Nepal Telecom Company Limited (Nepal Telecom) will introduce a SIM card that is internet-based. The e-SIM, which is based on the internet, is being launched to replace the old chip-based plastic SIM cards.
The e-SIM card may be used on both mobile and non-mobile devices. According to telecom, E-SIM may be installed in a variety of different digital devices, including mobile devices.
One and a half lakh e-SIMs will be introduced in a year, as stated by Nepal Telecom.
Within the following fiscal year 2078/07, Telecom plans to begin implementing this strategy. Telecom aims to deliver 150,000 e-SIMs to the market as part of an 8 million SIM acquisition in the coming fiscal year. A tender for the acquisition of 7.5 million SIM cards has been launched, according to the telco.
According to a telecom insider, the new strategy would introduce 1 to 1.5 lakh e-SIMs. According to telecom, the decision to build its own base or buy a platform from outside is presently being debated.
According to Managing Director Dilliram Adhikari, efforts to transition the telco to an e-SIM model in line with current technology would begin in the coming fiscal year.
What’s the benefit?
Through e-SIM, data from one phone may be effortlessly transferred to another. Not only that, but you may also change the current data to suit your needs.
You don’t even need to store a SIM card on your phone in a separate location.
Smartwatches may connect to mobile networks as well.
e-SIM is now supported by a variety of mobile phone companies. Airtel and Geo, both in India, have been producing mobile phones with e-SIM support systems.
Apple has the most number of e-SIM-compatible mobile handsets. e-SIM is supported by Apple’s iPad Pro, Apple Watch Series Three, Watch Series Four, Watch Series Five, iPhone X, XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone Eleven, and iPhone Twelve Series.
Google’s Pixel Two, Google Pixel Three, Pixel Three XL, Pixel Four, Pixel Four XL, Pixel Four A have been taking e-SIM.
Samsung’s Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, S2020 Ultra also have e-SIM support systems. E-SIM support is also available in Microsoft Windows 10, Huawei P40.
What is an eSIM?
eSIM stands for electronic SIM card, and it is intended to replace the actual SIM card. Nowadays, the majority of smartphones use a real SIM card. An eSIM is a non-detachable virtual embedded system. This is integrated into the phone’s mainboard, as the “embedded” portion of the name indicates. eSIM, like an NFC chip, is rewritable and will operate with all of the major carriers, regardless of whatever network they use.
With the release of the Apple Watch 3, the term “eSIM” gained a lot of traction. It made its debut in the smartphone market with the Google Pixel 2, which was the first to use the technology. eSIMs aren’t just used by the Apple Watch 3 and Google Pixel. Cars and other IoT gadgets do as well—in this example, we’ve all seen a connected automobile and may have wondered where its SIM card is. The short version is that it employs an eSIM. That is one instance when it makes perfect sense. eSIM cards are also supported by the newest iPhone 11 phones.
eSIMs are also used by other connected device makers, most notably smart home products. It’s only natural: it’s less trouble for the customer, and it gives the manufacturer additional connection choices. And for those kinds of applications, it’s truly a win-win situation. When it comes to transferring this technology to cellphones, though, things get a bit murkier.
The future and benefits of eSIMs
Many GSM carriers across the world are on board to deploy eSIMs after their launch on Apple and Pixel smartphones. The GSMA (which represents the interests of cell carriers all around the world) has recently announced an eSIM standard. Many telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Etisalat, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, Vodafone, Airtel, Jio, and others, are believed to be on board with this new type of SIM.
With the deployment of eSIM, switching operators will be easier since the network data it contains will be rewritable. Rather of carrying several SIM cards from different providers, you will be able to change your network operator with a single phone call. For foreign tourists who pay a lot of money for roaming services, this would be a significant benefit. Because this new form of SIM may be used in any local network anywhere in the globe, roaming charges might be exorbitant.
Another complication with actual SIM cards is that they are now available in two or three sizes. Many of us have switched SIM cards from one phone to the next. We’ve even reduced the size of the larger SIMs to make room for the smaller ones. We have even misplaced the SIM card adapter or put the card incorrectly. These items will be a thing of the past with the new eSIM.
The Challenges of eSIMs
We don’t have a lengthy history of utilizing full-sized SIM cards that are large and bulky. Nano cards are now supported by virtually every smartphone. It takes time for technology to be fully adopted. Before we all switch to eSIMs, all of the major carriers must agree that eSIMs are the future of SIM.
However, it begins with one carrier, which subsequently expands to two, and so on. Google’s Pixel 2 is the first smartphone to employ an eSIM, as we previously said. This functionality is now available on a large number of different devices. Switching carriers would be a lot easier with the eSIM, as we previously indicated. However, you can replace your SIM card in a matter of seconds, however, switching to eSIMs may take longer.
How will eSIM work in practice?
The eSIM operates similarly to the conventional SIM card you’re used to. It is pre-installed on the smartphone, and all you need to do is activate it by speaking with a telecom provider. If your smartphone has both a physical and an eSIM, you can utilize both SIMs at the same time. When your device is linked to two different networks, both networks will appear on the screen at the same time.
You will be able to receive calls and messages on both numbers if the phone is on standby and both the SIM and eSIM are active. You may select a “default” line for making calls, sending SMS, and receiving data, as well as a second line for data. You can keep many eSIMs on your phone, but only one may be used at a time.
eSIM in Nepal?
Nepal is preparing for the deployment of the eSIM system. There are no telecom providers in the nation that offer the eSIM service. As per the information we have got, Nepal Telecom is planning to bring eSIM service in Nepal in FY 2078/79. Many smartphones and connected devices have already adopted the eSIM concept. We would like to request all Nepali telecom operators to gear up for this service.
Furthermore, one of the telecommunication operators in Nepal – CG Telecom is rumored to bring such services in Nepal with the collaboration with Huawei. Existing major providers such as Nepal Telecom, Ncell, and SmartCell should also concentrate on implementing new services in the nation.
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