Not a chip off the same block
Voice and Data|september 2024
eSIMs are reshaping connectivity with seamless switching, enhanced security, and loT integration while navigating challenges in adoption and regulation
PRATIMA HARIGUNANI
Not a chip off the same block

It is a common thriller movie trope. The antagonist, as usual, turns his phone around, opens the SIM slot, lets the chip fall out, and breaks it with a self-satisfied grin. He then looks at the camera, smug and relieved, grinning how easily he has evaded his pursuers.

Alas, this scene would no longer be feasible in a modern heist plot. The reason? eSIMs.

As digital alternatives to physical SIM cards once embedded in mobile devices, eSIMs offer the same functionality and data as hardware chips, but with a significant difference. They can operate remotely without needing to be inside a device. Thanks to technological advances, connectivity, and remote reprogramming, this capability is a boon for those who loathe dealing with physical chips, especially when travelling or switching between different plans. It is also a relief that one can now easily adjust their plans without the hassle of physically swapping a SIM card.

With eSIMs, users can subscribe to data and Internet packages without physically swapping a SIM card. They can easily adjust plans according to their country or region, avoiding the need to hunt for a good Wi-Fi network abroad and the costly operator roaming fees. Authorities may also find it easier to track a device using an eSIM when it is lost.

The real excitement, however, lies in its potential for IoT applications. eSIMs can be valuable for issuing IoT alerts and assisting enterprises with new use cases. Imagine the possibilities for future cars, smart meters, and wearables expected to embrace this technology as it simplifies operations at scale. Not to mention the reduction in e-waste resulting from the use of eSIMs.

So, is that the end of the movie? Not quite.

THE GROWING APPEAL OF ESIMS

This story is from the september 2024 edition of Voice and Data.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the september 2024 edition of Voice and Data.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VOICE AND DATAView All
Cloud endoscopy breakthrough for real-time remote diagnostics
Voice and Data

Cloud endoscopy breakthrough for real-time remote diagnostics

NTT Corporation and Olympus Corporation have demonstrated the feasibility of real-time remote diagnosis and treatment using the world's first endoscopy system powered by IOWN All Photonics Network (APN) technology. The breakthrough experiment successfully processed endoscopic videos on a server located 150 km away, overcoming latency issues and enabling seamless diagnostics.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Rise of the homegrown telecom infrastructure
Voice and Data

Rise of the homegrown telecom infrastructure

Telecom infrastructure, once led by US and European designs and made in China, iS Now increasingly designed and manufactured in India, marking a pivotal shift

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Balancing innovation and regulation for a connected future
Voice and Data

Balancing innovation and regulation for a connected future

Crafting agile governance ensures equitable, sustainable growth, blending innovation with societal protection in a hyper-connected digital age

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Driving transformative shifts towards digital leadership
Voice and Data

Driving transformative shifts towards digital leadership

India's telecom sector, driven by 5G, bold policies, and cross-sector collaborations, is paving the way to global digital infrastructure leadership

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Scaling AI in data centres for the next big leap
Voice and Data

Scaling AI in data centres for the next big leap

GPU-optimised data centres are vital for advancing India’s Al ambitions, enabling it to meet growing computational demands and maintaining global competitiveness

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
Bridging gaps with AI's transformative communication wave
Voice and Data

Bridging gaps with AI's transformative communication wave

AI-driven real-time communication reshapes industries, enhancing connections, operational efficiency, and immersive experiences in a digital-first world

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Weaving the fabric of CDN efficiency
Voice and Data

Weaving the fabric of CDN efficiency

Local peering transforms CDNs by cutting latency, boosting reliability, and ensuring seamless, high-speed delivery for modern digital experiences

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
From orbit to opportunity: Redefining connectivity
Voice and Data

From orbit to opportunity: Redefining connectivity

India's satcom sector is set to revolutionise connectivity through hybrid networks, bridging the digital divide and driving innovative technologies for growth

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Orchestrating telecom's smart future
Voice and Data

Orchestrating telecom's smart future

AI and automation can revolutionise telecom networks, crafting intelligent, selfoptimising systems to meet future demands and deliver seamless connectivity

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Unlocking the true potential of IoT
Voice and Data

Unlocking the true potential of IoT

Specialised silicon and 5G are set to redefine loT's future, driving AloT innovations that deliver real-time intelligence, security, and seamless connectivity

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024