Nepal Telecom has launched its eSIM service in Nepal. eSIM lets you use the cellular services without requiring physical SIM cards. NTC is enabling the eSIM service to existing customers for free while charging cost of its physical SIM card to new ones for replacement. You do need a device that supports eSIM to avail the service though. This is not limited to just the smartphone but wearables, tablets, and even personal computers.
Now, before we jump to the installation of eSIM, let’s take a quick overview of what it is.
eSIM Overview
Basically, eSIM are meant to replace the tranditional SIM cards. The ‘e’ in eSIM stands for embedded which refers to a chip that is embedded in the device itself. The chip is rewritable allowing you to switch network without having to remove a SIM and putting a new one.
The eSIM, in contrary to traditional SIM cards takes up less space while supporting dual-SIM as well.
The advantages of an eSIM include:
- Easy to switch network: You don’t need to buy a SIM card from a network provider, find a SIM ejector tool, and make the replacement. All you need is to make a phone call and get your network switched.
- Easy to change to another network temporarily: A single eSIM allows you to store up to 5 virtual SIM cards at once. Hence, you can change to a accessible network if you find yourself in a place where the usual network doesn’t work.
There are, however, few disadvantages to eSIM that are:
- Troublesome to change device: If you ever come across a situation when your device doesn’t work, you are in some trouble. So, make sure that you have a proper backup of all of your contacts. Next, you need another device that supports eSIM to access the contacts and use the services.
- Easier to track: An eSIM allows carriers to track your movements pretty easily given that it’s embedded to your device. While it’s advantageous if your device gets stolen while disadvantageous if you are concerned about your movements being easy to track.
For now, eSIM is supported in high end smartphone lineups from Samsung (Galaxy Fold, Z Flip, S21/S22 line), Apple (iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14), Huawei (Mate, P line), and Google. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch Series 8 support eSIM.
eSIM in Nepal
Nepal Telecom has signed a MoU with Monty UK Global Limited to launch the eSIM service in Nepal. The company looks forward to distributing nearly 150,000 eSIMs in its first year of service.
So, if you plan to get one for yourself, you have to reach out to the NTC office, Sundhara branch, fill a form, and make the submission. NTC will then provide you a QR code. So, you must scan the QR from SIM card settings (may vary based on Android/iOS) and make necessary set up to avail data and cellular service.
