The announcements flourish a little more on the websites of the operators who are finally beginning to praise the merits of the eSIM. It must be said that in its defense, the market is now also a bit more consistent and mature to get used to this technology. Smartphones, connected watches, tablets… more and more products are capable of integrating this new means of virtual connection.
With them, the promise of being permanently connected, anywhere, without the need to have a smartphone nearby. Or for the latter, without the need for a physical SIM card and the possibility of multiplying telephone numbers in a single device.
• What does eSIM mean?
eSIM is short for integrated SIM card or SIM on board. It is a kind of dematerialized SIM card integrated into the motherboard of the device in question and that allows connection to a mobile network. It replaces the physical SIM card and has the same functions. In the United States, Apple has launched an iPhone 14 that no longer even has a drawer to put a SIM card in and only works with a dematerialized version.
• What good is it?
The eSIM allows you to use objects connected to a mobile network, without having to use a smartphone to serve as a repeater. The object (tablet, watch, car, etc.) can then connect to the Internet to operate, take advantage of technological advances (GPS, updates), but also benefit from the same advantages as a conventional SIM card (calls, messages, mobile connection, etc.). On the other hand, it is not possible to store data on an eSIM (contacts, photos, videos, files, etc.).
• How does it work?
To take advantage of an eSIM card, all you have to do is sign up for a plan with an operator and specify that it’s an eSIM plan (on a compatible device, of course). The eSIM then replaces the SIM card, but the packages are the same.
Activation is usually done by simply scanning a QR code provided by the carrier or reseller and then following the online process to set up. You will need to be connected to the internet through an installed SIM card (or eSIM if you put several) or Wi-Fi.
If Orange was the pioneer, now all French operators offer eSIM (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free). Its low cost online acolytes have also gotten into this (Sosh, Red by SFR, B&You).
• Can I put multiple eSIMs in one device?
Some devices like the iPhone can install at least eight eSIMs, but it will only be possible to use two phone numbers at the same time. The advantage is that the plans activated on eSIM do not need to be taken from the same operator. Having several eSIMs also allows you to play around with subscriptions: an interesting data package with one, a low-cost call and SMS package with another, or a package taken temporarily abroad.
If you have a SIM card and your device is compatible, you can add an eSIM plan along with another number (home number and work number, for example).
• What devices are supported?
The eSIM is integrated into more and more smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Honor, Oppo, Sony or Google (but also the Fairphone 4 5G). As for connected watches, the Apple Watch, the Oppo Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch or the Fossil Gen 5 are among the supported models. The same is true of some tablets that offer the ability to subscribe to eSIM plans.
• How much does it cost?
The price depends on the operator. The package is the same price as a traditional package. And “opening” an eSIM usually bills about 10 euros of activation costs, the same price they charge you for sending you a physical SIM card. Sort of a habit, one would be tempted to say.
If you want to activate an eSIM on a connected watch, often by transmitting your phone number on a smartphone, for example to receive calls or receive SMS, this represents an additional cost of around 5 euros, as a Multi-SIM option. Because you must first have a classic package with the same operator.
• Is it possible to transform your SIM card into an eSIM?
Yes. Some devices have a SIM to eSIM transfer feature, without going through an operator. But this requires your operator to authorize it. The phone number assigned to the physical SIM card will be converted to an eSIM. Your old SIM card will be deactivated.
• What happens if I change my smartphone?
If you are moving from one iPhone to another iPhone, the transfer can be done from the device settings in the Cellular Data section. For most smartphones, an eSIM in one device is not automatically transferred to the new one. You have to make a request in your client area. Above all, remember not to delete the eSIM from the old phone before you are sure that the number works fine on the new one. Deleting an eSIM is permanent. The action will not be forgotten when reselling a smartphone.
• Can I use it abroad?
This is usually the main interest of having an eSIM compatible smartphone. It is possible to easily sign up for a package with a foreign operator without having to run to a store to retrieve a physical card. In addition, this allows you to keep your usual number active at the same time and thus remain reachable. But it will also have the merit of avoiding the often expensive travel options of the operators and opting for a more advantageous offer for data only or local calls/SMS.
Source: BFM TV
