A Brief Overview of SIM Acronyms
Embedded Subscriber Identity Module is the acronym for eSIM. Just like a normal and traditional SIM an eSIM stores the data and security configuration needed to identify the SIM in your smartphone and grant you access to join and function on a network. Here comes the complex science part. Every SIM is manufactured with a unique serial number, this serial number is also known by another acronym ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) additionally each SIM has an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number. These numbers are uniquely and permanently tied to each individual SIM even when transferred from phone to phone, network to network.
What makes an eSIM any different?
Herein lies the difference, unlike the familiar and delicate physical SIM that fits on your fingertip, an eSIM can be downloaded directly through the ether of the matrix and electronically embedded into your phone’s motherboard. This new technology present with us today, is integrated into most new smartphone. This makes changing number or network much more convenient, becoming a virtual software update and download, instead of an intricate fiddly fingertip transfer.
How do I get an eSIM?
As mentioned above, you don’t need to get one to put an eSIM into your phone, if your phone is eSIM compatible it will likely already be fully equipped for the job. Neither do you need to remove or swap a hardcopy SIM from your old phone in order to change network or number to activate an eSIM. To answer the question, in order to get your eSIM, log into your EE account or contact 150 from your phone or visit EE in store and request an eSIM to start the process. If you’re not already with EE and are a new customer, request an eSIM when ordering a SIM only plan or compatible phone contract.
How do I set up an eSIM?
As long as your phone is compatible and supports eSIM and you have a Wi-Fi connection it should be smooth sailing. It is a simple process you can do in conjunction with your phone or laptop or desktop PC. You’ll just need an internet connection and a compatible phone. EE will provide you an email or paper scannable QR Code which can then be used to download and activate your eSIM immediately. Use your phones camera app to scan the QR code and the eSIM should install and activate itself and guide you through the whole setup process. Further information is highlighted in EE’s video below.
Advantages, what are the benefits of eSIM?
- Cannot be lost or damaged
The eSIM is a key essential, innate and inseparable ingredient to your phone, there’s no way for you to ever remove it, or misplace it or break it as you might with the long-established conventional SIM. Furthermore, this completely removes the possibility of even damaging your phone in a poorly executed attempt at removing and detaching a SIM card.
- With an eSIM there is no hold up waiting for it to arrive in the post
As an eSIM is a downloadable virtual update there’s no annoying wait for your physical SIM to travel across country and arrive in the post. This process can be entirely avoided and your eSIM can be activated remotely from home.
- More internal space saved inside the phone
With the obsolescence and steady discontinuance of the time-honoured SIM card, smartphone manufacturers can now utilise space usually reserved for the SIM instead on essential components and processing power. This means more efficiency when it comes to phone design, smarter smartphone, better hardware, larger battery, or more is less, compact and dynamic effective design.
- Multiple profiles
Due to its virtual nature an eSIM can synchronously incorporate multiple SIM profiles simultaneously. In other words, you’ll easily be able to change the settings on your phone, making it possible to accumulate five separate phone numbers on five different networks all on one phone. Therefore, you’ll be able to switch to your work number, or change number when abroad to avoid roaming.
Disadvantages, what are the setbacks of eSIM
- Single number sharing will be a nuisance
If you have enough phones to play musical ring tones with your number and are in the habit of switching your SIM from phone to phone, you’ll be better off with a common SIM card. An eSIM is more convenient in all other areas of use, however the simple process of requesting a switch from your network each and every time you change the phone you are using will likely become an arduous task.
- Privacy concern
If you’re an enemy of the state or hold a justified paranoia or simple privacy principles which you don’t want invaded. If your concerned about your digital trail and the intrusive nature of smartphone tracking, then eSIMs may be potentially problematic for you. With a SIM card you can freely remove this ability by taking out your SIM at any given time. However, with an eSIM you cannot slip under the radar and go ghost off grid.
- Emergency
If your phone breaks or malfunctions due to water intake, or furthermore, in the extremely unlikely event that your phone breaks whilst you’re in an emergency situation with no way to activate your phones SOS signal, a standard SIM could give you a chance to switch to another device if you’re lucky. With an eSIM this would be burdensome or even an impossible task, contingent upon an internet connection and requesting an eSIM pack from your network.
All in all, these setbacks can be overlooked, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and this is just the way the arrow is flying and the industry regulating, the carpet is being rolled. The eSIM isn’t a fad and is truly here to stay. Over the course of time the dependable and contemporary traditional SIM will be slowly phased out. This will mean smarter smartphones, with either better battery or processing power. Finally, the eSIM will be better for the environment. For further reading or to request an eSIM you can visit EE’s eSIM help page here.