In this hyper-connected world, where communication sits at the very center of every business, government, organization, and society, connectivity and ease of use are two very important aspects that people are always looking for. With more and more people being on the go and demanding round-the-clock connectivity, there are more innovative ways to connect than ever. Embedded SIM (eSIM) and virtual numbers have become the latest iteration for people to stay connected through the internet. With the use of virtual phone numbers provided through web or mobile apps, there is no need for a physical SIM at all. While a SIM card is still the more widely accepted concept for cellular data, the use of eSIMs seems like a more enticing option with a lot of benefits!
To better understand how eSIMs work, here are some advantages and disadvantages of using them.
Pro: Flexibility in Use
The most significant difference between an eSIM and a physical SIM is flexibility. eSIM allows users to easily switch providers or have multiple plans in just few clicks. It doesn’t require expensive and specialized equipment to access cellular data through an eSIM. Any existing phone equipment can also use a virtual phone number using an web or mobile application. This is especially beneficial to businesses who’d like to set up a communication platform internally.
Con: Transferring of Data Profiles
If you run out of battery or have a damaged phone, transferring your data plan to another phone is generally more straightforward with a physical SIM. You just pop out the card out of your broken phone and put it in a new one to resume communicating with others.
However, with an eSIM, you need to connect online to download your data from the cloud to get your plan back or switch it to another device.
Pro: Accessibility in Various Countries
For people who constantly travel for work or pleasure, having an eSIM can be extremely convenient. You can easily have a cellular data eSIM provisioned for use whenever you visit a different country. It can effectively reduce your communication costs because you don’t have to buy a SIM card in the visited country.
And a programmable eSIM allows you to get multiple virtual number apps that can be used anywhere in the world to also save on calling and texting.
Con: Availability of Devices
While eSIM offer accessibility to almost anywhere globally, not all devices have eSIM support. Since the technology is still relatively new, older phones are not yet compatible with an eSIM system.
Currently, Google, Samsung, Apple, and Motorola carry a number of devices with eSIM support.
Pro: Security and Encryption
An eSIM offers both digital and physical security that a normal SIM can never provide. Unlike SIM cards, eSIMs cannot be physically swapped, providing a solution to SIM swapping vulnerability. Virtual numbers are also difficult to hack especially those offering end-to-end encryption.
eSIMs can’t be physically damaged or lost, unlike a regular SIM card. There is much less risk of damaging cards and weakening your signal quality as well unless your phone is the one that gets damaged!
Cons: Service Is as Good as the Providing Network
While it is almost impossible to find a place nowadays with no internet access either via Wi-Fi or cellular data, connectivity can still become a problem. If you happen to go to an area with virtually no internet access, then you won’t be able to do much.
eSIM service is provided using existing mobile and cellular networks. If the eSIM underlying network is not good enough or doesn’t have signal coverage in your area, then you won’t be able to access the internet, your virtual numbers or any other apps on your device.
Concluding Remarks
The use of eSIMs is on the rise and slowly becoming widely used among businesses and individuals. While physical SIM cards are still years from becoming obsolete, using an eSIM offers an innovative gateway to the next generation of connectivity. It’s only a matter of finding the right platform to support your communications needs.
CELITECH is the world’s first fully digital cellular data platform. We offer an affordable and convenient eSIM service that can be easily deployed in a matter of days. Our proprietary programmable eSIM API enables companies to use our cellular data eSIMs to support their apps and online business operations through a powerful and simple solution. Contact us today to learn more.
