The concept of an “embedded SIM”, or “eSIM” or “Virtual SIM” card for mobile devices has been around for a few years now, but is still new, as even the terminology is still unclear. Apple filed the first degree patent for the version of the “Virtual SIM” or “Apple SIM,” in 2011 and has reportedly been designing it ever since.
The idea behind an eSIM is a chip inside the device instead of a removable card. This will allow users to avoid being trapped in a mobile phone package, or switch providers without having to unlock or buy new devices.
The long-term goal is to create a standard eSIM that will bring extra comfort, cost savings, and security to consumers and companies using mobile devices.
Both Apple and Samsung are reportedly collaborating with GSMA, the association representing mobile operators around the world, along with selected international networks, to make eSIM a reality according to VB.
Of course, it is very likely that they will face resistance from some telephony providers, as consumers will no longer need to buy their phones directly from them.
Consumers, however, are tired of contracts, and hardware makers are tired of facing market barriers that limit them on a global scale.
But let's look at the benefits of adopting eSIM:
Ease: The phones will be thinner and lighter. Consumers will be able to easily switch mobile providers. In addition, they may have more than one phone number available. For companies (corporate packages), it will eliminate the need to purchase additional devices.
Cost saving: The old pricing methods will no longer exist and the long-term contracts, which have already begun to disappear, will no longer exist. So consumers will be able to change provider at any time. This can be done simply by developing a software that will automatically choose the transition to another network depending on how fast and how cheap it is.
Travel: Consumers will no longer have to buy a local SIM card every time they change countries, as eSIM could offer a much simpler process activations. Roaming charges could be avoided as an eSIM would be able to detect that the user is in another country and automatically switch networks. This will also facilitate companies whose employees spend a lot of time traveling internationally.
Security: Since SIM cards will cease to be a piece of plastic, the threat of devices being stolen will no longer exist. For companies, the eSIM card will contain extra information for security, which could be used to verify the authenticity of user equipment in a cellular network. This will make it easier to locate lost or stolen devices.
With all these additional benefits provided by an eSIM, it is probably not long before it appears in future devices. As Apple first filed the patent, probably the first devices with built-in cards will come from the company.
