eSIM on the way; but what is it?
The eSIM is the solution of the future, which will make telephone communications even more accessible and convenient, not to mention cheaper. These tiny devices, printed directly into smart devices, carry out the same functions as a traditional plastic SIM with chip, but they have numerous advantages.
They have already been around in Italy for some time, even though only a few smartphone producers have so far incorporated them into their devices. The eSIM has been familiar to markets for some time, thanks mainly to its widespread use inside certain models of motor vehicle (used to call emergency number 112 quickly in case of an accident).
How to activate an eSIM
The embedded SIM (hence the name eSIM) is quite easy to install. All you have to do is purchase an activation code (usually in QR) from your telephone service provider and focus your smartphone camera on it. In just a few steps, configuration is complete and the telephone can be used to make calls, receive SMS messages or browse the internet.
Alternatively, you can use manual configuration, by carefully entering the address of the server SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) and typing in the activation code, also supplied by the provider.
All this happens without the user needing to insert any physical card into the slots in the mobile device. The eSIM in fact, is equipped with a unique ICCID code, which is more than sufficient to activate all the services offered by the operator.
In the same way it is possible to transfer from one operator to another, without needing to wait to receive a new SIM. This is very convenient as it allows all telephone numbers and data to be saved inside the eSIM, even if you change provider or telephone.
The main advantages of the eSIM
As well as the convenient user features mentioned above, the eSIM brings many other interesting advantages. From a hardware point of view for example, smartphone producers have greater freedom in how they use the internal space, thanks to the option of completely removing the space required by a traditional SIM card.
This allows them to create telephones and other mobile devices equipped with new sensors which provide extra functions. This also affects leads to improvements in terms of size, with ever thinner, lighter and more compact devices, which also have greater water resistance.
Some current models are also designed for dual support with a SIM and an eSIM, so that they can use both at the same time.
Thanks to its slim design, the eSIM is also becoming popular in the world of smartwatches, with a growing number of compatible models. The bonus of being able to use it in any device, without any difficulty, underlines this new concept of mobile communication.
The eUICC chip, which forms the heart of the eSIM, is equipped with an internal memory of 512 KB and enables several SIM profiles to be stored at the same time. In future, thanks to this system, it will be possible to use several profiles on a single device, effectively transforming it into a ‘multi SIM’ (the perfect solution for those working with the IoT or Internet of Things).
Another interesting advantage of the eSIM is its cost. Apart from the price of the activation code, users needn’t make any further payment. That is because, even if the user decides to transfer to a different network provider, all that is required is to transfer the unique eSIM code.
This procedure is carried out directly using software, completely eliminating the need to purchase, or wait for the arrival of, a new physical SIM. This is a very convenient feature which should not be underestimated, especially considering the significant savings.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
