Cost of eSIM
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is a small chip that holds your personal information and identifies you to the mobile network, letting you make calls and send text messages. Over time, SIM cards have been reduced to micro- and nano-sized versions that free up space inside cellular devices to increase battery sizes and add features. But now a new technology called eSIM is appearing on some phones, and it’s likely to replace traditional plastic SIMs in the future.
The “e” in eSIM stands for embedded, and it performs the same function as a traditional SIM but can’t be removed. It’s a little harder to manage than a physical SIM, but it can open up a new world of flexibility for phone owners and carriers.
One major advantage is that it’s easier to switch carriers when you use an buy eSIM. Unlike a physical SIM, which requires that you order a replacement from the carrier and wait for it to arrive in the mail before you can insert it into your device, an eSIM is simply reprogrammed by the new carrier through the smartphone’s settings. Some phones also support dual-SIMs, allowing you to have a different line for work or family that can be switched in and out with a few taps on the screen.
What is the Cost of eSIM?
Another advantage is that you can store multiple plans on the same eSIM, making it possible to save money by switching to a lower-cost plan or using a local data eSIM while traveling abroad. Up to five eSIMs can be stored on a single handset, and the number of lines you can have active at any given time is unlimited.
There are still some limitations, though. As with many other digital elements of our lives, eSIMs can be hacked. This can allow an attacker to take over your phone and use it for their own purposes, including sending spam or malware. The good news is that it’s less likely to happen with an eSIM than with a traditional plastic SIM.
Some phone manufacturers have even decided to eliminate the SIM tray entirely on their latest devices. The new iPhone 14 series, for example, uses eSIMs exclusively. This not only frees up space to add extra batteries or features but also makes the phones better able to withstand liquid damage, which can occur when you’re removing and reinserting a SIM.
Until eSIM becomes the universal standard, many older phones will continue to use a traditional SIM tray with a slot that’s usually covered by a thin plastic protector. This protects the delicate do-not-touch circuits in the SIM tray and reduces the risk of losing it or accidentally ejecting it with a paperclip or similar object.
Until eSIM is widely adopted, most smartphones will continue to feature a tray that accepts a physical SIM, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for newer models with a built-in eSIM and consider upgrading your current device to one when the time comes.
