eSim: what it is and how it works, advantages and disadvantages

eSim is an electronic sim card for mobile communication services. It is about half the size of a nano sim card. It is sewn into the motherboard of the smartphone. All the data of the user linked to its number is stored in the cloud. The mobile operator has access to them. Information on it can be rewritten, tariffs can be changed remotely.

Introduction of eSim

The first electronic device that supports eSim was released in 2015. Such a chip was installed in the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch. Now various gadgets supporting this technology from different manufacturers are available: Huawei, Google Pixel, Apple Samsung, etc. Individual electronic devices have eSim support from Motorolla, Lenovo, Microsoft. These brands are embedding eSim in premium segment gadgets.

Difficulties of eSim implementation:

• The mass use of eSim technology will lead to a total reduction in cell phone offices. There will be no need for them. Perhaps a few service centers will be left in cities to deal with issues that require personal presence.
• Also, to ensure security, states and mobile operators in the country will be required to enter into contracts with electronic sim card manufacturers. Theoretically, the eSim manufacturer could have access to the data.
• Manufacturers could revoke security certificates that are validated by overseas centers. Then eSim would stop working.
• Those who possess cryptographic keys will be able to clone the profile, listen to the smartphone, steal the sim card. Although difficult, it is theoretically possible.
• Also, in some countries it is not easy to issue eSim, because sim-cards are tied to the passport. There is an opportunity to use biometric data for identification - voice sample and photo, but this is not to everyone's liking.

Advantages and disadvantages of eSim

Advantages of eSim:

• To change operator, you don't need to go to the office. It is done online.
• ESim are convenient for traveling. Having arrived in another country, users of ordinary physical sim cards need to buy a card from the local operator or activate roaming. Applications for eSim allow you to very quickly issue a special card designed for traveling.
• Several tariff plans can be connected to eSim.
• A digital sim card cannot be broken or lost. A physical sim card can be stolen. If it has a number associated with bank accounts, there is a threat of hacking.
• An electronic sim card is difficult to spoof.
• If a smartphone is lost, it will be easy to track down because the mobile operator can track where the device is. Now an attacker will not be able to just take out the sim card and throw it away.

Disadvantages of eSim:

• If you need to transfer data from eSim to another smartphone, you will have to update all the information, create a new eSim and renew the number.
• ESim is not supported in all countries.
• The operator's greater authority and access to data jeopardizes privacy. Theoretically, they could be shared with third parties. The user's location is easily traceable.

Not all mobile operators in different countries offer eSim service. And they are in no hurry to develop this direction, because there are not many smartphones that support this type of communication. It is a vicious circle. Because of this, the introduction of eSim is slow.