Not a chip off the same block

eSIMs are reshaping connectivity with seamless switching, enhanced security, and loT integration while navigating challenges in adoption and regulation

- PRATIMA HARIGUNANI

It is a common thriller movie trope. The antagonist, as usual, turns his phone around, opens the SIM slot, lets the chip fall out, and breaks it with a self-satisfied grin. He then looks at the camera, smug and relieved, grinning how easily he has evaded his pursuers.

Alas, this scene would no longer be feasible in a modern heist plot. The reason? eSIMs.

As digital alternatives to physical SIM cards once embedded in mobile devices, eSIMs offer the same functionality and data as hardware chips, but with a significant difference. They can operate remotely without needing to be inside a device. Thanks to technological advances, connectivity, and remote reprogramming, this capability is a boon for those who loathe dealing with physical chips, especially when travelling or switching between different plans. It is also a relief that one can now easily adjust their plans without the hassle of physically swapping a SIM card.

With eSIMs, users can subscribe to data and Internet packages without physically swapping a SIM card. They can easily adjust plans according to their country or region, avoiding the need to hunt for a good Wi-Fi network abroad and the costly operator roaming fees. Authorities may also find it easier to track a device using an eSIM when it is lost.

The real excitement, however, lies in its potential for IoT applications. eSIMs can be valuable for issuing IoT alerts and assisting enterprises with new use cases. Imagine the possibilities for future cars, smart meters, and wearables expected to embrace this technology as it simplifies operations at scale. Not to mention the reduction in e-waste resulting from the use of eSIMs.

So, is that the end of the movie? Not quite.

THE GROWING APPEAL OF ESIMS