Rostelecom, which operates as a virtual mobile operator (MVNO), and Tele2 have tested eSIM technology, which allows using cellular communications without a physical SIM card, transmit Vedomosti.

The director of the MVNO Rostelecom project office, Alexey Chernetsov, said that during the tests, we were able to remotely transfer the operator profile settings to the smartphone. Chernetsov said that the commercial launch of eSIM will be possible after the authorities have approved the rules for the provision of this service.

The representative of Sberbank Telecom said that the virtual operator also began internal testing of eSim, VimpelCom is only preparing for testing the technology, and MTS is testing eSIM in the Internet of Things segment.

On April 8, MegaFon, MTS, VimpelCom (owns the Beeline brand) and a representative of the FSB spoke against the introduction of eSim technology. RBC reported that the “big three” are concerned about the possible intensification of competition and the subsequent reduction in revenue.

A digital SIM-card allows you to abandon the physical analog (nanoSIM) and switch between operators without visiting the communications salon, signing written contracts and checking passports. The technology works in 24 countries. Apple has added it to the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.

• READ MORE: Countries & carriers which supports eSIM

It is also embedded in the Google Pixel, Apple, Samsung and Huawei smart watches and Apple and Microsoft Surface tablets. Already in 2018, Russian operators expressed concerns about loss of revenue and conservative legislation. rostelecom esim