The agreement (pilot scheme?) will see BT deliver around 23,000 mobile connections over EE’s network, covering easyJet’s operations in 35 countries and more than 150 airports.easyJet operates scheduled services on about 927 routes across more than 34 countries

The rollout will connect devices used across easyJet’s business. The benefit is to enable pilots and cabin crew to access flight information, operational updates and training materials while on the move. BT said the connectivity will play a key role in supporting real-time communications across easyJet’s network of crew, aircraft and ground teams.

 BT will support easyJet with:

• Smart messaging services to keep passengers updated on flight status

• Mobile connectivity for iPads used by pilots and cabin crew for real-time flight information

• Smartphones and aircraft phones to enable seamless communication between colleagues

• Laptops and other connected hardware used by easyJet staff

All devices will be equipped with eSIM technology. This will enable easyJet to manage connectivity remotely, simplify logistics and reduce reliance on physical SIM cards. BT said eSIMs will also enhance security, lower operational costs and support easyJet’s international operations more efficiently, while reducing waste.

Chris Sims (great name … Editor) , Chief Commercial Officer at BT Business, said the partnership reflects the growing importance of resilient and scalable connectivity in aviation.

“This partnership with easyJet is about delivering the smart, seamless connectivity which is crucial when operating at scale. By equipping thousands of devices with eSIMs on EE’s network, we’re enabling easyJet to manage connections remotely, switch networks across borders, and reduce the complexity of traditional SIMs.

BT said the deal underlines its ambition to position EE as the mobile network of choice for international-operating organisations that rely on always-on connectivity to keep complex operations running.

The data, obtained via a Freedom of Information request, reveals that around 12,150 handsets were stolen on trains and at railway stations in 2024, up sharply from 5,167 in 2020. This is a rise of 135 per cent in five years.

The upward trend has accelerated since 2021, when just 3,508 incidents were recorded. By September 2024, 9,096 thefts had already been logged, with the full-year total extrapolated to 12,150. This equates to 33 devices per day.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that 78,000 people experienced a phone or bag theft in the year to March 2024, while the Met Police reported that £50 million worth of mobile devices were stolen in London alone last year.

The National Crime Agency reckons many of the stolen phones are shipped overseas to markets such as China and Morocco, while others are exploited for the data they contain.

Arif Reza, CEO of global eSIM provider  WorldSIM, said the figures highlight both the financial and personal disruption caused by handset thefts. “New smartphones costing well over £1,000 are a major target for organised gangs. But the real damage comes from the fact that most people rely on their phones for work, payments and personal data,” he said.

He says eSIMs can help reduce disruption as they cannot be swapped or cloned, andcan be activated immediately on another device. This allows customers to quickly restore services such as email, banking and messaging without waiting for a replacement SI< card.”

An international study, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Proximus Global, surveyed more than 6,500 adults. It found that only 23 per cent of respondents had used an eSIM, while just 33 per cent were familiar with the concept. A further 42 per cent said they weren’t even sure whether their device supported eSIM functionality.

The findings highlight a growing gap between consumer awareness and the commercial potential of eSIM technology. Proximus Global is urging telecom providers, retailers, and travel companies to move quickly in developing services that meet evolving customer needs.

Awareness was lowest in the USA, where 52 per cent of respondents said they had never heard of eSIMs. By contrast, 27 per cent of Chinese consumers said they had used an eSIM, significantly higher than usage rates in the UK and US.

Despite this, consumer appetite is growing. Overall, 49 per cent of respondents said they would consider using a travel eSIM to stay connected abroad. This figure rose to 56 per cent in the UK and 60 per cent in China.

Travel eSIMs allow users to connect to local networks overseas without swapping out a physical SIM card. Most modern smartphones already support the technology.

Consumers are also open to buying travel eSIMs from a wide range of providers. More than a third said they would consider purchasing from non-traditional vendors such as airlines, supermarkets, and travel websites. This model is already being adopted by brands like Revolut, NordVPN, and Carrefour.

