El advancement of the technological world This brings up new terms and devices. Among them, the question of what an eSIM is and how it works arises. This type of technology is an evolutionary step for SIM cards, which are essential elements for mobile telephone communication. In current devices such as the iPhone XS and XS Max, eSIM compatibility is the main focus.
But there are also Android devices that help us understand what an eSIM is and how it works. Google's Pixel 2, the Samsung Gear 2 3GB smartwatch, and even laptops. You can try the Acer Swift 7 which has support for virtual SIM or eSIM technology.
What is eSIM, how does it work and when is it most useful?
La eSIM is a virtual card that integrates directly with the device, without the need to use a physical SIM. Its main benefits are related to the speed of information transmission, in addition to saving production costs since it is a SIM created from virtuality.
A traditional SIM is a card that must be inserted into the mobile phone or tablet to connect to a telephone operator's network. Without one, you can't make calls or connect to the Internet via data, so you need one. Since it was introduced in 1991, SIM technology has evolved alongside mobile phones, providing additional functions.
The physical advancement of the SIM has been aimed at reducing its size and increasing its performance. Thus we have the SIM, miniSIM, microSIM and nanoSIM. The next evolutionary step is the physical disappearance of the SIM to make way for a virtual card. It performs the same functions, but modifies the design of mobile phones because now a compatible port is not necessary to insert or read them.
This latest leap represents the latest technology designed to replace physical SIM cards. It is not a type of card, but rather a chip that is integrated directly into the mobile phone or computer. This technology duplicates the data on a SIM card and guarantees connectivity at all times.
With the duplicated chip, it will act as a SIM card and we will be able to access the Internet service through data or phone calls. It behaves exactly the same as a traditional SIM card. The main advantage will be found in the design of the interior of mobile phones, tablets and computers, allowing us to better manage the space and capabilities of each device.
Advantages and benefits of an eSIM
The first benefit for the user is that already You will not need any card when hiring the service. Directly, with a configuration you will be enjoying mobile connectivity. Nor for portability from one company to another. Depending on the modality used by each company, you may need to receive some documentation to be able to activate your eSIM.
Another benefit is that you won't have to ask for a duplicate of your SIM to use the rate on different devices. Directly with a SIM card You are now ready to enjoy data connectivity in just one touch. However, multiSIM plans will continue to be valid because operators such as Orange already include the eSIM in these special rates. This means that even if you use an eSIM for two devices, you will have to pay an additional fee.
In theory, another benefit of the eSIM is that it is easier to use more than one plan. The eSIM allows you to store more than one operator profile, and switch between them. It is the same procedure as on the iPhone XS, combining a conventional SIM slot and multi-SIM support.
The Problems arising from using a physical SIM They also disappear. For example, you will no longer have to fear forgetting or losing one. You will even no longer have to cut them down or look at the size carefully depending on the mobile phone you use. In a few years, we may not even have to think about the existence of SIM cards. The advance of virtual cards is becoming more and more rapid.
Finally, and with mobile phone and other technology manufacturers in mind, we must mention mobile connectivity. It will no longer be necessary to sacrifice so much space on the device for the SIM slot. In wearables such as watches and bracelets, this is crucial.
The eSIM, what it is and how it works in Spain
In Spain, at the moment, only one company offers compatibility with virtual eSIM cards: the French company Orange. The adoption of this new technology was announced back in 2018 and is a limited initiative. It only works with smart watches such as the Huawei Watch 2 4G, Samsung Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch Series 4.
La hiring is done through a channel orOnline, remote channels and in person. A multiSIM is accessed for an eSIM device and then a QR activation code is generated. This is sent by email and the customer must use it to activate the virtual card.
Orange explains that the smartwatch is configured in its settings and an automated process is carried out so that the watch can connect to the network. Once the configuration is complete, it connects to the French operator's 4G/3G network.
El manufacturer Apple, on its own, confirmed that in addition to Orange, Vodafone will also be compatible with its smartwatch. Little by little, support for eSIM is taking shape and becoming a real initiative for device connectivity.
The proposal is increasingly taking shape in the main European countries, and Spain is joining the initiative. With an eSIM card, your connectivity to the paid telephone services will be faster and will also allow mobile phones with more space for other chips and functions. At the moment, the acceptance of this new initiative is limited, but faster advances are expected in the sector over time. If you already have one of these compatible devices, or want to try connecting your eSIM to a smart watch, contact Orange to start thinking about how to adapt your rate plan to the new form of communication that the French company invites and others soon.