Physical SIMs are still used by majority despite the introduction of e-SIMs. With eSIMs, you can just have one embedded to your device instead of keeping a physical one. It’s more common with smartwatches that support cellular connectivity. Airtel MD Gopal Vittal is now advising people to opt for e-SIMs highlighting its benefits with tracking lost or stolen smartphones as one of them.
What exactly is an e-SIM?
e-SIMs are embedded directly into a device instead of placing it on a SIM tray. It contains a software that is installed on the eUICC chip of a device. It isn’t very convenient when switching devices though as you’d need to go through a process to transfer your e-SIM as well.
Airtel MD Gopal Vittal pushes for e-SIMs
- In an emailed letter to Airtel customers, Vittal talked about e-SIMs and how they’re a better option than physical SIMs.
- The email says that customers will get “seamless connectivity” with e-SIMs, and that it’s very easy to change devices as well.
- He also highlighted instances of when your phone might be stolen but e-SIMs will make it tough for criminals to remove them since it’s not a physical SIM. This way, it will be easier to track your stolen device.
- Vittal also mentioned that you can use Airtel e-SIM on any device that supports eSIM. If you’re planning to convert a physical SIM into an e-SIM, you can do so through the Airtel Thanks app.
e-SIMs were first popular with the iPhone 12 series that also introduced dual-SIM support on an iPhone for the first time. Apple offered both nano SIM and e-SIM facility on the iPhone 12 series. Now you can find several phones from brands such as Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus and more that offer smartphones with e-SIM capability.
