Airtel eSIM Is Changing The Way We Use Our Smartphones – Is This The Next Disruption?

Ever since phones came into our lives, we have known SIM card or subscriber identification module chip as an integral part of the whole system.

While GSM phones need an external SIM card which we need to place in the phone, CDMA based phones normally have a SIM card pre-attached and fixed with the device.

Whenever we wish to change our telecom service provider, we will need to bring out the SIM card, and then physically replace it with a new one.

This is the process we grew up with, but not anymore.

eSIM technology is replacing this process with a new one, wherein there is no requirement of a physical SIM card.

Changing SIM cards is just one of the aspects which is undergoing transformation with eSIM technology.

Infact, it is altering the way we use our smartphone, and it opening up an exciting new world of possibilities.

Airtel Introduces eSIM Technology in India

Airtel is one of the first telecom operators from India to introduce eSIM technology in India, and this is one huge disruption in the telecom industry of the nation.

eSIM or embedded-SIM (embedded universal integrated circuit card or eUICC) is a form of programmable SIM, which is directly embedded into the smartphone. As part of the manufacturing process of the smartphone, this chip is soldered to a circuit board.

The biggest usage of eSIM is that, while switching operators, users need not physically replace the SIM card: Instead, they can remotely re-program this eSIM, and choose another network.

Which Smartphones Are Supporting eSIM Technology?

While Google Pixel 2a was the first smartphone to support eSIM, many premium smartphones have started including this feature in their devices.

Apple has already introduced eSIM in iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR as ‘dual SIM feature’, while Google has now expanded eSIM to Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, and all-new mid-range Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL smartphones.

iPhone users will need to update to atleast iOS 12.1 for enabling eSIM feature.

How To Activate eSIM in iPhones, Pixel Phones?

First of all, Airtel users will need to send this SMS to 121: “ESIM” <space> “Registered Email ID”.

A unique QR Code will be sent to the email id, which forms the base for implementing eSIM in your iPhone.

iPhone users will be required to scan this QR code by going to: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

As soon as the QR Code is scanned, Airtel network will ask for a final confirmation, and the eSIM will be instantly activated.

Note here, that iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR also supports the physical nano-SIM card facility. Infact, Apple Watch had eSIM since long, even before it got introduced in iPhones.

For enabling eSIM in Pixel phones, this guide can be useful.

Airtel has published in-depth guide to eSIM activations and have answers to other eSIM related questions right there.

Why Airtel Is Supporting eSIM & Why This Is A Big Leap

eSIM technology basically changes the way we are using smartphones, and technology. For adapting IoT or Internet of Things platform, eSIMs can be a very important trigger.

eSIMs can not only be placed inside smartphones, but also into cars (Hyundai Venue already eSIM feature), home appliances such as fridges, AC, smart gadgets, computers, tablets and more. Every one of these devices can be connected to one common cellular network, and exchange data for fast processing of services.

Airtel’s decision to support eSIM technology in India is crucial because for enabling such Machine to machine communication, we need a strong and robust network which Airtel is able to provide in India.

Airtel is once again at the threshold of technological innovation, and once again, they are creating a disruption which will set new benchmarks.

Are you using Airtel eSIM technology? Do let us know your opinions and feedback, by commenting right here!