The revolutionary potential of eSIMs in the mobile industry has been partially illuminated by new research, especially in terms of the effects on customers.
The switch from physical SIM to eSIM, according to analyst firm CCS Insight, will allow users to communicate with their network providers in new ways and give them more control over how they manage their subscriptions.
The study asserts that eSIMs presently represent a small portion of the global mobile market, with just 150 million users globally compared to 8.9 billion cellular subscriptions. However, by the end of the decade, all of that is expected to change.
Customers To Get More Power
CCS Insight projects that the percentage of phones that support eSIMs will more than double, from 27% in 2023 to 56% in 2028, in recognition of the growing popularity of digital-only network connections.
North America is at the forefront of eSIM adoption, with over half of the 150 million eSIM customers worldwide. This growth is largely driven by Apple’s decision to introduce eSIM-only devices, beginning with the iPhone 14 series in September 2022.
Across the globe, there are now over 200 eSIM-enabled devices and approximately 800 operators supporting this technology.
Director of Consumer and Connectivity at CCS Insight, Kester Mann, made the following comments, citing improved digital customer journeys, attracting new customers, and the related environmental benefits of removing that tiny piece of plastic from your phone.
“We found a shift in sentiment among operators to be more accepting of the technology and increasingly optimistic about new opportunities it can enable,” the official stated further.
Additionally acknowledged in the report were eSIMs’ roaming benefits, which enable users to pre-register for more affordable plans. But the revolution has its limits, and it is obvious that there is a lack of education in the field.
According to CCS Insight, just 40% of the over 5,000 participants from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Australia, had ever heard of an eSIM.