Safaricom Launches eSIM Service: All You Need To Know

Safaricom Launches eSIM Service: All You Need To Know

Kenya’s Leading telco Safaricom has launched support for eSIM technology. 

As you might be aware, there are three common SIM card sizes: the regular mini SIM, micro SIM and nano SIM. However, there’s a new SIM called an eSIM.

I’m sure you must be wondering what all this entails and why you should be informed about this. So, let’s get to it.

What Is eSIM?

eSIM, short for embedded-SIM, is a tiny SIM card that is directly embedded on the motherboard of a mobile phone. This means that there is no need for inserting a physical SIM card bought from your mobile operator into your phone.

Courtesy: Srcwap

Your subscriber profile (number/line) is hence downloaded from the operator and saved to your SIM, without having to pop out SIM cards.

What Are The Benefits of Having an eSIM?

With the SIM card embedded on your phone, you can have more than one phone number without having to switch physical SIM cards. This means you cannot lose your SIM card due to hot swapping. The thickness of an eSIM is also much smaller, thus reducing the overall size of the device.

How Can I Get eSIM Service?

To get the eSIM service, you need to first have an eSIM-supported device. You will then be required to visit a Safaricom Shop in order to have your eSIM activated to their network. With time, you will be able to do it yourself online, or through a phone call to customer care.

Which Devices Support eSIM on Safaricom?

At the moment, Safaricom supports eSIM on the following devices:

iPhone: XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 12 and SE 2020.

Samsung: Galaxy S21, S20, Z Fold and Note20.

The list of supported devices is expected to grow as the number of mobile phones supporting the feature is high.

How Much Does the eSIM Service Cost?

The Safaricom eSIM service currently costs KES 250 for a new line. You will be charged KES 150 for replacing your old SIM card with an eSIM. Since this is a new service, it is expected that the costs will come down with time.

What Other Mobile Operators Have eSIM Support?

As of 9th June 2021, only Safaricom and JTL Faiba have support for eSIM technology.

Any Other Information I Should Know About eSIMs?

An eSIM can only run one profile (number/line) at a time. You can, however, switch between multiple profiles that you own from different mobile operators with the tap of a button. Devices that support both eSIM and a physical SIM can have two numbers running concurrently.

As the technology becomes more widely adopted, devices with either a single or double eSIMs will edge out those with physical SIMs.

Do you own a supported device? Are you looking forward to switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM?

Let us know in the comments and as always, keep it C.O.K.

Nick Tembo
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