Following the recent announcement by Airtel Nigeria, three out of the four mobile network operators in Nigeria are now offering eSIM (embedded SIM) service. The two others are MTN Nigeria and 9mobile, who were the first telecom operators approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to commence the trial of the service in 2020.
eSIM is seen as the next step in the evolution of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM cards) as it is designed to deliver unprecedented freedom and flexibility.
Unlike the physical SIM, you do not need to insert an eSIM into your phone as it is already built into your smartphone, device or wearable. You simply activate the eSIM with your account profile and you are ready to enjoy all the services you normally would with a physical SIM.
Benefits of eSIM: eSIM allows you to have more than one phone number assigned to your smart device. It is beneficial for people who want to manage personal and business lines.
- The possibility of losing or damaging your SIM is reduced because it is built into your device.
- You no longer have to deal with cutting SIM cards or finding adapters.
- eSIM allows the use of multiple mobile numbers, both physical and eSIMs on one device. This reduces the hassle of going about with multiple devices.
- It eliminates the frequent complaints of damage or loss of SIM cards.
- Frequent travellers will find the eSIM very convenient for switching network operators at a much easier rate.
How to activate an eSIM: To activate an eSIM, you need to first have a compatible phone. Currently, eSIM-enabled phones are still limited. However, a number of the latest devices from the top mobile manufacturers are built with this capability.
The following devices and their new models are eSIM enabled:
- Apple iPhone XS and newer models
- Samsung Galaxy S-series from S20
- Samsung Galaxy Note series from Note20
- Google Pixel 2 and more recent models
- Samsung Galaxy Z and Galaxy Fold devices
The activation of eSIM on the networks of MTN, 9mobile and Airtel follows a similar pattern:
- To activate an eSIM on MTN, you must visit any MTN store. The company’s customer care agents will check your device for eligibility and walk you through the setup process.
- For 9mobile, the customer is also expected to walk into select 9Mobile Experience Centres and request an eSIM activation. A QR code will be provided to scan and download an eSIM profile and perform the usual SIM registration.
- Airtel also requires you to visit any of its Service Centres where the customer care agents will walk you through the process of setting up your eSIM.
Note that an eSIM also requires a registration like the physical SIM. Also, a subscriber can convert his or her current physical SIM to an eSIM and vice versa.
This is a very good update. Very soon everything would be using this eSIM feature. From cloths to laptops to children toys and all.
It would also help to fight against theft. Imagine your phone was stolen. The thieves would find it hard to remove the eSIM and this will help you find your phone faster.
What a nice update.
But how can I two eSIM just like how I use the physical SIM
What happens to the esim if the Mobil device get damaged or stolen
I really appreciated with this new idea.
The world is gradually moving towards the times clearly predicted thousands of years ago by the Bible. Very soon, you’ll only be able to make even the simplest of routine transactions only through an e-platform. I’m truly sorry for those who are not Born-again Christians. They’ll incur the wrath of God in the terrible times that lie ahead after the Rapture of the Church.
You have said the TRUTH. you have reminded me of the scriptures. God bless you richly.
Been trying to get this esim on my pixel 3xl device since mid last year…but unfortunately, nothing works in this country.
Good. But in a case the phone is misplaced, how do one quickly deactivate it from any cash transfer ? I believe just as stated above, it can be easily be reactivated back on a new device?
I is really good thing to have this new a novation.Considering the world is fast moving technologicaly.
Good please keep it up.
He died so you can e truly saved, give your life to Christ today and see him work wonders in your life.
I went to activating eSIM
telecom provider,