We’ve been waiting for this development since forever: The embedded Subscriber Identification Module or eSIM is finally coming to the Philippines this year.
In a press statement, Globe Telecom revealed that before 2018 ends, their customers — at least those with devices that support it — can get a QR card at a Globe Store and scan it using their phone to activate the eSIM.
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The Ayala-led telecommunications company said that it is currently testing the technology using the Apple iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, the Apple Watch Series 4, and the Huawei Watch. Of the five, only two are available in the country thus far — Apple’s XS models. The iPhone XR will be up for preorder starting November 9, with the availability set for November 16. No word yet on when the two watches will be released.
Globe explained that it is working towards the full digitalization of the eSIM technology as the industry foresees the arrival of more eSIM-enabled devices.
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We’re guessing that Smart Communications will be offering the eSIM to their customers by end-2018, too. The telco has a couple of events lined up for the rest of the year; any one of them could serve as a launch pad for the service.
Some eSIM benefits, as pointed out by Apple
As the “E” in the term indicates, the eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM. It integrates the plastic card’s identification technology into the device’s modem or processor itself. With it, you can use and manage multiple devices, thanks to the technology’s digital management capability and automatic syncing feature.
The eSIM is only available in 10 countries thus far, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore. Apple brought it into the mainstream with the release of the Watch Series 2.
Main image via Deutsche Telekom
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