How The eSIM Revolution Is Hitting The Business Community

The eSIM revolution is well and truly underway. First, it came to the US, but now even businesses in the UK are being offered an opportunity to trial these SIMs and see if they work for them. 

Various networks are getting involved, including some of the largest 5G providers, like Three and Vodafone. These networks are offering many business contract holders the opportunity to trial eSIMs as part of their regular contracts for short periods to see whether the concept of using the new technology is worth it. 

eSIMs are essentially the same as SIMs but in software form instead of a physical piece of hardware. They have multiple advantages for businesses, including removing some of the barriers that a lot of companies face when they try to switch from their existing network to get a better deal. 

“Most businesses relied on coverage maps and third-party reports to make decisions previously,” according to Your Business Number, first-mover in the business eSIM market. “It’s not always clear which network brands should choose or what’s going to serve them best.”

Of course, this knowledge matters in the business community, where being in communication with customers is essential. Companies need to be on the front foot, able to answer calls, even if they are a long way from civilisation. 

However, that’s not always possible if the network isn’t providing them with the coverage that they want, which is why the ability to compare and try different options is so critical. For example, firms in Bristol might discover that they have differing coverage requirements from those in Birmingham, and vice versa. 

“What we love about eSIM technology,” says Your Business Number, “is how it enables businesses to manage connectivity across borders without the need for physical SIMs. Travelers have been using these technologies for a while, but it is only now that the commercial sector is discovering the benefits. Companies know that they can switch services, lower their fees, and benefit from special roaming agreements with an eSIM.”

The Freedom of eSims For Business

These days, solutions allow eSIM business holders to travel just about anywhere. Many programmes are already in operation that enable near-worldwide access (with only a handful of jurisdictions that don’t involve themselves). 

Part of the appeal is the increased flexibility these programmes give companies. Small business owners can operate on personal or work lines from a single device, eliminating the requirement to carry around multiple handsets, which was something that happened a lot in the past. 

Your Business Number is a standard-setter for an eSIM that works with WhatsApp Business for easy communications.

“The idea is to prevent a situation that occurred in the past, where companies had to essentially duplicate handsets if they wanted their staff to carry around business phones. An expensive solution previously was to give phones multiple SIM slots so that users could switch between work and leisure, but this approach was still clunky and didn’t always work. eSims allow travellers to use their mobile data easily on the move.”

“With eSIMs, though, the situation is different, and business users can communicate with clients and head office from their secure devices whenever they want.”

Trials are already underway in the UK involving more than 50,000 businesses. The industry and government want to see how eSIMs work in practice and whether it is worth adopting the idea more broadly. Companies that hire people who regularly travel to the continent or the US stand to gain the most, as these regions already have highly developed systems in place. 

The Increasing Popularity of eSims in The UK

Whether this trend will continue and things will improve further remains to be seen. The goal of big networks like Vodafone is to make multi-network usage a reality and integrate with other emerging technologies to enhance the user experience.

Some of these developments could come from network blockchain approaches. The industry may want to reward users for contributing to network connectivity, generating new revenue streams for eSIM owners, and helping with fintech and travel apps. 

Furthermore, many eSIMs also come with advanced AI and software-based technologies that improve the user experience further. For example, companies are now offering eSIMs that combine regular connectivity with ad blockers and virus protection features. These make surfing the web and using the internet more enjoyable, without constant harassment by ads and intrusive interstitials. 

These improvements are also driving infrastructure modernisation. eSIMs are becoming standard in phones, so networks are using services to deliver better iOS and Android experiences, enabling companies to remain competitive. 

“These integrative developments are perhaps the most exciting and least expected,” Your Business Number explains. “The technology is developing in ways many of the traditional carriers didn’t expect, and that’s helping business users get a better experience.”

For example, travel and remote work enablement is getting a significant upgrade with the shift to eSIMs. The technology means that AI can now talk to eSIM data plans and make it easier for frequent travelers to manage their data usage. Many can get instant and affordable connectivity, which reduces company outgoings and helps to make the operation more cost-effective without reducing the worker experience or hampering productivity. 

Of course, tariff challenges could play a role here, given the US administration’s recent actions. Raising device costs may impact eSIM-dependent companies and reduce the amount of business travel countries conduct. 

Furthermore, issues with losing physical SIMs from phones may also crop up. Even if a conventional phone is smashed to pieces, it is easy to remove the SIM. However, that’s not the case for eSIM-equipped phones. These are stored in the cloud and could be harder to access in some situations. 

Ultimately, though, the eSIM revolution is likely to take place and will undoubtedly offer business travelers more affordable options. The near future could enable more predictable roaming charges and reduce the risk of price gouging, since many of the data requirements are set in the home country.

Trials in Bristol and Birmingham will show whether it is feasible and if the dematerialised solution will work long-term. The industry and businesses interested in it should know soon about the outcome, and if it is worth investing in companies to support technological change.