“Demand for eSIM technology is rapidly increasing,” said Surash Patel, Chief Revenue Officer at Proximus Global. “Companies that act now will be well-positioned to capture substantial market share. This isn’t just an opportunity for telcos—retail and travel brands can also tap into this space with the right partners.”

Jorn Vercamert, Chief Product Officer at Proximus Global, added: “To lead in the expanding global travel eSIM market, businesses must prioritise consumer education and innovation. By closing the awareness gap, brands can unlock one of the most exciting growth opportunities in mobile connectivity.”

Customers of any network in these four cities get a free seven-day trial, without having to change their number, and with no strings attached if they have an eSIM-compatible smartphone.

Those in qualifying areas will be sent a leaflet by post, and can scan a QR code to receive 50GB of data, 500 minutes and 500 texts completely free, for seven days.

Non-Vodafone customers can join without having to change their existing number or swap their physical SIM card. Once installed, they can switch between Vodafone’s network and their current provider through the device settings on their smartphone.

Vodafone’s previous trial in London during May, saw Vodafone offer mobile customers on other networks the opportunity to participate in a free seven-day network trial.

Following Belfast, Shefield, Liverpool and Watford, Vodafone is planning to roll out the trial across other cities around the UK.

The service covers 206 destinations utilising 700 networks—including 5G in 98 countries—and is available in packages ranging from 1 GB to 150 GB, with up to 90 days of run-time.

The Travel eSIM includes a mobile hotspot feature that allows users to share the connection across multiple devices. 

Once customers arrive at their destination, they receive a QR code that can be scanned to activate the eSIM; full activation is expected to take less than two minutes. Users have up to 30 days to activate the eSIM after purchase. Calls and text messages continue to run through the primary SIM.

Vodafone commissioned a survey of 2,000 people, finding that 84 percent would consider an eSIM service if it is “cost-effective, convenient, and lets them keep their number.” 

The basic “Europe Pack” starts at €4/£3.50/$4. Early adopters will need to compare Vodafone’s roaming rates against local prepaid SIMs and other standalone eSIM providers to determine which option offers the best value.

In addition to the Travel eSIM, Vodafone is rolling out a GenAI customer service chatbot named “SuperTOBI,” which the company says is designed to handle complex customer inquiries more efficiently than traditional chatbots. 

Vodafone also plans to bundle complementary services—such as travel insurance—and establish joint promotions with third-party companies. The first partnership is with Uber One: new Uber One members in 44 European countries will receive Vodafone’s Travel eSIM as part of their welcome package.

Margherita Della Valle, CEO of Vodafone, said: “With our new digital platform,we are offering users of all networks across the world a worry-free, easy-to-use travel experience in more than 200 countries. The Vodafone Travel eSIM service is set to be the ideal international data service for any mobile user”.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/vodafone-travel-esim-data-portal-206-countries-700-networks/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-skype-esims-one-door-closes-another-opens-global-connectivity/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-skype-esims-one-door-closes-another-opens-global-connectivity/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:12:18 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/analysis-skype-esims-one-door-closes-another-opens-global-connectivity/ Skype officially retired a month ago— a quiet ending to what was once the loudest voice in international calling.

Skype officially retired a month ago— a quiet ending to what was once the loudest voice in international calling.

Hamish White, CEO at telecom software provider Mobilise, explains how eSIMs are rising from Skype’s ashes.

As one communication era fades, another begins. The rise of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology marks the next wave in connectivity, removing infrastructure barriers and enabling seamless, borderless communication. Here, 

If you grew up in the 90s, calling loved ones abroad could cost more than dinner. A quick check-in was a costly affair. But everything changed in 2003 with the launch of Skype.

Using only an internet connection, Skype offered a free alternative to expensive calls, democratising international voice communication and bringing together family, friends and colleagues. By 2010, 13 per cent of the world’s international calls were made over Skype, and the phrase “Skype me” was as ubiquitous as “Google it.”

