An eSIM works similarly to the traditional physical SIM you insert into your smartphone’s SIM card slot. However, it’s a chip built onto a smartphone’s motherboard, ensuring it’s damage and tamper-proof. It can store a network carrier’s profile and connect your device to a local mobile network.
What makes an eSIM better than a physical SIM is its ability to store multiple carrier profiles, giving you the flexibility to connect to various mobile networks. That means you can switch between carrier profiles without needing to insert a new SIM.
This article will explore how eSIM is changing how we connect to new mobile networks abroad without requiring a new SIM card.
The shift from physical SIM to remote-profile provisioning technology
Smartphone manufacturers now make devices with an eSIM to accommodate Dual SIM functionality. You can keep your physical SIM for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data. This is particularly useful for visiting a new destination.
However, you want to find an eSIM provider that offers mobile data connectivity in your destination country.
Holafly eSIM
Holafly eSIM has a pre-arranged partnership with mobile network providers in 200 countries. It allows you to use data to connect with friends while exploring the world. Holafly eSIM has the following features:
- Unlimited data: Holafly eSIM offers plans with unlimited data in Spain and over 100 other destination countries, ensuring your travel apps have the power to guide you in your exploration. However, the plans have a fair usage policy, which reduces your internet speed after depleting the allocated threshold.
- Reliable connection: Partnering with mobile network operators like Movistar in Spain ensures your Holafly eSIM connects you to a strong network for browsing and connecting with friends.
- Flexible plans: You can also purchase a Holafly eSIM data-only plan lasting up to 90 days to stay connected for the duration of your stay in a country.
Eliminating international roaming hassles with global eSIM plans
A smartphone with an eSIM is an essential device for exploring the globe. Its eSIM bypasses the physical SIM to connect you to a local mobile network in another country. Without an eSIM profile on your smartphone, your traditional physical SIM will roam to connect to available mobile networks.
However, home carriers charge expensive roaming fees to allow your physical SIM to connect to foreign network infrastructure. The premium rates your home carrier charges to connect your device to a network can be as high as $50/day.
An eSIM offers a solution by allowing you to download a local carrier profile, thereby bypassing the expensive roaming charges. Every country has a carrier that offers eSIM plans. Your eSIM-compatible smartphone will help you take advantage of the local rates.
eSIM eliminates roaming charges in the following ways:
- Multi-carrier profile support: It allows you to install profiles of mobile network operators in your destination country so that your physical SIM doesn’t need to roam for a cellular network.
- Instant carrier selection: You can also switch between eSIM carrier profiles as the need arises without requiring a physical SIM.
- Connection reliability: Toggling an eSIM profile on/off is more convenient than having to insert a new SIM card altogether.
Multi-device convenience: one plan across phone, tablets, wearables
Another benefit of an eSIM is noticeable in how it allows multiple devices, like smartphones, tablets, and wearables, to connect to a mobile network. As a result, all connected devices will connect to the internet, allowing them to be useful for communication.
- One eSIM plan supports multiple devices: An eSIM provider like Holafly has a mobile hotspot feature to share its plan with all devices with Wi-Fi connectivity. However, you can only share up to 500 MB per day.
- Multi-device management: What’s more, you can control data allocation to your essential devices via an eSIM software, giving you control of every device.
- Easy eSIM installation: You can install an eSIM profile on multiple devices by scanning a QR code sent via email after successfully purchasing a plan. The mobile data then allows you to explore how DeepSeek is the AI bubble buster and other exciting topics.
How eSIM enhances security: encrypted profiles and remote locking
Aside from connecting your smartphone to a local network in another country, eSIM also provides better security compared to a physical SIM.
- Secure subscriber profile: An eSIM is embedded in your smartphone’s motherboard, making it practically impossible to lose. Since it contains your information, it offers more security to ensure only your service provider accesses your user data.
- Remote management: You can also request your carrier to lock or deactivate an eSIM plan if you lose your smartphone. This remote management prevents authorized use of your eSIM.
- No SIM swaps: Being hardwired into a device’s motherboard means you can’t replace it. Therefore, eSIM offers excellent protection against SIM fraud and swaps.
- No SIM theft: Also, you can’t lose your SIM to theft since the eSIM is part of your device circuit board. Set a secure passcode to protect your eSIM from unauthorized use.
What developers and tech buyers should know about industry adoption
eSIM isn’t only available in high-end smartphone models anymore. Even affordable options now have it in their motherboards. This shows that eSIM adoption is soon expanding, and maybe physical SIM cards will be the past in mobile network connectivity.
- Mobile operators now offer eSIMs: Every major mobile network operator in the world offers eSIM services for tourists and travelers. This means you don’t need to buy a new physical SIM to stay connected abroad. Therefore, manufacturers must make smartphones with eSIMs.
- Smartphones must use eUICC components: For a smartphone to support eSIM, it must use eUICC components approved by GSMA. Developers must rely on the standard components to make phones that users will find useful anywhere.
- eSIM offers remote provisioning: Unlike a physical SIM, an eSIM gives you remote control over its plans. You can activate it anywhere by scanning a QR code. Even better, you can ask your carrier to deactivate your plan if you’ve lost your device.
eSIM is becoming the new way to connect to mobile networks in any country. It offers the benefit of eliminating expensive roaming charges while providing better user data security. Consider installing an eSIM profile for your trip abroad.
