Why is eSIM not Popular? – Exploring the Key Reasons

New smartphone models are released every week. Developers are introducing various advanced photo editing capabilities, improving phones with more powerful cameras, and also offering high-volume batteries. However, they still cannot refuse SIM card slots. Although the implementation of the slot looks archaic and not aesthetically pleasing, it also takes up space in the phone.

At the same time, the eSIM technology, which appeared in 2016, has not yet received due attention. However, it offers many advantages, unlike a traditional SIM card. But why eSIM not so popular.

Let’s look at the main reasons and possible solutions.

The Complexity of eSIM Technology

It is worth starting with a general definition of eSIM as a technology. An eSIM or embedded SIM is a built-in SIM card that is integrated directly into the device’s motherboard. The technology is used both on smartphones and on other smart devices’ collaboration, such as trackers, smartwatches, tablets, and so on. 

Major corporations such as Apple and Google were among the first to start supporting eSIM on the market. A little later, Samsung picked up the trend, and now Chinese corporations have begun to master the built-in SIM card.

The built-in SIM card module can remotely record various operators, the simultaneous number of which currently amounts to 5–8 pieces. The number depends on the specific model, and over time this long-term indicator only increases.

At the same time, there are a number of advantages that distinguish eSIM when compared with a traditional SIM card.

• Remote control and change of eSIM.
• Simultaneous storage of several numbers.
• Privacy and security.
• Support in different countries.
• Flexibility and fast network work.
• Free space in the device.

However, many users are still afraid to start using eSIM due to additional independent actions in configuration and management. Unlike a traditional SIM card, to activate eSIM, you need to follow specific steps in the device settings, and then monitor traffic consumption through the provider’s application.

Therefore, many users who do not like additional actions decide to abandon new technologies of convenience and comfort.

Why eSIM is not popular? Let’s consider below.

User Resistance to Change

Unfortunately, modern users still psychologically resist switching to eSIM industry. First of all, because of the fear of new technologies and ignorance of the real advantages. In addition, many are afraid of losing physical control over the SIM card.

Also, many people have difficulties activating and managing multiple eSIM profiles. At the same time, users do not want to waste time trying to figure out how the technology works and what advantages it has.

Psychological Barriers to Adopting eSIM

As mentioned above, the main reason for abandoning eSIM is psychological fears. It is difficult for users both to accept new technologies and to understand them. This anxiety about changes forces people to stay with the understandable but already archaic technology of traditional SIM cards.

Many people are tormented by doubts and uncertainty about the correctness of their choices. They have concerns about losing control over personal information in a physical card that stores a lot of information. There is also a fear of the security of this information. Even though it is possible to lose a traditional SIM card eSIM is impossible since it exists exclusively in digital format.

Nevertheless, some users overcome psychological fears, and after studying the information about eSIM technology, they choose it not only for travel but also for personal use.

Consumer Comfort with Traditional SIM Cards

One way or another, traditional SIM cards offer users ease of setup and familiarity of use. They do not require additional configuration after activation at the operator’s office. Such comfort creates attachment and the unwillingness of users to change something. At the same time, it takes precious user time to go to the operator’s office, change SIM cards in the slot, etc.

However, some users, out of curiosity and a desire for change, study information about the work of eSIM technology on the internet, and try the technology instead of a traditional SIM card. Thus, users save time, have a greater choice of tariffs, and can travel and build a business in any country of the world together with eSIM.

Limited Support for Mobile Carriers

Another important reason for the unpopularity of eSIM is the lack of widespread support from mobile carriers. Unfortunately, carriers benefit from the established communication ecosystem, where users need physical SIM cards and full support to connect them.

In addition, when applying for a SIM card, mobile carriers do not offer such a service as eSIM, nor do they tell in detail about the advantages and ease of implementation, and use of technology in modern life.

Such actions by mobile carriers slow down the process of development and popularization of such technology as eSIM, which can change the usual view and approach to communication around the world.

Geographic Variations in eSIM Support

It is important to note that the implementation of eSIM technology in different countries occurs in different ways. The leaders of the countries in terms of the number of eSIM users are North America and Western Europe. Here, the coverage of eSIM technology has almost equaled that of a traditional SIM card. This is largely because mobile carriers easily allow users evaluating the capabilities of the new technology and enjoy the convenient activation and use process.

