What would a frequent traveler do after landing at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman? After picking up their luggage from the baggage carousel, they would probably approach a money exchange counter to get some local currency. If they did not arrange for hotel pickup beforehand, they might research their transportation options: taxi, bus, train, or car rental.
Almost certainly, they would make their way to a mobile network operator kiosk. Most people would get an Orange SIM card in Jordan they can use for mobile calling, texting and accessing the internet.
However, with the advent of eSIM or the embedded subscriber identity module, the process has changed somewhat.
While people may still approach the Orange counter when they land at the Queen Alia International Airport, they probably do so not to get a physical SIM card but to get a scannable QR code to use in activating an Orange network profile on their eSIM-capable device.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM or embedded SIM is a chip similar to the chip found on a traditional SIM card but directly installed on the device. In contrast, a conventional SIM occupies a physical SIM card slot.
The eSIM has a more advanced variant: iSIM or integrated SIM. Unlike the regular eSIM, which entails a separate SIM chip soldered on the device’s circuit board, an iSIM is wholly integrated into the device’s system on chip (SoC).
eSIM (also iSIM) eliminates the need for a physical SIM card slot. With an active Wi-Fi internet connection, you can scan a QR code provided by your network operator. This connects you to the network carrier’s cloud eSIM management server and guides you in downloading and installing the operator profile onto your embedded SIM.
After you have activated said profile, your device will connect to your chosen network. You can finally use its calling, text messaging and mobile internet services according to the terms of your service plan.
The Advantages of eSIM Over the Traditional SIM
eSIM has many advantages over the traditional SIM card.
1. Effortless Network Switching
One eSIM can store multiple SIM profiles. Typically, that’s eight to ten, but it could be more, depending on the device eSIM chip. Every profile can be for a different mobile network operator, so you can have multiple carriers on a single eSIM.
That’s like having ten SIM cards inserted and ready in your phone. Of course, you can’t use all profiles simultaneously. You have to switch to a profile before you can use it.
Generally, only one number can be active at the same time for most devices. There’s a workaround; you can get dual SIM functionality by using a physical SIM card and an eSIM in one device. However, this doesn’t seem to be a problem with the latest smartphones. On its website, Apple says you can use two phone numbers simultaneously on an eSIM-capable iPhone.
In any case, having multiple numbers and operators ready and available is a great convenience. You can easily switch from operator to operator as required, say, depending on network signal strength.
2. Convenient Remote Provisioning
Remote provisioning is a key advantage of eSIM over traditional SIM. With an internet connection, your eSIM can obtain a profile from any network operator that offers eSIM support on the fly. There’s no need to visit a network operator branch to get a SIM card just so you can use that operator’s services.
3. Less Physical Wear and Tear
As eSIMs are embedded in the device, they are minimally exposed to the elements and, thus, less susceptible to damage.
4. Better for the Environment
eSIMs don’t come with small plastic card holders or metal chips. It reduces the waste that comes from producing, packaging and discarding traditional SIM cards.
5. Space-Saving Design
With no need for a physical SIM card slot, eSIM devices have more room for additional features and improved designs.
6. Simpler Device Management
For businesses with many devices, eSIMs make management easier. Instead of tracking physical cards, asset managers can track and manage company SIM accounts digitally.
The Benefits of eSIM for Travelers
eSIM has many advantages over traditional SIM, but it offers specific benefits to travelers.
1. Travel Made Easy
Traveling abroad? With an eSIM, there’s no need to rush to a local store for a new SIM card. You can find a local operator and get a corresponding SIM profile immediately upon arrival at your destination
eSIM remote provisioning capability means network coverage wherever you are. If the operator whose profile you have on your phone does not provide good service in your location, you can search for another operator and activate its service instead.
2. More Affordable Than International Roaming
When traveling overseas, you know you have the option to activate your carrier’s international roaming services. This ensures that you won’t lose your network coverage or service even though you’re abroad.
It also doesn’t require you to change your mobile number, a benefit frequent travelers surely appreciate, as they can get important messages and calls wherever they happen to be.
However, you must typically pay a premium for a carrier’s roaming service.
eSIM offers greater value than roaming. With an eSIM device, you can go anywhere in the world and simply download a SIM profile for whichever local carrier offers eSIM support. This allows you to ‘roam’ the globe freely, so to speak, while enjoying local calling, texting and internet data rates.
As long as you have an eSIM device and there’s a mobile network provider that offers eSIM service at your destination, you will have telecommunications service.
3. Short-Term Plans
eSIM gives you the freedom to connect to pay-as-you-go services. There’s no need for a service contract; you can get a plan that lasts for seven, ten or however long you need. This is a definite advantage, especially for those who like staying only for a few days in one place before flying off to another destination.
Travel the World, Switch to eSIM
If you’re one of those persons who live life by a compass, not a clock, consider switching to eSIM.
Having one will ensure you have on-the-fly, convenient and value-for-money cellular services and mobile internet connectivity wherever you go.
