E-SIM: The future of SIM technology will change

E-SIM: The future of SIM technology will change
E-SIM: The future of SIM technology will change

We have been using SIM cards in mobile phones for ages. SIM cards have become an essential item in our lives. Without sim, the use of the mobile phone becomes meaningless.

Since the introduction of the SIM card in 1991, it has not had to go through much of a change. With the new SIM technology, it has become smaller in size and turned into a nano, micro, but its basic concept has not changed much. The card has survived so long in the war of technology, but now it's time to retire. E-SIM card is replaced with the current SIM or embedded SIM. Although it is currently connected to a handful of devices, it will be the new standard in the future.



What is e-SIM?

Before talking about e-SIM, let's talk about how SIM works. The full form of the word SIM is the Subscriber Identity Module, meaning it carries the identity of the user. A SIM card confirms your identity to the SIM carrier or SIM company. As a result, you can enjoy the network and benefits of that carrier. Your phone is disconnected from the system only when this is not possible, or an error occurs.

A SIM contains the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) Number which is an entirely unique number. This number is sent by mobile phone to the SIM network of your choice so that they can recognize you. It has an authentication key, so it is not possible to send incorrect information.



The difference between e-SIM and ordinary SIM
The difference between e-SIM and ordinary SIM; Source: Thales Group

E-SIM works the same way, but in this case, these technologies of the SIM card are built into the phone. Simply put, just as the processor is embedded in the phone's chipset, so will the SIM. This is why it is called EMBEDDED SIM. Usually, we can't see it or get out. In a standard SIM, this information is written down, but in e-SIM, this information may vary depending on the SIM carrier. This means that you can easily connect from one network to another by changing your network information.


Nowadays, you have to sign in to some WiFi network use them, in the same way, you have to use the network with the information in the SIM network. It is also smaller in size than a standard SIM. Where a regular SIM is 15 × 25 mm, and the current smallest nano-SIM is 6.8 × 12.3 mm, the width of an e-SIM is only 6.0 mm. Just as there is room for other components in a device for this small size, so is the use of SIM in small or IoT devices. 



SIM types
SIM types; Source: Hologram


Advantages of e-SIM

The scope of the e-SIM facility is much bigger than the current SIM card. First, it can be used on many small devices. More new features can be added by changing the internal design of the phone, or we will get more slim devices. A big hurdle when a phone is not waterproof is the SIM card tray. Without it, it would be relatively easy to get a waterproof phone.

Those who travel will benefit the most with e-SIM. Changing the SIM from one country to another or within the country is a hassle. There is also a possibility of getting lost using multiple SIMs. Besides, there is the matter of buying a SIM card. Nowadays, if the SIM is lost, it has to be replaced again, the SIM numbers are no longer available. There is no problem with using e-SIM. Maybe a call to sign up or SIM operator is enough to change this.



Concept of e-SIM benefits
Concept of e-SIM benefits; Source: Thales Group

There is no possibility of losing the SIM or number. We had to change the SIM to go from 3G to 4G, but a phone with a 5G supported e-SIM does not have this problem. In other words, they will be able to join 5G first without any hassle.


Phone thefts are heard all the time and are happening all the time. If connected to e-SIM, phone theft will be reduced, or even if it is stolen, it will be readily available. E-SIM will not have the opportunity to take the phone and throw away the SIM. Each phone can be easily tracked with the help of SIM. This is a laborious addition not only for users but also for SIM companies. SIM production and distribution will save both time and resources. No need to rush to buy a SIM. Not all SIMs are available in insufficient areas. This problem will be solved.



Is there a problem?

The effectiveness of an e-SIM depends on whether the SIM company will support it or not. The support of SIM companies is essential to make it entirely usable worldwide. That is why the current phones still use standard SIM. However, the best SIM companies in the world have already added e-SIM to their service. Among these, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc. are notable. This year, about 200 mobile SIM operators in 90 countries plan to update their e-SIM services. It is expected that with the growth of supported phones, the supported SIM network will also increase.


E-SIM supported devices
E-SIM supported devices; Source: Thales Group


E-SIM supported devices

The number of e-SIM supported devices is also increasing over time. Some phones and wearable devices still support e-SIM. Among them are Apple's iPhones. The latest iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max support e-SIM. Also iPhone XS, XR-O supports e-SIM. Not only iPhone, Apple Watch 3, 4, and 5 and some iPad models also use e-SIM.

In addition to Apple, Google's latest Pixel phones support e-SIM. These include Pixel 4, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3A. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Watch, Watch Active 2, and Gear S2 also have e-SIM support. Some devices from Microsoft, Lenovo, and Huawei also support e-SIM.


The network, as well as the operating system, has to support this technology. The good news is that Android, iOS, Wire OS, and Windows 10 
supports e-SIM. It is expected that e-SIM will be widely used in the next 5 years. The touch of modernity is not excluded in any case!
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