The outsiders of the top in the use of eSIM technology are countries such as Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. Here, the percentage of eSIM technology coverage is several times less than traditional SIM cards. In these regions, mobile carriers are stingy with offers and limit users to information about available traditional SIM cards and tariffs.

Thus, it is the support of technology from mobile carriers that plays a key role in geographical variations in the use of eSIM technologies.

Carrier-Specific Challenges with eSIM

As mentioned above, the support of mobile carriers is important for the spread of eSIM technology. In the leading eSIM usage columns, carriers talk about the advantages of using eSIM, highlight issues of self-activation and quick activation, and also mention the convenience of monitoring and managing eSIMs. 

However, in countries with less support for eSIM technology, mobile carriers are less likely to offer to evaluate the new technology. In many cases, this is due to the unwillingness of employees to help carry out additional steps for activation and management. After all, the activation process when using eSIM passes into the hands of the user, who can not always figure out what needs to be done. In case of difficulties, the user will want to contact technical support to clarify the steps. Such actions add work and tasks to employees of mobile carriers, who find it easier to activate traditional SIM cards on their own. 

In addition, the policies of some carriers do not contribute to the implementation of eSIM, preventing the spread of eSIM services and creating barriers for users who want to take advantage of this technology.

Future Outlook for eSIM Adoption

Fortunately, it is predicted that eSIM technology will become more and more popular over time. Firstly, social networks and widespread advertising will contribute to this. The role of mobile carriers in the growing popularity will be replaced by people themselves, who will talk about the convenience of using eSIM. 

At the same time, manufacturers of new smartphones, based on the trend of development and distribution of eSIM, will produce smartphones without a SIM card slot. Such changes will entail a real revolution in the world of smartphone manufacturing and communications in general.

In addition, gaining experience in using and implementing eSIM will improve the process of activating and managing eSIM. It will also begin to reduce the cost and expand the functionality of eSIM. And the growing interest in technology will allow working on its implementation in other areas.

Thus, eSIM technology has every chance of popularization and scalability throughout the mobile communication world.

Technological Advancements in eSIM

The future of eSIM cannot be imagined without the development of new technologies that will help improve the quality and usability of eSIM. Firstly, it is needed to work on improving the infrastructure and software that will speed up the activation process and ease of use of eSIM profiles. Also, it is required to work on improving the interfaces. It is necessary to reorganize them and make them more intuitive for users.

Improvements in the field of security and confidentiality of user data are also important. It is necessary to work on the invention of more reliable data protection systems that could contribute to the popularization and widespread use of eSIM technology.

In addition, innovations in the field of cloud solutions are expected, which will improve the functionality of eSIM technology, making it even more convenient and flexible to use.

Thus, the development of technologies will help in the dissemination of eSIM technology, and in improving its quality, strengthening its position in the mobile communications market.

Market Predictions for eSIM Growth

Despite the difficulties of popularizing and increasing the use of eSIM technologies, the eSIM market shows higher growth rates every year. Therefore, experts predict that the global eSIM market will grow from $2 billion in 2022 to $10 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of about 29%. These are impressive figures that are quite real for a technology like eSIM.

Here are the main forecasts that experts have made regarding the development of eSIM:

• The growth in the number of eSIM providers.
• Increasing the use of technology in smart devices.
• Adding new functionality.
• Improving data security and privacy.
• Work on improving and simplifying activation and management processes.
• Reducing the cost of tariffs while maintaining the quality of services.

At the moment, the eSIM market is on the rise and is increasing its growth rate at a tremendous pace. This is facilitated by both the promotion of technology to the masses with the help of loyal mobile carriers, and the quality of services provided and the variability in the use of eSIM technology.

How eSIM Plus Can Help You Transition to eSIM

eSIM Plus is an improved version of eSIM, which greatly simplifies the process of switching to this technology. Here are the main points to pay attention to:

• Offers the advantages of a simple and fast eSIM setup without unnecessary options and the need to contact the support service. 
• Provides an easy transition and change of mobile operators and eSIM profiles. 
• Suggests a number of additional functions for managing profiles through the intuitive interface of the application.
• Ensures multi-level data encryption, which provides a guarantee of security and eliminates the possibility of data leaks.

eSIM Plus greatly simplifies the transition to eSIM, offering convenient configuration, wide compatibility, and additional features. 

If you want to get the most out of communication and communication management, then the best option would be eSIM with various tariffs for any purpose.

Upgrade to eSIM Plus and improve your mobile experience.