NEW DELHI: Airtel CEO wants subscribers to use e-SIMS: What are they and pros and cons of e-SIMs

NEW DELHI: In an email, Bharti Airtel CEO and managing director Gopal Vittal urged subscribers to adopt e-SIM for Airtel services as all devices that support an e-SIM feature. He said an e-SIM is an online extension of a regular SIM card and with it subscribers will no longer need to have access to the physical SIM card on their phone. “In instances of theft, if your device gets stolen, it will be that much harder for criminals to get rid of your e-SIM, since they are unlike the traditional SIMs that could be physically removed from phones. This will also make a lost smartphone easier to track,” Vittal said. He said that Airtel customers can install e-SIM service on their smartphone that supports e-SIM feature by following instructions on the Airtel Thanks App. Here’s a look at advantages and disadvantages of an e-SIM, as also given by Airtel on its website.

Advantage: e-SIM is easier to activate than physical SIM cards

It is easier to activate an eSIM compared to a physical new sim card. In the case of a physical sim card, you have to manually place the sim in just the right way to activate it. You will also need a sim ejector pin to open the sim tray slot in your phone. If you accidentally place the sim the wrong way, your sim card might get damaged. On the other hand, eSIMs can be activated by just scanning a QR code. Your eSIM gets registered to your mobile network by scanning the QR code. You will be connected to your network in just 15 minutes. A physical sim card might take more time to get activated.

Advantage: With e-SIM users can switch between networks with a few taps

A single eSIM can store multiple network profiles (the number can go up to 3 or 5). Thanks to this feature, users don’t need to carry multiple physical sims and go through the hassle of inserting them when in need. You can just switch to another network from your phone’s network settings.

Advantage: e-SIMs are efficient for traveling personnel

If you are a person who travels abroad a lot for business or pleasure, eSIM technology is a godsend. Your eSIM can help you switch to local operators easily when traveling. You don’t need to buy a new local physical sim card every time you visit a new country/destination. Save a trip to the telecom store to activate an old sim or to get a new sim. Just use your phone to switch to the local network.

Advantage: ESIM takes up less space

This eSIM advantage is good for both manufacturers and users. Since eSIM doesn’t require a separate slot, the saved space can be used by the manufacturer to add extra features and make better design decisions. The users can get extra features like better battery capacity, faster CPU, or better protection from water and dust, thanks to reduced ingress points.

Advantage: Easy to change service provider

​Additionally, it is easier to change network providers faster with an eSIM.

Disadvantage: Not that easy to switch devices

It can be difficult to switch devices in case of emergencies. For instance, what if your phone stops working suddenly? With a physical sim, you can easily take it out and insert it into another phone. You can’t do that with an eSIM. Moreover, the temp device should support eSIM. That brings us to our next point.

Disadvantage: ESIM support limited to premium phones so far

Currently, eSIM is supported by limited premium phones which are not affordable to everyone. Average users can’t use an eSIM without burning a small hole in their pockets. If one does switch to eSIM, there will be limited phone options.