Advantages and disadvantages of eSIM

We have all heard and seen e-SIM in newspapers and magazines, but many of us do not know what this e-SIM is. So today I will try to tell you in detail about this e-SIM: the advantages and disadvantages of e-SIM, in which mobile phones can e-SIM be used and how to use e-SIM, all these topics will be discussed today.

“Subscriber Identity Module” – in short, SIM – is a plastic chip card used in mobile phones: this information is known to everyone. It also stores various information such as mobile phone number. Additionally, you can make calls or send messages on your phone and use the Internet through the SIM card. Simply put, a SIM card is a means of connecting to the network of a mobile operator.

Since the contact number is stored on the SIM card, when changing phones, it is quite easy to restore all the previous numbers by inserting the SIM card in the new phone. SIM card is a very old technology that has been used for a long time. But now it is the turn of e-SIM.

What is a SIM card?

To better understand the functionality of e-SIM cards, you first need to understand conventional SIM cards. The SIM card is usually inserted into a special tray in the phone. Basically, which operator or carrier provides it? It stores information about a device’s unique serial number, IMEI, ICCID, authentication key, device PIN, SMS, etc.

A SIM card is usually a small plastic card with a notch in one corner. The SIM card contains a gold-plated clock circuit that is basically the SIM’s motherboard and carries all the important information. Each SIM has a number, which is provided by operators like Robi, GP. The SIM card can be used from one device to another.

What is e-SIM?

The full form of e-SIM is Integrated Subscriber Identity Module. The plastic SIM card commonly used in mobile phones can be easily opened and replaced. But e-SIM is a small chip that plugs directly into the motherboard. Which can be linked to the network provider company like a normal SIM card.

The information on an e-SIM is rewritable. This means that you can change operators using an e-SIM without changing the SIM or using a new SIM. With the convenience of e-SIM, the need for a conventional SIM card will not be necessary in the near future. In many cases, e-SIM is now used as a second SIM in dual-SIM phones.

Phones that have e-SIM

Currently, e-SIM is available in certain smartphones and smartwatches. These devices are:

iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 10R, iPhone 10S and iPad Pro
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 series, S20 series
Google’s Google Pixel 6 series, Pixel 5 series, Pixel 4 series, Pixel 3 series
Motorola Razer (no SIM tray, e-SIM only)
Samsung Gear devices
Apple Watch Series 6, Series 5, Series 4, Series 3

How to use e-SIM

If you are a subscriber of a mobile operator that offers e-SIM service and you have an e-SIM compatible device; then you can easily use e-SIM.

Since it is not possible to physically insert the SIM card with e-SIM, the entire task of activating the SIM card in the device can be done through software. But don’t worry. There is no need to install any special software or be reminded by an expert.

Devices that support e-SIM are provided with e-SIM configuration software. As a result, you can easily set up e-SIM from the settings.

Before setting up e-SIM on your device, you must contact your mobile operator. You will need to inform them for which number and plan you want to use e-SIM. The mobile operator will then give you a card with a QR code to activate the e-SIM. In this case, you may have to pay extra for the card. This will depend entirely on the mobile operator company.

When you receive your e-SIM activation card, you will need to scan it from the specific settings of your device.

In this case from iPhone–

First go to Settings.
Then go to the Cellular (or Mobile Data) option.
Now go to the Add Cellular Plan option and scan the QR code.

To set up e-SIM on Android smartphone–

First go to the Settings option.
Then go to the Network & internet option.
Now click on the Add option and follow the instructions on the screen. And
Select the Use 2 Number option.
You can activate e-SIM on Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, from the phone app.

Advantages of e-SIM

The biggest advantage of e-SIM is that it allows you to easily change networks, i.e. mobile operators. To change carriers, you don’t have to buy a new SIM and insert it into the phone. In the case of e-SIM, there is no need to remove the SIM with a SIM ejector tool to use the new SIM.

E-SIM can be easily switched from one network to another. It is possible to store data from at least 5 virtual SIM cards at once in an e-SIM. This means that if you go to an area where there is no network signal, then for the convenience of e-SIM, you can use the SIM of the area where there is a network.

The advantage of e-SIM is that it is really small. This e-SIM is at least 3 times smaller than the smallest nano SIM card currently used. To insert a nano SIM card, 108.24 square millimeters of space is required; The e-SIM chip requires only 30 square millimeters of space to install.

An e-SIM card makes it easy to switch to a local network, especially when traveling. In this case, you can change the local SIM without changing the physical SIM.

In addition to using multiple SIMs in one slot, dual-SIM phones have the option of using a traditional SIM along with an e-SIM. In other words, using an e-SIM also offers the advantage of using multiple phone numbers on the same phone. If you want to use one phone number for personal communication and a different one for business, an e-SIM can be very useful in such situations.

In addition to reducing the size of smartphones, using e-SIMs can be quite convenient in small devices such as smartwatches. Apple has already added e-SIMs to several of its series of smartwatches. Samsung has added e-SIMs to its Samsung Gear S2 and Samsung Gear S3 smartwatches.

There is no need to place the e-SIM on one side or the other of the phone. Therefore, waterproof and dustproof devices can be easily made. As a result, the price of such devices will be significantly reduced. Users will also feel quite comfortable using e-SIM.

No need to carry multiple SIM cards in the pocket. No need to search for a paper clip or an awl to open the SIM card tray.

Disadvantages of e-SIM

The relationship between advantages and disadvantages is inseparable. Therefore, you may face some difficulties while using e-SIM. Especially when you change your mobile phone or device; then you will not be able to remove the SIM card and put it in the new phone like you do now.

You may need to contact your mobile phone operator. Also, if there is a problem with the device, it may take some time to fix it. Especially in case of network problems.

If you suspect that your movements are being monitored through the SIM card, then it is fairly easy to remove the regular SIM card. But in case of e-SIM, there is no such advantage. However, if the phone is stolen, the thieves will not be able to delete any information, which is a good thing.

Now, if your phone does not have network, then if you want, you can remove your SIM card and transfer it to another phone. This will help you understand the problem with the network or your phone. There is no such possibility in case of e-SIM. You will have to visit a service center due to a problem with the device.

As a new technology, it will take some time for e-SIM to become popular and fully enter the mainstream market. During this time, it will gradually improve. Similarly, current users have to face technical problems or glitches.

However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, it is expected that after some time, e-SIM will completely overcome these limitations and replace the SIM card.

Is there an e-SIM facility in Bangladesh?

No telecom operator in Bangladesh offers ISIM yet. Maybe it will come in the near future.