However, even giants can fall. When Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, it had approximately 150 million monthly active users. But misaligned updates and Microsoft’s growth of its Teams unified comms platform — along with the rise of Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic — led to a steady decline in Skype’s user base, and ultimately, its sunset.

While Skype’s decline reminds us that even the most successful platforms can falter, its departure opens the door for the next generation of global communication technology.

An Infrastructure-Free Future

Skype reinvented international communication by removing the cost barriers of traditional calling. eSIM technology takes this a step further by eliminating the infrastructure barriers that have historically tied users to specific networks and regions.

Instead of relying on physical SIM cards, an eSIM chip is embedded directly into a device, allowing users to switch seamlessly between networks without swapping cards.

This capability offers significant value across user groups. For frequent travellers, eSIMs simplify the process of connecting to local networks. Users can download a data plan directly to their device, enjoying reliable, affordable connectivity without hefty roaming fees. That means no more wasting valuable travel time searching for SIM cards or navigating confusing kiosks.

For global businesses, eSIMs simplify mobile connectivity across regions. Companies can offer employees seamless access without the logistical headache of juggling multiple SIMs or carrier contracts. This flexibility is crucial for organisations that depend on mobile communication and remote work, enabling smoother, more efficient global operations.

Just as Skype once made it easier to stay in touch across borders, eSIM technology is now expanding that freedom — giving individuals more control over how and where they connect. The infrastructure powering this experience may not be immediately visible, but it’s what makes seamless global communication possible.

Powering Global Connectivity

As a telecom software provider, Mobilise enables Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and digital brands to offer eSIM services without owning or managing traditional telecom infrastructure.

Built on its HERO= platform, Mobilise’s White Label eSIM and V-eSIM apps builds on what Skype began: enabling communication beyond traditional phone lines. But instead of a single platform continuing Skype’s legacy in a broader, infrastructure-free form.

Although Skype’s era has ended, its legacy of breaking down communication barriers lives on through the evolution of eSIM technology. eSIM represents the future — offering flexibility for both businesses and consumers. By simplifying communication and improving global access, eSIM helps ensure staying connected remains seamless in a mobile-first world.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-skype-esims-one-door-closes-another-opens-global-connectivity/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/anaysis-esims-laptops-hasnt-no-brainer-taken-off-yet/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/anaysis-esims-laptops-hasnt-no-brainer-taken-off-yet/#respond Sat, 26 Apr 2025 10:23:33 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/anaysis-esims-laptops-hasnt-no-brainer-taken-off-yet/ Despite the rapid adoption of eSIM in smartphones, laptops have yet to catch up. Hamish White, CEO of telecom software provider Mobilise, explains why laptop makers, app developers, and mobile providers are missing a golden opportunity and how smart integration could unlock massive new value.

]]> Despite the rapid adoption of eSIM in smartphones, laptops have yet to catch up. Hamish White, CEO of telecom software provider Mobilise, explains why laptop makers, app developers, and mobile providers are missing a golden opportunity and how smart integration could unlock massive new value.

It’s a surprising gap, especially as remote work surges and digital nomads demand always-on connectivity.

eSIMs, are rapidly replacing traditional SIM cards with a built-in, programmable alternative. In 2024, there were close to 600 million smartphone eSIM connections globally — over three times more than in 2022. eSIM technology offers a range of benefits for mobile users, including flexibility to change providers and global connectivity during international travel.

Laptops users also stand to benefit from eSIM implementation, especially in the case of remote workers. With the number of digital nomads across the world expected to reach 60 million by the end of the decade, eSIMs offer reliable and secure connectivity for laptops, which have historically depended on external Wi-Fi networks or mobile tethering for internet access. Instead, using eSIMs, remote workers can keep connected wherever there is cellular coverage, without depending on potentially unsecure or poor public Wi-Fi.

Yet, eSIM integration in laptops remains low, largely due to compatibility challenges when adding eSIM into existing applications and devices.

So, is eSIM integration worth it for service providers, and how can the implementation process be made easier?

The case for eSIM integration

Although disappointing from an end-user perspective, the lack of eSIM adoption presents an opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves by harnessing the technology.

Take for example, streaming services providers. Although many subscribers choose to watch video content while travelling, their experience can be poor due to patchy or unavailable Wi-Fi. By integrating eSIM connectivity into their app, streaming services can offer a smoother watching experience.

Any company with a laptop app can benefit from integrating eSIM. For example, security apps can guarantee access to reliable connectivity for real-time updates and monitoring, while gaming apps can ensure enhanced responsiveness for their users. Furthermore, offering integrated eSIM connectivity can boost user engagement and retention, fostering customer loyalty.

Integrating eSIM technology at the hardware level also means PC manufacturers can offer a streamlined independent computing experience by eliminating user reliance on third-party solutions such as mobile tethering or USB dongles.

Some PC manufacturers are already beginning to embrace the technology, with HP recently launching a multi-carrier 5G eSIM laptop that enables automatic switching to the strongest available network. Currewntlmjy it is only available in the US, with worldwide deployment to begin in late 2026 

Manufacturers can also provide a native eSIM management app, making network selection and activation easier for users. This feature can make their devices more appealing, especially to professionals and frequent travellers.

The advantages of laptop eSIMs are not just limited to newer players in the market. For mobile eSIM providers, expanding their offering beyond smartphones to include laptops opens new revenue opportunities.

Remote workers, business travellers and digital nomads require reliable connectivity on the go, making laptops a natural extension of eSIM services. By catering to this market, providers can generate additional income with minimal effort.

SDK support

Given the perceived complexity of integrating eSIM technology into laptops, how can service providers go about providing these benefits to their customers?

Mobilise offers a Windows software development kit (SDK) that simplifies eSIM integration for customers across these segments. The SDK is fully compatible with eSIM-enabled laptops running Windows 10 and above, allowing businesses to incorporate seamless connectivity into their applications and devices without extensive development effort.

For app developers, the SDK ensures quick and easy integration of eSIM management features, enabling them to offer a more connected experience to users. Mobile eSIM providers can expand their reach beyond smartphones with minimal investment, opening up new revenue streams.

Meanwhile, PC manufacturers will be able to incorporate native eSIM capabilities effortlessly, resulting in enhanced product value and competitiveness. Businesses can take advantage of the growing demand for on reliable and secure laptop connectivity, improving customer satisfaction and standing out in an increasingly competitive market.

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In September 2022, Apple changed the game by launching the first eSIM-only iPhone in the U.S. But the groundwork had been laid years earlier. When the GSMA introduced eSIM in 2016, it promised greater flexibility, streamlined logistics, and seamless connectivity.

Yet adoption was slow—until Apple’s bold move accelerated the shift. As of 2024, 271 consumer device models support eSIM across 123 countries, with more than 440 mobile service providers, including MVNOs, on board (GSMA Intelligence, 2024).

Still, the most significant impact is yet to come. While consumer adoption has surged, the real transformation lies in the enterprise space. eSIM is set to revolutionize global mobility, workforce connectivity, and IoT deployments at scale.

In today’s increasingly digital and borderless world, enterprises face growing challenges around data privacy, security, and cost control. eSIM technology offers a solution—enabling seamless, secure global connectivity that adapts to dynamic business needs.

This shift comes at a critical time. According to the 2024 United Nations Tourism Report, international travel surged to 1.1 billion tourists in the first nine months of the year—reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels. The demand for scalable, flexible, high-performance connectivity solutions has never been higher, and traditional SIM-based models can no longer keep up.

eSIM now powers not only smartphones but also PCs, tablets, rugged devices, routers, and gateways—ensuring secure, uninterrupted connectivity across industries. From enterprise mobility to fixed wireless access (FWA), eSIM enables instant provisioning, network flexibility, and cost optimisation at scale, meeting the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.

Solutions like Ubigi for Business allow international workforces to stay productive, protected from public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities, and free from excessive roaming fees and the logistical headaches of switching network operators.

