MTN and Airtel have been sending text messages pushing for eSIM activation on eligible smartphones but many Nigerians don't actually know what an eSIM is all about or how it works. In this post, I am going to explain in detail everything you need to know about eSIM and why you should activate it on your phone.

In recent years, the telecommunications industry has witnessed a significant evolution in SIM card technology. The advent of eSIM (embedded SIM) brings forth a new era of connectivity, offering unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and transformative potential. This blog post aims to explore the fundamentals, benefits, and future prospects of eSIM technology.

Understanding eSIM

Traditional SIM cards have long been the essential element that enables our mobile devices to connect to cellular networks. However, eSIM technology eliminates the need for physical SIM cards by integrating a programmable SIM directly into the device's hardware. The eSIM is embedded during manufacturing and allows users to store multiple network profiles securely.

Advantages of eSIM

Convenience and Flexibility: With eSIM, you can switch mobile carriers or add a new data plan without the hassle of physically changing SIM cards. The flexibility to switch networks through over-the-air provisioning saves time and simplifies the process.

Dual Sim Capability: One of the most significant advantages of eSIM is its ability to enable dual SIM functionality. Users can employ multiple mobile numbers or data plans simultaneously, making it ideal for travelers, professionals managing work and personal affairs, or individuals seeking regional coverage options.

Enhanced Security: eSIM technology ensures better security measures by incorporating tamper-resistant hardware. It also enables remote SIM provisioning (RSP), which allows operators to activate, modify, or disable eSIM profiles securely.

IoT and Industry Adaptability: eSIM provides a scalable solution for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, allowing them to connect to networks seamlessly. It simplifies logistics and deployment, making it easier for businesses to manage a vast network of devices.

Current Applications and Future Prospects

Smartphones and Wearables: With an increasing number of mobile device manufacturers embracing eSIM technology, it is becoming a standard feature in smartphones and wearables. Users can enjoy the benefits of eSIM across a wide range of devices, including smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and even cars.

IoT and Smart Cities: eSIM enables secure and automated connectivity for IoT devices, enabling real-time data exchange, improved responsiveness, and streamlined device management. This technology plays a crucial role in building smart cities, monitoring environmental factors, optimizing resource usage, and enhancing overall efficiency.

Telecommunications and Roaming: Telecom providers can offer global roaming capabilities to customers conveniently without the need for physical SIM cards. This opens doors for new marketing strategies, competitive pricing, and improved customer experiences.

Evolving Innovations: As eSIM adoption continues to grow, we can expect novel applications and innovations, such as virtualized private networks (VPN) for enhanced security, improved interoperability across devices, and integration with emerging technologies like 5G and edge computing.

About MTN eSIM

According to MTN, an eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. It’s embedded directly into your device, eliminating the need for a physical card. This allows you to activate new plans and carriers directly from your device, giving you the flexibility to switch as needed.

The Benefits of eSIM Technology

No more physical SIM card swaps: With eSIM, you can activate new plans and mobile networks directly from your device without having to physically change SIM cards.
Flexibility and choice: eSIM makes it easier to switch mobile networks and plans, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs, whether it’s for personal or business use.
Easy travel: With eSIM, you can travel internationally without having to worry about finding a local SIM card. Simply switch to a local mobile network, and you’re good to go!

eSIM technology is available on a growing number of devices, including Apple’s iPhone and many Android smartphones. Make the switch today and experience the convenience and benefits of eSIM for yourself.

Activating your eSIM

Visit one of MTN's stores to have your device evaluated for eligibility by one of their customer care agents. They will guide you through the setup process.

About Airtel eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a programmable SIM card that is embedded directly into a smartphone, wearable, and device. This is the SIM for the next generation of connected consumer devices. eSIM is a global specification by the GSMA that enables remote SIM provisioning of any mobile device.

To enjoy the extensive benefits and services you usually get from the conventional SIM, you’ll need to activate the eSIM with your account profile.

Benefits of eSIM

• · eSIM enables more seamless device setup experience, without the need to insert or replace a physical SIM card.
• · eSIM allows the use of multiple mobile numbers, both physical and eSIMs on one device. This reduces the hassle of going about with multiple devices.
• · It eliminates the frequent complaints of damaged or loss of SIM cards.
• · Frequent travelers will find the eSIM very convenient for switching network operators at a much easier rate.

How to Activate an eSIM

Please dial *#06# on your smartphone to check for device compatibility. A [span class="font-weight-400"]Device should display an [span class="font-weight-400"]EID number. Visit any Airtel Service Centre where our seasoned customer care agents will walk you through the process of setting up your eSIM.

Steps to Follow to Attach eSIM Profile on Mobile Devices

iPhone:

• · Go to Settings; Cellular Data / Mobile Data (NB: iPhone 11 series above displays Mobile Data Plan. iPhone 10 Series shows Cellular Data)
• · Tap add a cellular plan/ Mobile Data Plan
• · Scan QR code which you have received from our customer care agent
• · Ensure the Device is connected to the internet (Wifi)
• · Label eSim (Under "Label for your new plan" Section).

Google Pixel 3:

• · From settings go to Network &; internet, and select Mobile Network
• · Click on Advanced, select "Carrier" and click on "Add Carrier"
• · Scan your QR code which you have received from our customer care agent
• · Ensure the Device is connected to the internet (Wifi)
• · Our customer care agent will associate the SIM serial and PUK number on the QR code with the new phone number.

Samsung Device:

• · Go to Settings then to Connections
• · Select SIM Card Manager
• · Click on Add Mobile Plan
• · Scan your QR code which you have received from our customer care agent
• · Ensure the Device is connected to the internet (Wifi)
• · Our customer care agent will associate the SIM serial and PUK number on the QR code with the new phone number.

Steps to Follow to Attach eSIM Profile on Mobile Devices

iPhone:

• · Go to settings > Cellular / Mobile Data
• · Select “Remove Mobile Data Plan” / Remove Cellular Data Plan

Google Pixel:

• · Go to settings and select mobile network
• · Click the toggle button
• · Phone displays “turning off eSIM”
• · Click on “Erase SIM” and select “Erase”
• · Phone displays Erasing SIM

Samsung Device

• · Go to settings and select Connections
• · Select Remove all Data Plan

Finally, eSIM technology represents a significant leap forward in digital connectivity. Its inherent advantages, such as convenience, flexibility, enhanced security, and dual SIM capability, make it an appealing choice for consumers, businesses, and industries like IoT. As eSIM adoption expands and evolves, we anticipate a future where the boundaries of connectivity are pushed, opening new possibilities for seamless, global communication. Embracing eSIM unlocks the full potential of our connected world.

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