This is an image that portrays an electronic SIM. The background is dark blue and in the centre is what looks like a levitating SIM card, from which is an explosion of connections and cyber type graphics. They are displayed in pale blue and pink colours. The top of the image says the words 'Why do businesses need eSIMs?' And in the bottom right hand corner is the blue Simpatico logo.

eSIMs and their Benefits for Business Mobile Phones

Eric has recently been interviewed by Techopedia on the benefits of eSIMs, so we thought we would explore them a bit further in this article and look at how they might benefit businesses.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of a physical sim card that is embedded directly into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs are built into the hardware and cannot be removed. In other words, you won’t have to carry a physical SIM card with you to access your phone calls, texts etc.

Availability in the UK

In the UK, eSIM technology is widely supported by major carriers. Leading providers such as Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three offer comprehensive eSIM services, making it an accessible option for businesses looking to enhance their mobile communication infrastructure. For companies running several devices, eSIMs make it much easier to manage contracts, including when the time comes to change providers. No more distributing SIM cards to all of your employees!

Benefits of eSIMs for Businesses

Simplified Management

eSIMs streamline the management of business mobile phones. IT departments can remotely activate and manage eSIMs without needing to distribute physical SIM cards. This reduces logistical challenges and speeds up the deployment of new devices. Even better, when the time comes to change providers businesses will no longer have to physically distribute a SIM card to all employees. This makes them perfect for large teams, those working remotely, and teams spread across a large geographical area.

Flexibility and Convenience

Businesses can switch carriers or plans without physically swapping SIM cards. This is particularly useful for employees who travel frequently, as they can easily switch to local carriers to avoid roaming charges and ensure better connectivity. Conducting international business will not only be easier, but also less expensive.

Cost Savings

By switching carriers and plans remotely, businesses can optimise their mobile phone expenses. They can take advantage of better rates or promotional offers without being tied to a specific carrier’s physical SIM. Whereas before the logistics of companies swapping SIM cards may have outweighed the benefit of cost savings, eSIMs remove that problem.

Enhanced Security

eSIMs offer improved security features. Since they are embedded in the device, they are less prone to theft or tampering. This is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data and need to ensure secure communication channels. They are also more difficult to lose or damage (we’ve all dropped a tiny SIM card and struggled to find it!)

Multiple Profiles

Typically, phones allow for up to 2 eSIMs, or a physical sim and an eSIM.  However, quite a few Android models have dual sim trays, which offer the same benefit as 2 eSIMs but using physical sims.  More than one sim (either eSIM or physical sim) can be beneficial for employees who need separate business and personal lines. This allows businesses to provide a single device for employees who work in multiple regions or countries, simplifying communication and management. 

Environmental Benefits

Reducing the need for physical SIM cards and their packaging helps businesses contribute to environmental sustainability. This aligns with corporate social responsibility goals and promotes a greener business operation.

Who Would Benefit The Most From eSIMs

Almost all businesses could receive some benefit from the adoption of eSIM technology. However, we’ve identified some particular use-cases which may see the biggest impact.

Remote Workforce

For businesses with a remote or global workforce, eSIMs enable employees to stay connected without the need for physical SIM swaps. IT can remotely provision services based on the employee’s location and connectivity needs. This offers speed, efficiency and flexibility that physical SIMs cannot match.

Temporary Projects

Businesses running short-term projects in different regions can benefit from eSIMs by providing local connectivity to project teams quickly and efficiently, without the hassle of distributing physical SIMs.

Device Fleets

Companies managing a fleet of mobile devices (e.g., for sales teams, field service engineers) can streamline updates and changes to mobile plans across all devices without needing to collect and replace SIM cards.

Implementation

Ask us about eSIMS if you are interested. All UK networks support eSIMs, but we’ll need to check if your business device is compatible.

eSIM technology offers significant advantages for businesses, from simplified management and enhanced security to cost savings and environmental benefits. As eSIM adoption grows, businesses can leverage this technology to improve their mobile communication infrastructure and support their employees more effectively.

Contact us now if you would like to find out more.