Apple took the next big step on the connection interface by totally removing the slot for the physical sim card on the new iPhone 14 series. We started seeing iPhones, iPads, and selected android devices that come with eSIM as an additional SIM card option along with the physical SIM card slot back in 2018. However, Apple began a new era by completely moving to eSIM only approach. Personally, I like the decision of Apple taking a bold move in this direction. This is a big step towards achieving ‘True IoT’. Yes, more than mobile phones, the necessity to move towards eSIM for the M2M/IoT is crucial for provisioning things on a cellular network.
Explained some aspects of eSIM in my understanding.
Advantages –
1) No physical SIM card – Electronic switching
2) Use it with multiple carriers for different purposes – Work vs Personal, Voice vs Data,
3) Easy switch for international destinations
4) Extra hardware real estate for better purposes
5) A small tool needed to remove the SIM card is not more needed
6) Safety from physical SIM swapping because of a stolen SIM card
7) Almost zero wait time for the SIM card arrivals
8) M2M and IoT devices remote provisioning of the network
9) Monetary and time savings for the cellular customer
10) Manufacturing, transportation and inventory cost savings for the network providers
Disadvantages –
1) Phone damage can make restoring profiles time-consuming and difficult
2) Yet to mature as a global standard
Myth –
1) Data connectivity speed in eSIM is faster than in physical SIM cards
2) eSIM drains battery fast
3) Internet is always needed for eSIM to connect to the network
Expectations –
1) The easier-to-switch network provides the customer with the benefit of network provider increased competition resulting in lowering the prices of the plans
Challenges for cellular network providers –
1) New capability that enables dynamic provisioning of SIM cards on their network with a fully automated solution for quicker provisioning and activation
2) Traditional telcos across the globe have to expedite the eSIM capability as more OEMs may start with eSIM only option going forward
Share your learning on eSIM and how it can change the way devices communicate on the cellular network.
Happy learning!
Shankar's Blog 