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Currently, the new eSIM technology is actively being introduced into smartphones. Mobile carriers offer services supporting electronic SIM cards in many countries worldwide.
However, there are still a lot of users who do not understand the difference between an electronic module and a physical SIM. Some do not switch to eSIM because they are under the power of misconceptions and stereotypes. We are here to help you dispel the most ridiculous myths about an electronic SIM card.
About eSIMs — General Information
What’s an eSIM in general? Electronic cards, which are embedded in devices, are a new-generation cellular chip with all chances to replace traditional plastic sims in the future. Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and other mobile device manufacturers have been popularizing this technology for the last few years. Worth noting Apple uses electronic modules for all fresh iPhones, iPad, and Apple Watch, so the company is trying its hardest in this sense.
As eSIMs are integrated directly into your mobile gadget — you don’t need to purchase it. Besides, this is a virtual chip, so it can’t be lost or broken.
Despite the existing myths about eSIMs, electronic modules can be issued online. There is no need to go to the operator’s salon and listen to the endless offers of employees to connect “fantastic free telecom services”, which eventually turn out to be paid. The world’s leading operators offering virtual SIM cards, for example, in iOS devices, connected to the desired tariff online, is already implemented.
Virtual SIMs connect instantly. Customers can switch from one carrier to another in a matter of minutes. Have you seen a good offer from another operator? Take it immediately by clicking on just a few links on your mobile phone.
One of the critical purposes of creating eSIMs was to save time and space. Obviously, the widespread introduction of a given IT solution will make devices even smaller, as cellular phones and tablets will receive more room for a more powerful battery and memory.
Five common delusions of eSIMs
Look at five common myths regarding electronic sims in detail.
The cost of eSIM is higher
Many believe that an electronic sim card costs more than physical cards. If you Google comments on electronic modules, you can quickly stumble upon such inconsistencies between reality and imagination.
Especially those users who distrust all IT innovations think this way. And so, we easily debunk this ridiculous myth – no, folks, tariffs do not depend on whether you have an eSIM in your device or a physical card! An electronic module is just a form of a sim. The operator’s tariffs do not depend on this. You can pay the same price for using a physical card and eSIM. Or vice versa. The final cost is up to a particular tariff plan and never about the sim card format.
ESIM cannot be restored
Today you can still meet such a misconception. Some users are sure that if eSIMs are deleted for a reason, you can not restore cards later. Therefore, people prefer plastic modules for mobile communication. However, this is another ridiculous myth! An electronic module can always be restored in case of device loss or settings reset. All you have to do is contact your operator.
Transition to eSIMs will lead to mass bankruptcies
This is another popular “horror story” for those operators who prefer using the benefits of past years and are not going to change anything. On the contrary, for those who understand that progress is inevitable – the transition to an electronic sim card will be a movement toward new successes. New business realities force us all to constantly search for new sources of income and continuous business transformation.
The eSIM solution gives cellular companies many new options to make money — all kinds of smart devices (fitness bracelets, smart glasses, wearable sensors, household appliances), in which eSIM is much easier to integrate, taking into account the miniature size.
In addition, the scope of cellular communication can expand since the need to install and replace physical modules in mobile phones completely disappears. This is especially useful in urban systems, autonomous transport devices, environmental monitoring, security systems, etc.
In short, mobile carriers get many new scenarios for the use of cellular communications, which can multiply the revenue. As a result, the profit from ordinary cellular subscribers may not be the main one, and even its zeroing will not shake the company’s economy.
eSIMs are unsafe
Are eSIMs reliable or do you have reasons to worry about? Since electronic modules use digital authentication, many think eSIMS are less secure than physical SIM chips. However, electronic data is stored in this module using eUICC, a special chip built into mobile devices to separate them from plastic cellular cards, providing the same protection. Virtual chips operate on similar algorithms as physical modules without additional hardware — a sim slot.
Related: “Is eSIM Safe? Everything You Need to Know”
Moreover, eSIM solutions work under GSMA-certified systems, so they have decent protection against cyber threats. Another benefit of electronic chips, which increases their safety, is that the usual QR code corresponds to only one gadget. You can not swap or clone it like physical sim cards.
eSIM support only one data plan
Many complain about physical SIMs that they can only use one network per card, and to meet their wireless data transmission needs, a dual-SIM-enabled mobile phone or a brand new device is required. As a result, most users have similar thoughts regarding eSIMs technology.
However, for those, who are still wondering “is esim good”, here is a brief proof – eSIMs can support multiple cellular tariffs simultaneously, allowing you to add various networks for a single chip. Thanks to such a brilliant feature, customers can use only one device with an eSIM module function and choose several cellular data plans on the same phone.
For example, one plan goes for personal use and the other for business or travel. Or one tariff plan is suitable for voice and text messages and another for data transfer over cellular networks.
