Get in touch! What is eSIM?

To begin with, let's take a brief historical digression. The first version of the SIM-card "reinsertion" was presented to the public in 1996, when the miniSIM format (25x15 mm) was released to the masses. Slots for cards of this size are now found only in push-button "tubes". And not all of them.

At the next stage of evolution (in 2003), the typical "SIM card" was reduced to the microSIM format (15x12 mm). However, the cards of this size waited in the wings for another 7 years, until in 2010 the microSIM slot debuted on the smartphone Apple iPhone 4 16 GB . Modules of this format remain the most "popular" to this day.

In 2012, the SIM card was reduced in size to the limit of its capabilities — 12.3×8.8 mm. The new format was "tested" for the first time on board Apple iPhone 5 16 GB . In fact, the nanoSIM standard cards are a chip with contact pads inscribed in a plastic frame of minimal thickness.

Miniaturization in action is a visual evolution of "Simok" in dimensions.

The next stage of miniaturization is a complete rejection of traditional "Simok". Its implementation started in 2016 with the birth of eSIM technology. The attribution "e" before the designation of the SIM card came from the English "embedded", which translates as "integrated" or "embedded". The modular eSIM chip is soldered onto the motherboard of a smartphone, smartwatch or other devices and has dimensions of about 5x6 mm. It is possible not only to store data on subscription to the tariff, but also to overwrite them remotely, without making visits to the service centers of subscribers of mobile communication services.

What is the gain?

In its main environment, i.e. on board smartphones, the introduction of eSIM opens up much more freedom of action. Firstly, with the rejection of the slot for physical "SIM cards", the device becomes at least one hole smaller. For the manufacturer, this is a reduction in the cost of product release, for you and me, it is an improvement in the dust and water protection of the device. And secondly, eSIM simplifies the choice or change of operator. Avid travelers will especially rejoice at her. Agree, it is much more convenient to connect, pay and "link" the tariff online, rather than rushing in search of points of sale of "Simok" in an unfamiliar country, trying to explain "on the fingers" with the locals with poor command of the language.

With the introduction of eSIM, you can safely forget about the Simok suitcase for trips to different parts of the world.

The non—obvious benefit of putting eSIM smartphones into service is protection from thieves. They will be able to steal the phone, but they will not be able to replace the built—in SIM card. And without a password to it, you will not be able to untie your number, which greatly simplifies the search for a stolen or lost gadget.

eSIM habitat

Smartphones are far from the only habitat of eSIM. Most often, the built-in "SIM card" can be seen "under the hood" of smartwatches, "getting smarter" from generation to generation. Due to strict restrictions on the size of wearable devices, a slot even for nanoSIM is an unacceptable luxury for many of them. The problem with the lack of free space in the "insides" of the watch is entirely solved by the built-in modular chip.

The appearance of a built-in SIM smartwatch on board turns wearable gadgets into distinctive devices with the ability to make voice calls.

A potentially huge market for eSIM is the so-called "Internet of things": all kinds of security sensors, metres, links in the smart home chain, car multimedia centers and other devices that need to be connected to the World Wide Web to work. In the absence of Wi-Fi coverage in their area, eSIM will serve as an excellent alternative to wireless networks in establishing a stable Internet connection via mobile communication. Another place for "registration" of built—in "Sim cards" is mobile payment terminals.

How do I connect to a mobile network using eSIM?

Theoretically, everything is simple here. We leave the application to the mobile operator, receive an email from him with a QR code and scan the code in the corresponding section of the settings of the eSIM carrier device. For example, the owners of "apple" devices can crank this procedure according to the following scheme: "Setup" → "Cellular data" → "Add cellular tariff" → "Scan QR code".

You can activate the eSIM service in a couple of simple clicks in the smartphone settings.

The integrated chip can store several SIM card profiles at once: the memory volume of serial chips is 512 kB versus 64 or 128 kB in modern "SIM cards". You can switch between the purchased virtual cards in the settings.

In fact, things are not going so smoothly with the total implementation of eSIM. And here's why.

The pitfalls of eSIM

The development of technology is hindered by leading mobile operators. After all, it simplifies not only the sale of services, but also the transition of subscribers to competitors. You can still switch to another operator with the number saved, but you can't do without the hassle, paperwork and personal visits to the salon in this case yet.

The second stumbling block is the legislative framework of many countries. In some of them, the very idea of implementing eSIM contradicts the laws. At the time of publication, mobile operators provide tariff plans with eSIM cards in Austria, Brazil, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, India, Spain, Canada, Kuwait, UAE, Poland, USA, Ukraine, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland.

How are things with eSIM with us?

You can taste the delights of "two-touch" iPhones in the vastness of Ukraine from November 2019. Services for the sale of virtual "Sim cards" are provided by the national mobile operator "TriMob". The eSIM order is made on the operator's website (http://3mob.ua/application/services/individual/key/324 ), after which a letter with a QR code comes to the e-mail address you specified, which serves as an activator of the service.

And literally at the time of publication of the material about the launch of the eSIM service, one of the operators of the "big three" — Lifecell announced.