Smart has officially launched the Smart Multi SIM pluggable eSIM adapter, a first-of-its-kind solution in Asia aimed at democratizing eSIM connectivity for Filipinos. With this move, Smart ensures that even those with entry-level Android smartphones can now enjoy eSIM access—without having to buy an expensive flagship device.

Affordable, Convenient, and Travel-Ready

The Smart Multi SIM costs just ₱119 and comes with its own number plus a welcome package: 5GB of open access data, 100 SMS, and 10 minutes of calls valid for three days. By inserting the physical SIM, users are prompted to download the Smart Multi SIM companion app from the Play Store, where they can store up to five eSIM profiles—regardless of network provider. This makes roaming simpler and hassle-free, since travelers can add an eSIM from a local operator abroad without needing a second device.

A Game-Changer for Travelers

For frequent travelers, this innovation complements Smart’s Travē app, which already offers affordable roaming in 80 destinations, and the KiQ app, which provides personalized data bundles. Together, these tools highlight Smart’s push to make global connectivity more accessible.

TNT Users Included

The service isn’t just for Smart subscribers—TNT users can also benefit through the equivalent TNT eSIM-dot version of the adapter.

How It Stacks Up Globally

Smart is not the first company worldwide to explore pluggable eSIM adapters. esim.me, a well-known European brand, already offers a solution that turns a regular SIM slot into an eSIM-ready one. Similarly, Chillaxsim has entered the market with its own adapter, targeting travelers who want affordable eSIM access without changing phones. What makes Smart’s Multi SIM different is that it’s the first telco-led deployment in Asia, pairing local pricing and SIM registration compliance with perks like bundled data and seamless roaming options.

What’s Next for Smart Multi SIM

While the Multi SIM currently does not support mobile number porting, Smart confirmed that the feature is in development—meaning subscribers may soon be able to retain their existing number when shifting to this adapter.

Conclusion: Smart’s Strategic Bet on eSIM Democratization

Smart’s Multi SIM rollout signals a strategic shift: eSIM is no longer positioned as a premium feature tied to flagship devices but as a mass-market necessity. By pricing the adapter at just ₱119 and embedding it into its distribution network, Smart distinguishes itself from global players like esim.me and Chillaxsim, who focus largely on direct-to-consumer hardware solutions with higher entry costs. Smart’s approach—leveraging its telco infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and bundled services—gives it a scale advantage in driving adoption in emerging markets.

Industry reports back this trajectory. According to Juniper Research (2024), active eSIM installations are projected to exceed 1.5 billion by 2027, with growth led by Asia-Pacific due to affordability and regulatory support. Similarly, a GSMA Intelligence report highlights that operators integrating eSIM into low-cost segments are best positioned to capture new travelers and first-time digital users.

In this context, Smart is not merely catching up with global innovators—it’s localizing the model to Filipino realities. If the company succeeds in adding number porting and broader app functionality, the Multi SIM could become a blueprint for how telcos in emerging economies roll out accessible, scalable eSIM adoption.