Get to know eSIM, a replacement for SIM card

When Google released the latest smart phones Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL there is one new feature that is actually important but its presence does not get much spotlight. The feature is eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module), aka embedded SIM card. The mobile users can be sure to know what is a SIM card. Without it, the phone would not be able to connect with telecom operators making it difficult to communicate. Before going to the explanation of eSIM, let's take a brief look at the SIM card. The SIM card basically stores certain network information that authentication is used and identifies the subscribers on the network. In the last 27 years, the process that must be done in its use is to insert a physical SIM card into the device you want to use. As reported by GSMArena (15/10), in 1991 the size of SIM card reach credit card size. In 1996 manufacturing shrank in size to a mini SIM card size - a measure that was widely known when mobile penetration in Indonesia raged around 1997. Micro size was introduced in 2003, followed by nano which is the current standard size of the SIM card, introduced in 2012. SIM cards are common in Indonesia today, namely mini, micro, and nano. Technology continues to grow and SIM size can be further reduced. Last year the GSMA (the association representing network operators in the world) gave birth to eSIM. A chip with a physical size of 5mm x 5mm. Because the size is very small, eSIM no longer need to pull-plug it because it is embedded in the phone. For example in Google Pixel 2, if you want to switch operators, users simply do a few steps directly on the phone screen. Thus, users no longer need to buy a physical card, then put it on the phone. This technology is certainly very useful for those who often travel abroad because it can switch operators more easily. Not only that, eSIM also claimed to have a better level of security. The information in eSIM will be appropriate or rewritable by all operators, which means the user can decide to change the operator for example with just a simple phone call. New SIM cards in physical form will not be required and, supposedly, no time is wasted to replace the card when switching the operator. As the name implies, eSIM chip is soldered to the circuit board. It has M2M (Machine to Machine) and Remote Provisioning capabilities. Remote Provisioning capabilities in the eSIM standard allow remote operator settings, without requiring the user to visit the operator's office. At this year's Mobile World Congress, at the GSMA Seminar, Thomas Henze, Director of eSIM Programs, Product Innovation, Deutsche Telekom demonstrated how eSIM activation through code scanning in a physical letter from the operator. In other demos, eSIM is enabled through the Universal Activation Code, again using scanning, users can activate as many mobile phones as they want. The logical conclusion is, when mobile phone travel automatically finds out location changes and then offers a number of operators and packages from local carriers. Wait and see Although it sounds great and makes it easy for customers, it is still not known whether the operator agrees and immediately adopts this technology. As reported by detikInet (6/10), Adita Irawati, Vice President of Corporate Communications Telkomsel, stated that it is still in a position of "wait and see" to see the latest technological developments. Likewise with XL Axiata operator. They stated, despite reviewing eSIM technology, but the clarity needs to be supported by the regulations issued by the Ministry of Communications and Informatics. Although Pixel 2 became the first in the category of smart phones, eSIM technology has actually been applied by sandangan (wearable) smart watches like Samsung Gear S3 LTE version, as well as Apple Watch Series 3. The application of eSIM also actually culminates in a wider scope. It is estimated that in the next few years Internet of Things (IOT) devices will become the largest category, overtaking the mobile population. eSIM not only helps IOT devices work, it also enables a new tool category with little compromise. How would it be if Apple or Samsung had to adjust the size of a physical SIM card on Apple Watch Series 3 and Samsung Gear S3 LTE? Both devices will definitely be larger in size, so it is not convenient to use as a daily-used clock. In addition to sandangan, automotive manufacturers can also take advantage of eSIM. They can make vehicles connected to cellular networks, as well as the internet, without using a mobile phone as an intermediary. Or maybe someday, if eSIM is installed on a laptop, the operator can create a new mobile packet kenoktivitas, especially for laptop usage. Like many other new technologies, we believe the popularity of eSIM is just a matter of time. If more and more manufacturers are producing devices with eSIM, telecom operators will be more willing to adapt. Google knows that. Therefore, while waiting for the popular eSIM, they compromise by still providing the nano SIM card slot on Pixel 2. This news is from line today