An embedded SIM or eSIM is a new and emerging technology in the field of telecommunication, hence many myths surround it. Lots of experts claim it will be the future of SIM cards, even though it’s still something new people are mostly unaware of. You can see how misconceptions are inevitable, and why we decided to study several common myths regarding the embedded SIM or eSIM technology. If you are still not sure what an eSIM is, do give the article we mentioned a read first. With that done, let’s start busting the myths about eSIMs one by one.
Myth #1: eSIM is not as secure as a traditional SIM card
Many people believe that an eSIM isn’t very secure, as it uses digital mechanisms for activation. But this is not true. Like a traditional SIM card, an eSIM is also extremely secure, as it uses a dedicated chip called eUICC. This chip is soldered to the motherboard of the device to keep the eSIM isolated from the vulnerability of the device’s operating system.
Moreover, eSIMs also use AES authentication algorithms just like the physical SIM cards. An eSIM is generated using highly secured GSMA-certified servers. These servers are known as SM-DP+. ESIMs use QR codes for activation, which can be used only once with only one device. That means every QR code is unique and specific for an individual device.
Myth #2: Data on the eSIM lacks privacy
There are myths that cellular services like calls, texts, and mobile data are not private and safe in an eSIM. People think these private data are monitored by the service providers, which has not even an iota of truth in it. Your cellular service data is as secure in an eSIM as in a physical SIM card. The wireless data is strongly encrypted.
Further, eSIM carriers/service providers need to abide by the local data privacy laws and rules. Your eSIM has the same kind of data traffic as your physical SIM card. Both SIMs use the same mobile network such as 4G/LTE and 5G. Hence, the similarities here are the evidence of your cellular data’s privacy. In fact, embedded SIMs have better protection and stricter data privacy mechanisms.
Myth #3: An eSIM is more expensive than a physical SIM card
This myth seems the most legit, as eSIM is a new technology and newly introduced technology tends to be more pricey. Moreover, only the high-end smartphones use this technology, which convinces the masses that these SIM cards are for the elites. On the contrary, eSIM services are cheaper to distribute than physical SIMs. You don’t need to visit a store to buy one—it activates and reloads online, hence you save time and money on commutes. Over time, eSIM-enabled phones will be more affordable. This one will be the standard SIM in the future, replacing the physical counterparts.
Myth #4: You can have a single SIM plan or SIM cards operator
Generally, a single physical SIM card allows only one carrier and one SIM plan, so people think it would be the same with an eSIM too. They may believe that, with an embedded SIM, the carrier they choose will stick to them for a lifetime. But that’s yet another myth. An eSIM chip allows multiple carriers with different SIM plans on a single device. That’s something new and phenomenal, isn’t it?
That means you can have multiple carriers with different services suitable for your needs without swapping SIM cards. Even on dual SIM phones, you can have only two carriers with individual SIM plans. But in the case of an eSIM, you can have services of multiple carriers on a single card. It is also worth mentioning that SIM cloning, which is illegal in many countries, isn’t possible with this SIM size. There is no fear of getting your SIM card misplaced, lost, or stolen, either. Undoubtedly, there are more benefits of having an eSIM than a physical traditional SIM card.