eSIM market
The Embedded SIM (eSIM) Market is expected to register a CAGR of 15.47% over the forecast period from 2021 to 2026. It’s been estimated that the Internet of Things (IoT) devices will become the largest connect category within the next few years, overtaking mobile phones. The eSIM helps these connected devices work and enables new types of devices with less compromise.
Wearables are one category that significantly benefits from an eSIM because of the accommodation of a more significant physical sim in the device will result in the usage of extra space and to compensate that the batter size of the wearable can be compromised. Automotive makers, with the usage of an eSIM, allow the user to connect the cars to cellular quickly. Laptops will benefit from the addition of the eSIM while providing brands and re-sellers with the opportunity to up-sell/cross-sell through flexible data bundles.
- In November 2019, 1oT, the virtual connectivity provider for global IoT device makers and Valid, an eSIM solution provider, announced a collaboration introducing a full end-to-end eSIM solution for the IoT space. Valid’s subscription management services and eSIM technology coupled with 1oT’s scope and several pre-negotiated mobile carrier deals produce a cost-effective and reliable connectivity solution. 1oT’s eSIM offering provides a single point of contact for IoT connectivity by acting as an aggregator of various carrier services. IoT service providers can now use one robust system that gathers different carrier deals and eSIM management under one roof instead of handling multiple carrier deals and SIM cards for use in different countries or regions.
- As eSIM enables users to connect more devices to their mobile operator, operators can offer multi-device packages and bespoke data plans. With eSIM, device bundling will become much more accessible, with consumers conveniently adding new devices to their plans without having to go in-store or wait for a physical SIM card to arrive in the post. In turn, this presents additional revenue opportunities for mobile operators, as their customers scale-up their plans by adding new devices that require data. Businesses with many mobiles used by their employees will also benefit from the convenience of eSIM. eSIM can deliver a better user experience for managing cellular connectivity. Profiles for each user can also be personalized, and data plans can be adjusted and optimized via eSIM remote management tools.
- Multiple countries are witnessing the deployment of eSIM. For instance, in April 2020, stc has announced a localizing platform for eSIM for the first time in Saudi, obtained an international accreditation deemed requisite for rolling out eSIM technology. stc can provide eSIM services to all Mobile and Virtual Network Operators (MNOs/MVNOs) in the country as a National eSIM Platform. Also, the service can be extended to other MNO’s in the Arabian Gulf region or internationally interested in obtaining the eSIM service from stc. The adoption of eSIM in Saudi Arabia in cooperation with GSMA Certification is expected to be a step towards achieving the mandates of Saudi Vision 2030, by localizing eSIM technology and further enabling digital transformation. esim market
Here are some indicative prepaid eSIM card prices: