Source: Fierce Wireless
Summary
The GSMA, Ericsson, and Telstra, among others, have launched remote SIM provisioning for consumer devices. The service allows users to activate and manage cellular connectivity without the need for a physical SIM card. The company plans to offer various data plans, ranging from 1 GB over 7 days to 20 GB over 30 days. Initially, the launch will make the eSIM product available in 29 countries.
Our Reading
The launch follows a familiar script.
The GSMA and friends are touting a “revolutionary” eSIM service that’s basically just a rebranded version of existing tech. They’re promising to “disrupt” the industry with remote SIM provisioning, because who needs a physical SIM card, right? The data plans sound suspiciously like what we already have. And let’s be real, 29 countries is just a fancy way of saying “not worldwide”.
Author: Evan Null
Same Old, Same Old
We’ve seen this song and dance before. Companies promising to “change the game” with new technology that’s just a rehashing of old ideas. The eSIM service is just the latest example of this.
The “Revolution” Will Be Televised
The GSMA and friends are trying to make a big splash with their eSIM launch, but it’s hard to get excited about something that’s just a incremental update. The fact that they’re touting it as a “revolutionary” service just makes it feel like they’re trying too hard.
Data Plans: Because You Needed More Options
The data plans offered by the eSIM service are just more of the same. 1 GB over 7 days to 20 GB over 30 days? Yawn. It’s just more of the same tired offerings we’ve seen before.
Global Availability: Not So Much
The fact that the eSIM service is only available in 29 countries is just a reminder that “global” is just a marketing term. It’s not like they’re actually going to make it available everywhere.
The More Things Change…
The eSIM service is just another example of how the tech industry loves to rebrand old ideas and sell them as new. It’s just the same old song and dance, with a new coat of paint.
