eSIMs offer outstanding convenience and apparent simplicity – no pun intended – and are set to take a significant share of the overall SIM market. They eliminate fiddly hardware, allow great flexibility when choosing networks, and much more. Although it will take some time, with leading phone and device manufacturers increasingly launching eSIM-only devices, the path towards eSIM domination is clear.
For the time being, though, eSIM and SIMs will co-exist – which means many of us need to know how to use them. Plus, there’s another advantage, from which many are eager to benefit. That’s because most phones can support either multiple eSIM profiles, a combination of eSIM and SIM, or both. This means that many users are adding eSIM profiles to their devices, so they can choose which to use, under different circumstances.
Installing an eSIM
An eSIM isn’t a thing – it’s a virtual profile that needs to be downloaded to a device. This profile can then be applied to the resident chip that stores it for use when registering with networks and performing the other tasks for which all SIMs are designed. As such, many are unfamiliar with the process of actually getting the eSIM to the device.
Most eSIMs are installed using the familiar QR code mechanism. Users who wish to adopt an eSIM simply point their camera at the code, click on the link and then follow the instructions. It really should be as SIMple as that.
Selecting the eSIM
Of course, just because you have loaded and installed the eSIM, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically switch to using it. You may already have a SIM installed, so you need to change your device settings, so that it knows which of the available profiles you want to use.
This allows users to choose which profile they want in different circumstances. In the case of Telecom26, you can choose to use our eSIM profile when appropriate, while retaining and using that of another mobile provider when you wish to do so.
Getting online
To access data networks, every device needs to connect to a specific APN. This differs from provider to provider, so you need to make sure that your device settings are accurate – each profile will use a different APN. Fortunately, automated methods can help you get online.
For iOS devices, the APN QR code can be used to download the iOS APN profile. This can then be installed following the instructions provided. With Android devices, a specific Telecom26 configuration application can be downloaded from the Google store, which will enable the settings to be configured. By opening the application, the user can select “insert APN”, and the process will be handled automatically. Of course, data roaming must be selected in the device settings too.
Data tethering and personal hotspots
Many users have adopted the Telecom26 eSIM solution to take advantage of favourable data rates when roaming. That’s because they go beyond zones in which their current provider can offer cost-effective mobile data connectivity – so need an alternative with a truly global reach and more local agreements that deliver savings.
To leverage this, many also use tethering to enable connectivity for other devices, such as laptops. With iOS, this requires a change of the personal hotspot APN to “globalnet”, while for Android, no change is required – simply enable hotspot in the settings menu.
The Telecom26 eSIM
As a global provider of mobile connectivity, our eSIMs are widely deployed. Available as both data-only or full-service mobile packages, they provide a convenient alternative to existing contracts and packages. They can be used alongside your existing provider, give users wider choice when roaming – and avoiding unnecessarily expensive charges.
They can easily be installed, providing a complete primary or secondary connectivity option – perfect for business travel. They allow organisations to control costs while extending coverage and connectivity to even the most remote location.
Our services can also be tailored to suit specific needs, with a range of enhanced security and routing options, allowing businesses to optimise connectivity for different applications and use cases. Talk to our team to find out how we are helping enterprises, NGOs and other organisations solve global connectivity challenges.
