Forum: Encourage telcos to enable free and seamless eSIM transfers
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Apple recently launched the iPhone Air, marking the first time a phone manufacturer with a substantial market share in Singapore has launched a phone that is eSIM-only. This technology allows mobile subscribers to instantly activate their subscription, reduces hardware issues with SIM cards, and helps users avoid SIM card theft.
Whereas a physical SIM card can be popped out of one device and installed in another, service providers in Singapore require users to delete the eSIM profile on the first device and download it again on their other device to transfer eSIMs.
What’s worse is that many service providers charge a fee for the download, which means that I must pay to transfer my eSIM between devices. This is particularly annoying when transferring an eSIM to a new phone, or when passing an eSIM with a roaming plan between family members.
The technology for seamless transfers of eSIMs exists, and many service providers worldwide support this. Most do not charge for using the process.
Given that eSIMs are supposed to replace physical SIMs, they should likewise be freely movable between devices.
The release of the iPhone Air heralds an era in which eSIM may become the default way of using SIM cards. I fear that device manufacturers, taking Apple’s lead, will start removing physical SIM card trays, making eSIM-only the norm.
This would make having to pay for eSIM transfers untenable, and would represent an obstacle for technology adoption due to the added cost for customers.
I hope the authorities will consider these trends, and act to encourage service providers to enable free and seamless eSIM transfers.
Chen Hongyi
