Owned by GK Telecom, the platform provides eSIM connectivity in around 200 countries, with full MVNO services, including data, voice, SMS and a global number, available in over 165 markets.

eROAMING says the milestone is less about user volume and more about the evolution of its business model.

Acquisition strategy

“It validates our acquisition strategy across both B2B and B2C and reflects growing market confidence in a UK-based travel MVNO with full global MVNO capability,” said Ravi Navaratnam, Founder and Director of eROAMING eSIM and Managing Director of GK Telecom. “More importantly, it signals a shift from acquisition towards retention, lifetime value and platform depth.”

Growth has been driven by a combination of consumer and business demand. B2C continues to deliver scale through retail partners, travel agents, kiosks and direct digital channels, while B2B growth is supported by travel partners and enterprise customers.

“B2C drives momentum and reach, while B2B brings stability,” Navaratnam said. “Together they diversify risk as the market becomes more competitive.”

Retention

Retention remains a key challenge across the travel eSIM sector, where usage is still closely tied to individual journeys. eROAMING says this has shaped its strategy over the past year.

“Historically, usage has been linked to single trips,” Navaratnam said. “Our focus now is on continuity, loyalty and account-based engagement to extend the relationship beyond one journey.”

A loyalty and rewards programme eROAMiles is designed to encourage repeat usage through purchases, top-ups and referrals.

“Early signals show customers are more likely to return when there is a clear ongoing value proposition,” Navaratnam said. “Loyalty positions eROAMING as a service rather than a one-off travel purchase.”

The company has integrated AI capabilities with Roameo. This is a digital assistant supporting onboarding, activation and customer support. eROAMING says AI has reduced support demand and improved response times, while allowing human teams to focus on more complex cases.

In an increasingly crowded market, eROAMING points to its full MVNO capability as a key differentiator.

“We offer a global number with data, minutes and text across more than 165 countries. A functionality few travel eSIM providers can match,” Navaratnam said. “Combined with retail and partner integrations, AI-driven engagement and a structured loyalty ecosystem, it creates an end-to-end connectivity proposition that digital-only brands struggle to replicate.”

The business is underpinned by GK Telecom, one of the UK’s longest-established mobile distribution businesses, while operating eROAMING eSIM as a digital-first travel MVNO.

Future growth will be measured by quality rather than quatity, with repeat usage, retention and partner depth defining success.

Over 100,000 units are already in rollout. GK confirms this is not a licensing or white-label deal: every accessory—from charging kits to audio gear and travel adaptors—has been developed and manufactured in-house by eROAMING to ensure seamless integration of scannable QR codes that activate global eSIMs across 200+ countries

“For many users, this will be their first interaction with an eSIM. We’re making it memorable, meaningful, and global,” said Ravi Navaratnam, Managing Director of eROAMING eSIM.

Each product includes a one-time-use coupon embedded in a QR code, allowing users to activate free eSIM data directly from their device. Rather than a freemium upsell, the connectivity is fully included in the product price—positioning each accessory as both a functional item and a smart onboarding tool.

Products were chosen for practical use in travel and tech retail. All units are CE and UKCA certified, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Digital Natives

Initial distribution is focused on airports, universities, and online tech accessory stores across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The primary demographic is consumers aged 14–45, especially students, frequent flyers, and digital nomads seeking contract-free, flexible connectivity.

Early trials indicate a 15 per cent to 20 per cent conversion rate from users of the bundled data to paid eSIM plans within 30 days, with a 20 percent to 25 per cent increase in average revenue per user among those who top up or make further purchases.

Co-branding

The accessories also offer co-branding opportunities for partners looking to introduce eSIM to their own customer bases.

