What is eSIM?
(eSIM-Embedded SIM)
So, Let’s talk about SIM cards, Subscriber Identification Module as the full name, it’s that small chip you have to put in your phone which identifies you as a subscriber of a network and it enables you to make phone calls and send messages among other things.
(SIM-Subscriber Identification Module)
SIM cards have evolved from huge full credit card size SIMs in 1991.
This was the 1st form factor.
5 years later in 1996, we got the Mini-SIM aka the regular SIM which we had with our bulky Nokia 3310 back in the day.
They were usually cut from that big credit card sized card and this became the standard SIM and also called 2nd form factor.
In fact, this is where the next 2 were being cut from.
In 2003 we saw the introduction of the Micro-SIM. Same thickness as the normal standard sim but much smaller in footprint.
It wasn’t until 2010 that it was widely adopted. This was around the iPhone 4 era which in fact was the first smartphone to use a microSIM, that was the 3rd form factor.
2 Years later in 2012, the nano-SIM, the 4th form factor was introduced, on the 11th of October in 2012, It was a little bit less as thick and it was so small it was almost just the chip.
Well in 2016, the eSIM or embedded sim was announced.
It’s just a chip embedded directly inside of your smartphone right from the manufacturing process.
It doesn’t require any physical card and you can add or remove operators at will. That is why we’re here today.
The eSIM is, in fact, a substitute for an actual physical plastic SIM card. If your smartphone supports it, you’ll only need to just add your SIM profile to your phone and it’s the same as having a normal sim just no card.
The main differences between the eSIM and the normal SIM card are that now you don’t have a physical sim to worry about, it only a reprogrammable logical profile on your smartphone.
A normal SIM card maintains a profile for any customer but an eSIM enables multiple types of profiles for any customer which is a better benefit.
Also, there’s the fact that technology is evolving and now with an eSIM, you have your SIM profile on things like smartwatches, cars, your computer it’s just better and in fact, with the same eSIM profile, you can enable it to work on multiple devices, this is not the same for a regular plastic physical SIM.
It’s just 1 sim and 1 device, a phone.
So,
How do you get the MTN eSIM?
First off today. To get a normal SIM, you have to to go and physically buy a plastic card, in order to join the network, that card will of course only work with your 1 device.
With an eSIM, you’ll only need to get your eSIM activation voucher linked with your existing profile or the new one you have created, scan a QR code, download your profile and install on any of your supported devices and bam, you’re done.
Obviously, you'll have to enrol it. So what are the supported devices you may ask, right now, it’s available to Google’s Pixel 2 and 3, the newest iPhones from the XR to the 11 Pro Max?
Of course, the newer ones coming later in the year and the newest Samsung S20 which I’ve recently reviewed?
Of course, there are many smartphones that support it and if you bought a device which does, you can simply head to an MTN store to get started.
Also for smartwatches. Huwens Watch, Apple Watch and even my Galaxy Watch, among many others, are yet to do a lot of groundbreaking work in the field of mobile communication in Nigeria, with the help of which will make this country a place.
We really look forward to it. In terms of implementation, MTN is working closely with Nigeria on eSIM, with the Nigerian Correspondences Commission (NCC) jointly agreeing to a 1-year trial in association with a limited number of MTN eSIMS.
Which is subject to a review, an extension or a lump sum approval. So now tell us what do you think about eSIM, especially about MTN's eSIM which is being launched for the first time in Nigeria?
Would you get one, let me know your thoughts you can comment on my youtube or social media and I’ll be sure to engage with you.
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