GigSky, a global roaming SIM provider, told PC Mag that it will support the new Pixel 4, making it by far the easiest pay-as-you-go option so far for people who need roaming data on that phone.

GigSky’s system will also roll back to the Pixel 3a line, as the company promised earlier this year.

“Our flexible global eSIM plans are now available across all platforms and that’s exactly what our customers asked for; hassle-free, affordable connectivity. It’s an exciting time for GigSky, as consumers and companies continue to transition to eSIM enabled devices, the response has been tremendous,”

GigSky CEO Ravi Rishy-Maharaj said.

GigSky currently offers several different plans, but its most common “regional” roaming plans include an 800MB day pass for $10, 1GB of data for $20, 2GB for $30, or 5GB for $50.

GigSky – reasonably priced international roaming

There are three main groups who tend to want dual-SIM devices: people who want home and work lines on one phone; people trying out multiple prepaid services because of promotional bonuses (popular outside the US); and people trying to do reasonably priced international roaming. GigSky is largely for the third group.

Dual-SIM functionality has a checkered history in the US. Typically, carriers have seen it as a potential support issue and banned dual-SIM phones from their shelves; arguments from people who want to have separate home and work lines on their phones haven’t carried much weight. The first broadly sold phones in the US with dual-SIM support were the iPhone XS and XR lines last year.

The US approach to dual-SIM doesn’t rely on two physical SIM cards but rather on “eSIM,” a new software-based approach that gives carriers greater control over which phones their SIMs go into. Unlike with traditional SIMs, that means carriers can choose to be offered as an option on eSIM phones, or not.

Google’s Pixel 2, 3, and 3a have all had dual-SIM support through eSIM, but it’s been crippled by various hardware and software limitations. The Pixel 3a with Android 10 became the first Pixel phone to be able to support dual-SIM, dual-standby, allowing for two active lines at once. But in the US, that only officially works with Google Fi, Sprint, and now GigSky. (T-Mobile does not officially support it, but some people have said they’ve gotten it to work with T-Mobile.)

Apple has a vastly superior array of eSIM-supporting carriers than the Pixel phones right now. Along with AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Truphone, and GigSky, there are dozens of international carriers you can add to an iPhone. Hopefully, we’ll hear about more eSIM carriers for the Pixel line later today.

Google is expanding their carrier partner lineup and will be selling Pixel through all the major U.S. carriers for the first time, including AT&T, C Spire, Cellcom, Google Fi, Spectrum Mobile (Charter), Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon, Visible and Xfinity Mobile (Comcast).

Beginning today, you can pre-order a Pixel 4 for $799 and Pixel 4 XL for $899, and phones will ship on October 24, globally. Pixel 4 comes in three colors, including Clearly White, Just Black, and a limited edition, Oh So Orange.

Google Pixel 4

Pixel 4 brings our largest camera upgrade yet. There are now two cameras on the back of the phone, including a new telephoto lens. When you combine this new hardware feature with our Super Res Zoom software, it gives you exceptional image quality—even from a distance.

Night Sight already takes beautiful photos in full darkness, and now you can use Night Sight for shots of the night sky, the stars, and even the Milky Way (when you find a clear night). Pixel 3 and 3a will also get a version of this capability with the latest camera app update.

Starting with the original device, all Pixel phones have HDR+ (High Dynamic Range) which delivers outstanding photo quality. With Pixel 4, you can fine-tune the brightness and amount of detail in the shadows, helping with difficult shots like sunset portraits. Pixel 4 also has Live HDR+ in the viewfinder so you know exactly what your photo will look like, even when you’re using the new controls in tricky lighting.

A phone that senses what you want it to do

Pixel 4’s Motion Sense feature uses a miniature radar sensor to detect movement around your phone. It can sense when you’re reaching for the phone and will initiate face unlock, or turn off your screen when you’re not around. New Quick Gestures let you skip songs when you don’t want to pick up your phone. Just wave your hand to snooze alarms, dismiss timers, or silence your phone ringer. Motion Sense is enabled everywhere Pixel 4 is sold, except in Japan where it’s coming soon.

How to Activate GigSky eSIM on Pixel Phones

1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your Pixel phone supports eSIM functionality. Most recent models, such as Pixel 3 and later, are compatible.
2. Purchase a GigSky eSIM Plan: Visit the GigSky website or app to choose and purchase a data plan that fits your travel requirements.
3. Get the Activation Code: After purchasing, you will receive an activation code (QR code) via email or within the app.
4. Add the eSIM:
   • Open the Settings app on your Pixel phone.
   • Navigate to Network & Internet > Mobile network > Add carrier.
   • Select Use a QR code and scan the activation code provided by GigSky.
5. Activate the Plan: Once added, select the newly created mobile plan and ensure it is set as the active data plan.

Considerations

• Data Limits: Pay attention to data limits and expiry dates associated with your GigSky plan.
• Dual SIM Usage: Pixel phones support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use both eSIM and a physical SIM simultaneously.

Conclusion

Using GigSky eSIM with Pixel phones is a smart solution for travelers looking to stay connected without the hassle of changing physical SIM cards. With its easy activation and diverse plan offerings, it enhances the travel experience significantly.