“This is a strategic acquisition funnel for us. These accessories offer a frictionless, risk-free eSIM experience that encourages adoption, drives repeat engagement, and strengthens our retail footprint. It’s a foundational step toward making eROAMING the everyday brand for global eSIM use,” said Navaratnam.

eROAMING was launched last year. It offers users a single global number and does away with the need for multiple SIM cards. The revised ePOS system is aimed at distributors, independent retailers, and corporate partners who want a scalable and cost-effective way to offer global mobile services.

The upgraded system includes: a lifetime global number via a single eSIM. real-time eSIM sales and management, seamless global coverage through the eROAMING network. scalability for businesses digital operations without traditional telecom infrastructure. API integration for existing platforms.

Ravi Navaratnam, Director of eROAMING at GK Telecom, says demand for seamless international connectivity is growing. “Since launching eROAMING, we’ve seen strong adoption. With our expanded ePOS system, businesses have a more flexible way to provide global connectivity.”

The demand for seamless international connectivity is being driven across business, consumer, and technological domains. The rise of remote work and digital nomadism has created a need for reliable mobile connectivity across borders without high roaming fees.

Companies are investing in global eSIM solutions to provide employees with uninterrupted mobile service when traveling. Airlines, hotels, and tourism industries are now partnering with mobile carriers to offer better connectivity as eSIM and iSIM (integrated SIM) adoption* is allowing users to switch networks without a physical SIM card.

The IoT Mobile plans offer options on 12-month and 24-month contracts. Prices range from £11 per month for 12GB of data to £23 per month for unlimited data.

Ravi Navaratnam, Managing Director of GK Telecom (main pic left) said: 

“IoTMobile is a platform for the future of connectivity. While we’re starting with SIM-only deals, our ultimate goal is to provide IoT device users with plans that integrate seamlessly.”

Gummy Dulku, Director at GK Telecom (main pic right), added:

“The platform is designed to equip independent retailers with solutions while preparing for future technological advancements, where IoT devices and connectivity work together to offer convenience, efficiency, and innovation.”

GK Telecom recently became an MVNO, enabling it to offer travel eSIMs with phone numbers and support for texting and voice calls.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/sim-distributor-gk-telecom-launches-iot-focused-sim-plans/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/gk-telecom-becomes-esim-mvno-enabling-offer-voice-calls-well-data-travel-esims/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/gk-telecom-becomes-esim-mvno-enabling-offer-voice-calls-well-data-travel-esims/#respond Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:33:10 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/gk-telecom-becomes-esim-mvno-enabling-offer-voice-calls-well-data-travel-esims/ SIM distributor GK Telecom has become an MVNO enabling it to offer travel eSIM with phone numbers and support texting and voice calls. From January, travellers using a GK Telecom travel eSIM will experience roaming as if on their home network, albeit with a different eSIM number. Travel eSIMs are typically data only, requiring users

The “Three PAYG Quality Award 2023/2024” was for GK Telecom’s PAYG services, with a focus on customer tenure and satisfaction. GK Telecom’s also won the “Smarty Mobile Best Student Campaign of the Year” for the way it engaged with the student market.

The awards are GK Telecom’s third award wins of the year, following its “Vodafone Campaign of the Year” prize. As well as Three and Vodafone, GK Telecom works with O2 (Telefónica UK), and EE, as well as their hosted MVNOs like Smarty, @Voxi, giffgaff | Certified B Corp, and Lebara.

” “We are honored to receive these awards. . It is a reflection of our team’s dedication to delivering quality services and innovative campaigns” said GK MD Navaratnam Ravi

Main pic shows Jennifer Pattinson, Head of Partner Sales, Ronan Gibney, Director of Sales UK and ROI, Gary Wagstaff, Channel Manager – Distribution, Ravi Navaratnam, Managing Director, GK Telecom, Gummy Dulku, Director, GK Telecom, Jon Chorley, Channel Account Executive.

GK is a PAYG SIM distributor for all networks, and also distributes for MVNOs such as Giffgaff, Smarty, Voxi, and Lebara.

The company handles all the tariff refreshes and summer and winter promotions for Vodafone and other networks. GK produced campaigns for Vodafone to use in the independent retail channel.

