PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is ushering in a new era of convenience and flexibility for mobile users as it unveils the new Smart Prepaid embedded SIM or eSIM, the Philippines’ first prepaid eSIM. Smart Prepaid eSIM

The digital version of the physical SIM card, the eSIM allows for a quick and hassle-free way for mobile users to enjoy local data, call, and text services without having to insert a physical SIM card into their devices.

Now, customers only have to simply scan the Smart Prepaid eSIM, which comes in the form of a unique QR code containing a Smart Prepaid account number, to connect to data, call, and text services.

The Smart Prepaid eSIM initially comes in the form of a printed card. Soon, subscribers will also have the option to receive their eSIM in digital form, such as via email or voucher. Because there’s no physical SIM card, eSIM users don’t have to worry about the lack of a SIM slot in their device as well as losing or damaging their main physical SIM.

The Smart Prepaid eSIM is perfect for mobile users who want to experience Smart’s fastest speeds and widest coverage without taking up a SIM slot in their handset. These include Apple device users who can now finally enjoy the convenience of being able to switch between two or more accounts or SIM profiles in just one device.

It is also well-suited for inbound foreign tourists or returning Overseas Filipino Workers who can now quickly activate local mobile services without the often-tedious process of swapping or changing their main physical SIM with a local SIM.

Moreover, unlike roaming services that only cover mobile internet,  the Smart Prepaid eSIM enables tourists to make calls and send text messages. Having a local eSIM also gives them access to local rates that are significantly more affordable than roaming rates.

The Smart Prepaid eSIM is available for only Php99 in major airports, Smart Stores nationwide, accredited retailers, the Smart Online Store, and Smart flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Smart initially made the eSIM available to postpaid subscribers in 2021. With the introduction of the Smart Prepaid eSIM, Smart is enabling more Filipinos to enjoy its convenience and benefits.

“We are excited to finally offer the Smart Prepaid eSlM, which adds to Smart’s long history of bringing cutting-edge innovations to more Filipinos, so they are empowered to live more today. With this move, we’re also making it a lot more convenient for mobile users to finally experience our superior mobile network,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Wireless Consumer Business – Individual at Smart.

The Smart Prepaid eSIM is compatible with eSIM-capable devices, such as the latest flagship handsets of Apple, Google, Huawei, and Samsung, tablets, and smartwatches.

Just like the regular Smart Prepaid SIM, the eSIM version also comes with up to 21 GB FREE data, which subscribers can claim by first, activating and registering their eSIM; and second, by downloading the Smart GigaLife App to conveniently manage their prepaid account.

Subscribers who successfully activate and register their eSIM shall get 5 GB FREE data, and those who download the GigaLife App shall enjoy additional 16 GB FREE data.

Activating the Smart Prepaid eSlM is easy for Apple and Android users, who simply have to open their phone’s camera and then scan the unique QR Code containing their Smart Prepaid account.

Alternatively, Apple users may go to their phone’s ‘Settings,’ choose ‘Cellular,’ and then select ‘Add Cellular Plan.’ This will then open their camera so they can scan the QR Code of their Smart Prepaid eSlM. Upon successful activation, users can view their eSIM listed under their ‘Cellular Plans.’

On the other hand, Android users may go to their phone’s ‘Settings,’ choose ‘SIM Card Manager,’ select ‘Add Mobile Plan,’ and then tap ‘Add Using QR Code.’ This will then open their camera so they can scan the QR Code of their Smart Prepaid eSlM. Upon successful activation, users can view their eSIM listed on their ‘SIM Card Manager.’

All subscribers are required to register their Smart Prepaid eSlM at www.smart.com.ph/simreg. On the platform, users have to input their mobile number and OTP, fill out their personal information and upload a valid ID, then wait for the confirmation text.

The Smart Prepaid eSIM enables subscribers to experience the power of Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network*, according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

Smart has made history as the first and only Philippine mobile operator to win Ookla’s Best Mobile Network award in both Q1-Q2 2022 and Q3-Q4 2022. To receive the rare and prestigious ‘Best Mobile Network’ citation, Smart won both the Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage awards within the same reporting periods.