Not every eSIM is the same…the many advantages of using a Telecom26 eSIM

Our eSIM team was interested to read this recent piece in The Guardian, a well-respected UK-based newspaper, in which the author describes his move to eSIM with the purchase of a new iPhone with no slot for a traditional physical SIM card – and how he bought an eSIM to provide coverage in a country he was visiting.

The author writes that “while transferring my data from my old iPhone, I was asked whether I would also like to move my phone number…and tapped yes. A minute later, my new iPhone had a mobile signal, my old phone did not, and my sim card was utterly redundant”. 

He also discusses the advantages of eSIM…”they free up precious space in smartphones and wearables that can be used for bigger batteries, they don’t take any time to deliver, you can’t break them and they reduce waste”

He then writes that “The main downside is that setting up and moving eSIMs can be a finicky process involving QR codes, custom apps or, worst of all, calling up your operator. When it comes to something so personal as your phone number and so central to your online security, the apparent loss of control feels troubling, even if SIM cards have always been revocable by providers”.

eSIMs vs local SIMs

Picking up a local prepaid SIM card always sounds like a good idea and is convenient when visiting only one country, but users need to be alert when visiting areas that are close to country borders as it’s easy for phones to jump to other networks not aligned with the prepaid operator’s packages.

Other drawbacks are that most large local carriers charge more, cover less, and don’t remember your name when you call. Worse, Travel and Tourist SIM card offerings rarely give you portal access for enterprise-wide control and transparency into your organisation’s usage, billing, and services.

Proving global connectivity to business travellers is part of our Telecom26’s core portfolio and we have two global connectivity services for business travellers that use both physical and eSIMs.

One of the many advantages of using the global connectivity services of Telecom26 is that people don’t have to replace their existing subscriptions. They can use the service they already subscribe to in their home country – and with a few quick taps move to Telecom26’s networks when they are abroad and then back to their domestic provider when they return home. 

In addition, unlike the experience of The Guardian’s writer, our Business Travel eSIMs are quick and easy to install on any device via the settings tool and using a QR code to download the software.