eSIM
The eSIMs are gaining a lot of momentum and popularity these days. However, many users looking to buy an eSIM enabled device might be torn between its benefits and the slightly higher costs of these embedded chips compared to the traditional ones. Following are some outstanding benefits of eSIMs that might throttle you into buying an eSIM enabled device!
Resilient and Robust
The eSIMs are both water and temperature resistant as they are soldered and sealed inside the host device. This makes these tamper-proof SIMs ideal for bumpy rides and extreme weather conditions. Not to mention that they can also resist damages during accidental falls.
Easier to Switch Networks or Devices
Switching to a different cell phone network is now easier than ever with the eSIM. Only a phone call to the carrier or an online request is all that is required to make the switch. There is no need to order a new SIM, wait for it to arrive, and then painstakingly install it inside your phone. It is also quite easy to securely install multiple phone carriers’ profiles and then provision it over to an eSIM by following the SIM Provisioning specifications provided by the mobile trade body famously known as the GSMA. In a survey presented by Telefonica at the World eSIM Summit, 60% of participants voiced their preference for effortless device activation. This is quite feasible when it comes to eSIM as consumers can sign up for multiple device activation at the time of purchasing eSIM installed devices such as a tablet, smartphone, or a wearable device.
Dual SIM Capability
The eSIM offers the flexibility of having a dual-SIM capability. This allows you to keep two different phone numbers connected to one device. This is very helpful in situations where you want to use one number for personal use and want to keep the other for business. The only difference is, with the eSIM, you do not have to carry two phones everywhere! You also have the option to receive calls and texts on both numbers and you can choose to select whichever SIM you want to use for responding to messages or calls.
Compact Profile
According to Jean-Christophe Tisseuil, Head of SIM Technology at the GSMA, “the space saved by embedding a SIM can be as much as 90% on a physical card.”
The eSIMs are quite compact compared to the traditional SIMs and due to this reason, they can be easily embedded inside smaller devices like smartwatches, rings, and even wristbands. This also opens the possibility for cell phone manufacturers to investigate developing smaller sized handsets. The Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 4 already have embedded eSIMs, as do Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S3 smartwatches.
Secure and Encrypted
Even though eSIM is not considered a software but sending your profiles over the air could pose threats. To mitigate security risks, the GSMA has worked diligently with MNOs and many other stakeholders to ensure encrypted credentials and secure transportation of data over these eSIMs.
No More SIM Swapping
Popping stubborn SIM cards out of your cell phone with needles or SIM ejector tools is no easy feat. The main premise behind an eSIM is the fact that you can buy SIM data in the form of profiles directly from the internet instead of having to buy new SIMs and replacing them painstakingly after switching providers.
A Path to the Future
The newest 5G wireless technology is the door to the future with its extremely high peak data speeds and availability rates. The eSIM will also be an important part of the 5G standard and devices with the 5G capability will rely on the power of eSIM to manage their connections in the future.
Now that we know the benefits of eSIMs, it is time to discuss remote SIM provisioning and how Exium’s automatic eSIM activation platform is helping its customers.
What is Remote SIM Provisioning?
An eSIM specification realized by GSMA, remote SIM provisioning allows consumers to remotely change or activate the SIM profiles integrated into devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablet computers, and fitness bands. Currently, two major provisioning specifications known as M2M Solution and Consumer Solution are available to offer a logistic process for device distribution and provisioning.
Exium’s Automatic eSIM Activation
Beginning in 2016, many eSIM capable IoT devices were launched into the market. The eSIM brings tons of benefits to consumers, but the fact that it is soldered inside the device hardware does raise some eyebrows. Consumers want to be assured that remote mobile connectivity to an offline eSIM-enabled device can be provided with a seamless end-user experience. Fortunately, Exium stands up to this challenge as well. The company’s automatic eSIM activation platform can onboard users and devices within minutes by leveraging their cutting-edge cloud-based eSIM provisioning and activation technology. The optimization of the user experience is at the core of Exium’s services and the company is working diligently to provide a seamless remote eSIM activation platform to address the growing need for inter-connectivity of mobile and IoT devices.