eSIM: the latest advance in the world of connectivity for businesses

According to a study by Juniper Research, the number of eSIMs installed in connected devices is projected to increase from 1.2 billion in 2021 to 3.4 billion in 2025, representing a growth of 180%.

The value of the global eSIM market is also expected to soar, with projections indicating an increase from $4.7 billion in 2023 to $16.3 billion by 2027, a remarkable growth of 249%. 

This surge is driven by the adoption of eSIM-enabled devices, as seen in Apple's US-exclusive release of the eSIM-only iPhone 14, which has triggered accelerated operator support.

Mobile network operators and device manufacturers worldwide are also planning to offer or adopt eSIMs by 2025, with almost 90% of mobile network operators (MNOs) indicating their plans to do so, according to a 2021 survey. 

Here’s what the researchers at Juniper Research had to say:

Despite initial concerns among operators about the disruptive impact of eSIMs on existing business models, the growing support from smartphone manufacturers is placing additional pressure on operators to embrace this technology. Service providers must adapt and support eSIM connectivity to avoid losing subscribers as technology awareness increases.

What this means for your business is that eSIM, over time, may become the default way to be connected, as its adoption increases.

The rise of eSIM creates new avenues of connectivity, meaning businesses can enjoy the perks that comes with its usage.

• Flexibility: eSIM can hold multiple operator profiles in its embedded chip, meaning users don’t have to physically swap or replace SIM cards. This advantage means that time and money, a commodity that matters to businesses like yours, is saved, perfect for the busy and up-and-going traveler.
• Remote Management: eSIMs make it easier for businesses (and companies like us) to manage devices from afar. Using modern and innovative tools, business can provision, activate, and manage eSIMs without ever having to interact with the device.
• Security: businesses of today need reassurance their device, and its connective nature, is secure from outside threats. eSIM and its embedded nature means that no one can remove the SIM and comprise the handset. Combined with multiple profiles, in-house managers and third-party network providers can safely authenticate and deactivate mobile devices to keep valuable, sensitive data out of harm’s way.

While eSIM is a growing trend that should take interest from businesses of all sizes and industries, there are some drawbacks.

• Compatibility issues: eSIM is here and growing but isn’t standardized. That means that devices and networks providers across the world will have different requirements or specifications in various regions in activating, swapping, or changing eSIM profiles. Additionally, older, no longer produced smartphones that may exist in a business’ ‘fleet’ will likely have no eSIM support, meaning that anyone looking to upgrade will face higher price tags.
• Potential costs: Budget is critical to the sustainability of any business, and eSIM poses a risk to increase spending. With facing the likelihood of upgrading smartphones to the latest, on the market options, there will be inevitable high price tags, as eSIM isn’t widely adopted just yet, especially for entry-level handsets. Remote management and provisioning will require more dedicated support and as a business expands, so will the demand of more smartphones. So, for those looking to invest, they will have to heavily consider how much they are willing to spend, for the latest generation of connectivity.
• Complexity: With more options available to businesses on how they want to connect, both to their colleagues and stakeholders, adds more of an impact on how much they have to manage. The impact increases significantly, especially if businesses try to juggle multiple carriers, plans and devices. This will have an effect on the resources of a business that could’ve been used elsewhere, like small to medium enterprises that don’t have a team dedicated to IT support.

Despite these, you can mitigate the effects of the drawbacks by carefully evaluating what your business needs, by working with a knowledgeable mobile network partner that understands and puts those needs first and foremost. eSIM is a viable option for many businesses who require more flexibility in their mobile communications setup. 

As a mobile network partner, we believe that its necessary for you to stay informed as mobile communications continue to evolve. Careful consideration must be taken on how eSIMs can benefit you, and we strongly advise you to speak to any expert on the matter.

Get in touch with our team today to begin your eSIM journey, and gain a better mobile communications solutions!