GK Telecom adds the Vodafone Prepay award to awards won from  O2 Telefonica, EE, Three, and Smarty. These include ‘Best PAYG Market Execution’ from Three and ‘Best Marketing Independents Partner’ from Smarty, as well as EE’s ‘Shining Star Awards’.

GK Managing Director Ravi Navaratnam said, “Thanks to the Vodafone team, including Mazin Patel, Naomi Hendrick, Jey Patel, Chris Lewis, Jon Shaw, Jonathan Berry, and the entire crew, for this honour amidst tough competition.”

“eSIM technology is new and can be complex for first-time users. Our objective is to raise awareness through the distribution of a physical eSIM product. Online options exist with a complex process. Our goal is to provide users with a familiar experience similar to that of using a regular SIM card,” said GK Telecom director Ravi Navaratnam.

“The only difference is the use of a QR code instead of a chip. We aim to enhance customer convenience and flexibility by offering physical eSIM options. Users will be able to activate them through a traditional approach.

“According to statistics, 40 percent of travellers prefer to purchase a SIM card at their destination. If dealers can showcase eSIMs, it becomes a convenient choice for consumers, potentially generating revenue in emerging markets.”

Navaratnam says the company aims to promote eSIM adoption with a simplified connection process and to simplify eSIM connectivity.

This award acknowledges individuals in the marketing and advertising sector who have made notable contributions through innovation and effective strategies. Navaratnam was selected for helping to improve GK Telecom’s market position through strategic marketing and advertising efforts.

The award cites Navaratnam’s guidance as GK Telecom has focused on innovation and quality, contributing to the company’s achievements and playing a crucial role in earning this award.

“ This recognition reflects the efforts and dedication of the entire GK Telecom team, who are committed to providing quality marketing and advertising services” he said.

“It is is a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and quality. I am proud of our collective accomplishments and motivated to continue our efforts in the industry. The UK Business Leader Award for Best Business Leader in Marketing and Advertising underscores GK Telecom’s role as a key player in the industry, reinforcing its reputation for effective leadership and quality in its services. The award also highlights the company’s strategies and impact on the marketing and advertising industry, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Originallly set up to distribute calling cards, GK Telecom expanded into the prepaid SIM market in 2004 and has since become one of only four SIM-only distributors in the UK, selling over 100,000 SIMS per month across various networks.  It is now rolling out eSIM products as well.

Activation via the QR code triggers a commission payment of between 10p to 25p for the GKT customer who sent it. The new customer also receives their own referral QR Code to earn a commission, along with a 100Mb starter data allowance.

The company will utilise digital channels to attract a target of 50,000 users within four months. It will first target students and then international travellers and tourists.

GKT has been developing its eSIM platform for more than two years to ensure compatibility with the maximum number of device models and brands.

Many networks are not yet ready to launch eSIMs for global use because of ICCID issues (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier). The ICCID is stored in physical SIM cards, consisting of a unique 18-22 digit code that includes a SIM card’s country, home network, and identification number.

However, eSIMs are virtual, and there are difficulties in registering them in countries that require SIMs to be registered for national security reasons.

“GK Telecoms is ahead of the game here. We have spent 2.5 years developing special technology to integrate the eSIM platform with more devices. Our eSIM is now ready to launch with full device compatibility,” said GKT Managing Director Ravi Navaratnam.

Director Gummy Dulku added, “Our team has worked tirelessly to achieve our goal of bringing this amazing technology to our customers. Between us, we have accumulated many years in this exciting and ever-changing business, and this new project is the pinnacle.”

GK Telecom was founded over 23 years ago and has steadily grown into one of the largest and most reputable SIM and calling card distributors in the UK. GK Telecom says it is now one of only four SIM-Only Distributors in the UK, selling more than 100,000 SIMs per month across various networks.

See: “eSIM growth requires better customer onboarding”