Sliding SIM cards to your smartphone is a challenge, like poking a thread into the eye of a needle. Not only are those tiny cards easy to lose, but the process of inserting them is also frustrating.
Then, enter eSIM (embedded SIM), or what I like to call the “SIM-less SIM” or “Digital SIM,” which is beginning to make waves in the Philippine tech community. Instead of a regular physical card, it acts like a built-in feature of your device that can’t be lost or misplaced. Think of e-wallets, and you get the idea.
It sounds like any tech-savvy man should jump into, but before that, let’s look over the pros and cons first:
Pros of Using eSIM: The Clear-cut Convenience
Ease of Switching Carriers
No more physical card swaps (if you find transferring your contact number to a different mobile carrier a hassle). You can change providers without the headache of those tiny cards by remotely activating and switching between mobile carriers and plans.
Remote Management
eSIMs can be remotely provisioned, meaning that carriers can send SIM profiles to a device over the air. This benefits IoT devices, embedded systems, and other scenarios where physical access is impractical.
Eco-Friendly
If eSIM becomes more of a thing in the Philippines, mobile carrier companies can invest less in producing physical ones– which means it is better for a greener planet.
More-than-dual SIM Capability
With eSIM, a device can support multiple carrier profiles simultaneously. This is especially useful for travelers or individuals needing separate personal and work phone numbers.
Cons to Consider: Too Early To Engage
Limited Availability
As I mentioned, eSIMs is still starting out in the Philippines. You only have a couple of options to get an eSIM in the country: Smart, which offers postpaid and prepaid customers, and Globe, which already provides it to postpaid customers, while making it available to prepaid customers by late September.
Device Compatibility
Another limitation would be the model of your device. Only the latest– and usually premium handsets like iPhone or Pixel– support eSIM, so you’d need to ensure your smartphone is compatible first.
Troubleshooting Challenges
When it comes to traditional SIMs having connection or signal issues, a common troubleshooting step is to remove and reinsert the SIM. But if eSIM faces similar problems on your phone, it could be more complicated to fix alone.
Ultimately, while eSIMs offer convenience and flexibility that traditional SIM cards can’t match, it’s essential to weigh the pros against the cons to decide what’s best for your needs.
What do you think of eSIMs? Do you find it helpful or just another trend? Please share it in the comments below!
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