In recent years, mobile connectivity has undergone a quiet but significant transformation with the rise of eSIM technology. Unlike the traditional plastic SIM card, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built directly into a device—smartphone, tablet, or even a smartwatch—that can be programmed remotely. This eliminates the need to physically insert or replace SIM cards, making it easier for users to switch carriers, add secondary lines, or set up local data plans while traveling.

The global push toward eSIM adoption is driven by convenience, cost efficiency, and flexibility. In countries such as the United States, Germany, and Singapore, eSIM is becoming mainstream—some new smartphones, like Apple’s latest iPhones in the U.S., are sold without a physical SIM slot at all. The shift is also fueled by the booming international travel market, where eSIM allows instant activation of local or global data packages without visiting a store. According to GSMA Intelligence, the number of eSIM-enabled devices worldwide is expected to surpass 2 billion by 2025, and major mobile operators are investing heavily to support this change.

While some regions have embraced eSIM faster due to regulatory flexibility and strong smartphone penetration, other markets have been more gradual in their adoption. Belarus is now showing clear signs of catching up—fast.

eSIM Growth in Belarus: MTS Reports a Sharp Increase

According to data from MTS, the largest telecom operator in Belarus, the number of eSIM users in the country has increased by more than 30% in just one year. Today, approximately one in every ten SIM cards issued by the operator is in digital form.

The growth is driven largely by tech-savvy and active mobile users. MTS reports that subscribers aged 31 to 40 are the most active adopters of eSIM, reflecting a demographic that is both comfortable with technology and values flexibility. Interestingly, iPhone owners—particularly users of the latest iPhone 15 models—make up the majority of new eSIM connections. Samsung and Xiaomi round out the top three brands among eSIM users.

The operator also noted that eSIM customers tend to be heavier data consumers, using on average 14% more mobile data compared to the average subscriber. This trend mirrors patterns seen in other markets, where eSIM adopters are typically more digitally engaged, using their devices for streaming, online work, and international communication.

Why Belarus is Catching Up

Belarus’s eSIM momentum is tied to several factors:

• Smartphone penetration: More consumers are upgrading to eSIM-capable devices, especially in urban areas.
• Operator readiness: MTS has made eSIM activation widely accessible through its stores and an online platform, allowing customers to replace a physical SIM with a digital one in minutes.
• Traveler benefits: For Belarusians traveling abroad, eSIM offers a way to avoid high roaming charges by instantly purchasing local or global data plans.

With MTS’s mobile coverage reaching over 98% of the country’s territory—where 99.9% of the population lives—technical readiness is not an obstacle. This nationwide availability sets the stage for even faster adoption in the coming years.

How Belarus Compares to the World

Globally, eSIM penetration varies widely:

• In advanced markets like the U.S. and parts of Western Europe, eSIM is now a standard feature for premium devices, and adoption rates are accelerating quickly as operators phase out physical SIM support.
• In Asia-Pacific markets such as Japan and South Korea, eSIM is increasingly tied to multi-device ecosystems—phones, smartwatches, tablets—making it integral to daily life.
• In emerging markets, uptake is slower due to a mix of lower device compatibility and consumer awareness, but growth rates are high once operators promote the technology.

Belarus currently sits in the early adoption phase, similar to markets like Poland or Ukraine a few years ago. However, with a 30% year-on-year growth rate, Belarus’s trajectory is strong and could match more advanced markets within the next three to five years, especially if all major operators adopt an aggressive rollout strategy.

Conclusion

Belarus’s eSIM adoption surge is part of a broader global movement toward flexible, digital-first mobile connectivity. MTS’s data shows that while the country is still in the early stages, the technology is rapidly gaining traction among urban, tech-savvy users—particularly iPhone owners aged 31 to 40. As global trends show, once eSIM passes the awareness and compatibility tipping point, growth accelerates sharply. If current momentum continues, Belarus could soon be among the regional leaders in eSIM usage, offering its citizens and travelers the same flexibility and convenience enjoyed in the world’s most connected markets.