Russian cellular operators and FSB against eSIM technology

MTS, MegaFon and VimpelCom (Beeline brand), as well as the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB), according to RBC, oppose the introduction of eSIM technology in our country.

eSim, or embedded SIM (embedded SIM card), implies the presence of a special identification chip in the device, which allows you to connect to any cellular operator that supports the corresponding technology without buying a SIM card.

The eSim system offers a number of fundamentally new possibilities. For example, to connect to a cellular network, you do not have to visit communication salons. Plus, on one device, you can have several phone numbers from different operators - without physical SIM cards. When traveling, you can quickly switch to a local operator to reduce costs.

eSim technology is already implemented in a number of the latest smartphones, in particular, in the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, Google Pixel and others. The system is suitable for smart watches, tablets, etc.

However, Russian cellular companies believe that the introduction of eSim in our country will lead to price wars, as subscribers will be able to quickly change operators without leaving their homes.

Another concern, according to the Big Three, is that eSim technology will increase competition from virtual mobile operators, which foreign companies like Google and Apple can take advantage of. “eSim will give greater power to device manufacturers from among foreign companies - they will be able to supply smartphones and other devices already with their communications contracts, which will lead not only to a decrease in the income of Russian telecom operators, but also to an outflow of money from Russia abroad,” says in an RBC publication.

The loss of income, in turn, will negatively affect the capabilities of Russian operators in terms of developing new services, primarily fifth-generation networks (5G).

As for the FSB, the department is against the introduction of eSim in our country because of the difficulties in using domestic cryptography in conjunction with this technology. 

Source: 3dnews.ru