Different Types of eSIM cards

Technologies are evolving rapidly, and today, more and more smartphones are equipped with new-age SIMs – electronic (they are also eSIM). For example, Apple has completely abandoned the usual physical SIM cards and introduced an electronic module into the iPhone 14 for the US market. And most likely, other companies will follow the leading software maker soon. 

Related: “How does eSIM work: Learn Everything“

What is an e-SIM and how do e-SIM cards work? What types of electronic modules exist today? Discover all this right below.

eSIM — Features, Advantages, and Activation

Well, a SIM card, in the general sense, means “Subscriber Identification module.” These chips are a vital element of any cellular network, allowing devices to be connected to telecom networks. Plastic SIM cards are tiny integrated chips with built-in memory. Data about the subscriber to whom it belongs is constantly stored on each electronic sim.

eSIM is a brand-new technology. It means “built-in electronic module” (an embedded SIM). Sometimes it is also called a virtual card since, from the user’s point of view, it does not physically exist. Electronic types of eSIM contain a microprocessor and non-volatile memory, controllers, and a simple operating system that allows one to overwrite several phone numbers, tariffs and change mobile carriers whenever a user wants.

eSIM: Features & Advantages

eSIM technology is gaining its popularity due to its convenience and ease of use. We will break down all the possible benefits in more detail below.

eSIM has several crucial advantages:

• Physical installation of a SIM card is no longer required to connect to the network. This opens up a lot of new, sometimes not noticeable, opportunities for subscribers, networks, as well as software equipment makers.
• Adding a new account and a tariff plan takes only a few minutes, and the subscriber does not have to get up from the couch.
• The same phone can store several contacts in memory, and the user can easily switch between them.
• Thanks to eSIM, one can travel to another country and use an eSIM while maintaining access to the main “home” number without paying for roaming.
• eSIM increases security. If the phone is stolen, it will be practically useless for a thief because this card is much more difficult to remove. It is not enough to pull out a physical card; you need to enter the user’s PIN code.
• The eSIM card is helpful for another reason. This helps to reduce the size of the devices since they will no longer need to allocate space for sim slots. This may not make a big difference for phones, although it may add a little more space to
• increase battery capacity or add extra functionality.

How to activate an e-SIM card?

The procedure for configuring the built-in module is straightforward:

1. You enter into a contract with a mobile operator or simply choose a tariff plan and pay for services.
2. The operator sends you a QR code to activate the eSIM card to your email address.
3. You need to scan the provided code using your device’s camera.
4. An eSIM card transmits the received data to the servers of special GSM centers.
5. After processing the information by the servers, the settings profiles are returned to the device for the correct operation of the cellular connection on your gadget.
6. The phone, tablet, or other device is activated, and you can use your chosen telecom services fully.

But remember that first, you must ensure your device supports eSIM technology.

Two types — Data-Only eSIM & Voice, SMS and Data eSIM

Today there are two types of eSIM cards. And before choosing a particular tariff plan, decide which mobile operator services you need.

Here is a detailed description of the two existing types: data only esim and voice, SMS and data electronic modules.

Data-Only eSIM (only for data transmission)

Given electronic module operates exclusively with data. These digital cards only support data transfer; they provide excellent coverage and expand connectivity. Data-only cellular cards connect to significant networks worldwide, both in the country for which you purchase eSIM and in places outside of your chosen destination.

Why do so many users choose it? Because the data only esim is ideal if you just need internet access. This is a brilliant option for modern voyagers who need apps like Jabber and Google Maps to move around while traveling and want to access their social media accounts everywhere and anytime.

Besides, this is pretty easy to set up. For this, you just need to scan a QR code sent to you by an eSIM provider to your email.

Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM

The second type of electronic module is Voice, SMS, and data transmission. The given card is chosen by users who need the maximum set of eSIM options. This includes all the standard functions of today’s existing mobile communications. Voice, SMS, and Data provide more flexibility than ever before and make maintaining communication easy and economical, especially when traveling abroad.

Such a type of electronic sim is the best solution for customers looking for coverage in global roaming, suitable tariff plans for calls in Europe, the USA, and other countries, and access to 5G networks. Users will forget about the exorbitant costs of international roaming or problems with access to the cruise, thanks to Voice, SMS, and data eSIM cards.

Choose a given SIM card if you are going on an extended business or vacation abroad. In addition, even while at home, eSIM tariff plans are the most profitable for subscribers.

Summary

Well, what is an e-SIM? This is a technology that has a large number of advantages. For many reasons, this digital product can be called evolutionary. 

Switching to eSIM is a reasonable step for owners of smartphones equipped with a built-in module. Such an electronic analog perfectly replaces a traditional SIM chip, eliminating the need to manipulate a cellular phone to change the number. Besides, subscribers can use one device all over the world by simply switching to a favorable tariff.

But before choosing to favor a particular eSIM type, answer an essential question: why exactly do you need an electronic card?