Game-changer: How is eSIM better than SIM?

MANILA, Philippines — Another revolution comes with the embedded SIM (subscriber identity module) or eSIM, which is expected to a game-changer for service providers and mobile phone users.

But what is its difference with the regular detachable SIM card and how could it possibly improve connectivity for its users?

Traditionally, a person must buy a SIM card after buying a new mobile phone to connect to a cellular provider and access voice calls, text messages and internet services.

The eSIM is just the same — except it’s embedded in a phone, hence the “e,” making it compatible with major carriers across the globe.

A better analogy would be the transition from CDs and DVDs to services like Spotify, Netflix and the like.

“When we talk about eSIM as a phenomenon, the best analogy that I could use is what happened to the physical film, and what happened to the physical CD and cassette and the VHS for video, and any kind of example of physical media that has become digital,” said Amdocs marketing manager Hillel Geiger during a recent analysts’ day.

“And now actually we have this SIM card which is currently in each of our phones, but there’s no reason where it should be a detached physical element that is [manually] embedded to the machines,” he added.

According to Geiger, an eSIM would allow users to download multiple digital profiles directly onto their device, giving them the freedom and flexibility to switch service providers with ease.

“The standardization and having one main hub for connectivity makes a lot of sense and this is one of the things we’ve realized when we started to work on eSIM,” he said.

Geiger said the eSIM could also open up opportunities for service providers as demand for mobile and wireless connections would skyrocket with the advent of smart devices being released in the market.

/atm

Initially published on September 5, 2019. Updated on August 19, 2023.