Let's talk about eSIM (full title embeddedSIM - that is, built-in SIM) - soldered into the gadget (unlike the usual removable "simok") SIM-cards. Let's analyze how they are better than conventional SIM cards and why major mobile operators oppose the introduction of new technology.
The article was written with the support of EDISON.ΠΡ , and we can also undertake the preparation of a detailed .
We love mobile communications! π
If a regular SIM card can be pulled out of the phone and replaced with another, then the eSIM itself is an embedded microcircuit, it cannot be physically removed. On the other hand, eSIM is not strictly tied to a specific operator, you can always reprogram it to another provider.
Advantages of eSIM over conventional SIM cards
- Fewer problems when you lose your smartphone.
If you have lost or stolen your smartphone, you can quickly and effectively block the device, while quickly reactivating your lost mobile number using eSIM on another phone. - More space for other toppings.
eSIM requires much less space than regular SIM slots. This allows eSIM to be integrated into devices that do not have enough space for conventional SIM cards, such as smartwatches. - One SIM card for the whole world.
Now it is not necessary to buy a SIM card from a local operator upon arrival in another country. eSIM just switches to another carrier.
True, there is China, which does not recognize eSIM technology. On the territory of this country, you will have to call the old fashioned way, and soon the Celestial Empire will launch its Chinese isolated eSIM. - One number for several gadgets.
You can simultaneously connect your tablet, your second tablet, smart watch, smart car and your other βvery literateβ devices (if you have them) to the same number at the same time. If only the device itself supported the technology.
FAQ for eSIM
- What is embedded UICC (eUICC)?
The original name of the technology. stands for built-in universal integrated circuit board (eUICC from English. embedded Universal Iintegrated Ccircuit Card ) The term eSIM is a synonym, it appeared a little later. - Any gadget can be connected to eSIM?
No, only those devices of new generations that support the technology. If the tablet is more than three years old, there is definitely no eSIM in it. - Can an eSIM card be transferred from one device to another?
Physically - no, the card is tightly built into the gadget. Virtually - yes, on different gadgets (supporting eSIM) you can set up the same phone number. - Are eSIMs and regular SIMs compatible on the same device?
Certainly! All tablets that support eSim also have at least one traditional SIM slot. In fact, these are devices that have the advantage of supporting two SIM cards at once (while eSIM takes up much less space). - I take, give me two! Can I use more than one eSIM on the same device?
The latest iPhones allow you to use multiple eSIMs, but so far only one at a time, not at the same time. - Why are the main mobile operators in no hurry to massively switch to eSIM?
The most important reason is that the widespread introduction of eSIM will lead to a radical redistribution of the market. To date, the mobile communications market in each country is divided between several local players and it is extremely difficult to enter a new one. eSIM technology will lead (and is already leading) to the emergence of many new virtual operators, resulting in a redistribution of the market in favor of new providers at the expense of old ones. And monopolists-old-timers are not satisfied with such prospects.
Some events in the history of eSIM development
November 2010 β GSMA (a trade organization that represents the interests of mobile operators around the world and sets standards in the industry) discusses the possibilities of a programmable SIM card.
May 2012 β The European Commission has chosen the Embedded UICC format for its built-in emergency call service in case of an accident, known as eCall.
September 2017 Apple has implemented eSIM support in its devices Apple Watch Series XNUMX ΠΈ iPad Pro XNUMXnd Generation.
October 2017 β Release Microsoft Surface Pro fifth generation, which also supports eSIM.
October 2017 β Google introduced Pixel 2, which adds eSIM support for use with the Google Fi service.
February 2019 β Presented Samsung Galaxy Fold (released in September). The LTE model supports eSIM.
December 2019 β International virtual operator MTX Connect becomes Apple's global eSIM partner.
Interview with Ilya Balashov
Ilya Balashov β Co-founder of the virtual mobile operator MTX Connect
eSIM is evolution or revolution?
Evolution, moreover, very delayed in time, which no one on the market expected and is not waiting for.
The classic plastic SIM card of the decade personified the connection between the operator and the subscriber. And operators are more than satisfied with this situation.
Will ordinary removable SIM cards become a relic in the medium term? Will eSIM replace them?
No, they won't! The ecosystem is controlled by operators, and they are less than all other participants (such as phone / device vendors, end users / subscribers, regulators, etc.) interested in eSIM becoming widespread.
Right now, only one phone maker manufactures and sells eSIM devices through all of its sales channels as a mainstream consumer product - and that's Apple!
All other devices (Microsoft with Surface Table, Google with Pixel, Samsung with Fold) are niche products that are either not sold through operators at all, or sales volumes are very small.
Apple is the only company on the market that not only has a product vision but also enough market power to tell carriers, "If you don't like eSIM phones, you don't have to sell them!"
In order for plastic SIM cards to stop occupying more than 90% of the market, not only support from other phone manufacturers is needed.
All vendors (except Apple) are very dependent in their sales channels on operators who tell all vendors - "We will not sell phones with eSIM for the mass market."
Despite the fact that Russia (and almost the entire CIS) is an independent distribution market, operators in these regions also have a great influence on it.
To what extent is βesimizationβ happening faster in the world than in Russia? Are we far behind?
No mobile operator in the world is interested in promoting eSIM, no matter what they publicly say about it.
Moreover, eSIM platform providers say that operators' plans for the number of eSIM activations differ from actual use by dozens of times!
According to various estimates, less than 5% of iPhones with eSIM support have downloaded at least one eSIM at least once in their lifetime.
Russia is lagging behind in that so far even government agencies cannot decide how to treat this phenomenon (eSIM)! This means that no one can take any further steps.
The countries of the Middle East, India, and Asia had rather strict eSIM regulations for operators, but they were clear from day one and operators could decide whether they wanted to follow them or not.
And in China, for example, they are testing their own eSIM ecosystem, which, although it will be similar to the one that exists all over the world, nevertheless, it will be completely isolated from it. We think that in 2020-21, Chinese smartphones with support for the Chinese version of eSIM will come to Russia through AliExpress, and among buyers there will be disappointment in this technology due to complete incompatibility.
What new challenges are expected in the near future?
There may soon be an additional segmentation of the market between companies that rely on long-term relationships with their subscribers and various eSIM sellers, which are in fact competitors of SIM card outlets at airports.
In the case of SIM, the subscriber returns to the mobile operator again and again. Operators are not interested in selling an eSIM to a client and forgetting about it.
And the situation that exists now in the market for the sale of disposable SIM cards for tourists (on Ebay, TaoBao, AliExpress) is very possible - when, under the guise of a 10GB package, they sell 4GB (and sometimes 1GB) first at full speed, and then, like they do, without warning they reduce to 128 kbps. And the credibility of the idea among ordinary people will fall!
What will happen after eSIM?
Since we are at the very beginning of the development of the eSIM ecosystem, I think that in the next 5-7 years, eSIM will develop, both from a technical and organizational point of view.
And to talk about what will happen next is 100% fortune-telling or fantasies on a given topic.
references
EDISON has had a great experience working with MTX Connect.We prepared the terms of reference and created .
The API of the MTX Connect server part has been developed, which significantly expands the possibilities of user functionality.
Only registered users can participate in the survey. , you are welcome.
Have you used/are you using an eSIM?
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8,3%Yes37
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48,6%No217
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43,2%I haven't used it yet, but I plan to
447 users voted. 53 users abstained.
Source: habr.com