By using an embedded SIM as a secondary line, both international travellers and remote employees can retain their primary local number for voice and SMS—while accessing cost-effective data plans from international MVNOs. This eliminates the need to swap physical SIM cards, ensuring uninterrupted and affordable connectivity.

For global fleet managers, eSIM brings a major shift in operational efficiency. Traditional SIMs require physical replacement when switching networks—a time-consuming and costly process. eSIM eliminates this need. Fleet operators can now remotely manage and optimise connectivity across multiple regions, reducing downtime and administrative burden while maintaining consistent service.

eSIM is becoming the go-to connectivity solution

With its ability to scale effortlessly, eSIM is becoming the go-to connectivity solution across industries—from automotive and aviation to energy, logistics, and mobility. In the OEM space, the strategic partnership between NTT  and Cisco is redefining secure, cost-effective fixed wireless access in over 200 global markets. eSIM’s advantages—cost efficiency, scalability, and remote provisioning—are driving its adoption over traditional SIM cards, making it a cornerstone of next-generation IoT infrastructure.

This momentum is fueled by the rapid rollout of 5G and the evolution of connected vehicles and IoT devices. The global wireless connectivity market is booming, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.10% from 2021 to 2028.

The partnership between Transatel and Toyota in Latin America exemplifies this shift. Their collaboration is expanding Toyota’s in-vehicle digital ecosystem, enabling features like telematics, remote diagnostics, vehicle status monitoring, over-the-air updates, anti-theft solutions, and onboard Wi-Fi for infotainment.

eSIM is also a powerful tool for growth. Forward-thinking enterprises are leveraging it to launch branded mobile services, using reseller models from established operators. For MVNOs, switching from physical SIMs to eSIM brings clear advantages—centralized management platforms, over-the-air updates, faster time-to-market, and lower infrastructure costs. This enables them to unlock new revenue streams, stand out in a competitive market, and deliver greater value to customers.

 eSIM is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’. Whether reducing costs or unlocking new monetisation opportunities, it is transforming how enterprises scale, reach new markets, and create value beyond traditional connectivity.

About Jacques Bonifay

Jacques Bonifay is the CEO of Transatel (an NTT company) and President of MVNO Europe since 2012. He co-founded Transatel in 2000, growing it from a cross-border MVNO startup into a global champion in M2M and IoT connectivity, as well as an MVNO enabler.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/analysis/article/analysis-esim-transforming-enterprise-mobility-iot-scale/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/bics-esim-platform-enables-remote-management-iot-connections-across-world/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/bics-esim-platform-enables-remote-management-iot-connections-across-world/#respond Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:20:49 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/bics-esim-platform-enables-remote-management-iot-connections-across-world/ Gobal tech company BICS, part of Proximus Global, has launched a new IoT management platform called eSIM Hub  to help businesses manage their internet-connected devices remotely across more than190 countries. Smart devices—like trackers, sensors, or machines—need internet access to wor but connecting these devices in different countries can be complicated. BICS’ says its eSIM Hub

For £3.75 a month, the Smart eSIM works alongside a user’s main SIM, providing unlimited data on 200+ apps via EE, O2, and Three. It also includes free global roaming for those apps in 180+ countries.

The Smart SIM activates when signal is lost in the UK or abroad, automatically connecting essential apps to the strongest available network. Current supported apps include WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber, and Monzo, with more added weekly.

The launch of Smart SIM follows research from Honest Mobile, which found that poor signal strength (37%) and unexpected charges (31%) are among Brits’ biggest mobile frustrations. Smart SIM tackles these issues by offering:

Honest Mobile was founded in 2019 by Andy Aitken and Josh Mihill and set out to provide a customer-friendly and more environmentally conscious alternative to legacy mobile networks

Aitken said

“The big networks have set the bar shockingly low for customer needs. Too many people still struggle with poor connectivity in the UK and abroad. With yet another price hike coming this April, Brits deserve better. We developed Smart SIM to solve poor UK signal and expensive roaming so people can stay connected without worrying about costs or dropouts.*

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