The telecommunications sector is constantly evolving. Spain will soon say goodbye to the SIM cards that have been running mobile devices since their inception. The future of mobile is in the technology innovation that eSIM brings. Mobile connectivity has always depended on a physical card as a mandatory system in the GSM network. However, the telephone companies operating in Spain have implemented the possibility of converting the traditional SIM into the new eSIM.
SIM Card
The SIM card, known as the Subscriber Identity Module, is a physical card that carries an identification module in mobile phones. Launched in July 1991 as a mandatory system on the GSM network. Its main function is to allow the connection of the telephone to a teleoperator network, and to identify the owner of the telephone line and the plan contracted by it. Our phone number is still the identification number associated with our contract. For 30 years it has been the mandatory method of network operation of our mobile phones, but could be coming to an end.
eSIM
The arrival of eSIM would be replacing the traditional physical SIM card. This new card would be the digital version of the physical. It is activated remotely without the need for physical cards. It is activated via a QR or operator application. It has several advantages that make it more attractive than current physics:
- Stores multiple profiles of different operators on a single device, allowing you to switch between lines or data plans with ease.
- When traveling, it offers a lot more flexibility as it allows you to activate local data plans without changing the card.
- They are much safer, as there is no risk of theft or loss of SIM.
- It is compatible with almost all devices on the market.
How do I get my eSIM?
If the customer wants to activate their eSIM, they can do so easily and free of charge (in most cases). The request can be made through the customer’s personal Area on the operator’s application, by phone or in a physical office. However, there are additional services such as MultiSIM. It is the service that allows the use of a main line on several devices at once, which has an additional cost. In Spain, the operator company Movistar offers the eSIM activation service free of charge, while others such as Orange or Vodafone charge between 5€ and 10€.
Future of eSIM
The benefits of eSIM would not only be enjoyed by consumers, but also by businesses. The telecommunications world will benefit from the ability to connect multiple devices with a single line. Being able to have different numbers of countries is a great advantage for the operating companies, since it would increase the demand among those people who travel often. The physical aspect of the product is removed, which also means cost reductions.
Today, any customer of any carrier can request the activation of their eSIM. The only thing you need to consider is whether your device supports it. The use of physical SIM cards is still in force, although their use is decreasing and more people are betting on their digital version. The advancement of the technological world and connectivity is undeniable and unstoppable, and the use of eSIM opens the doors to a world with more accessible, efficient and globalized communication.