Latest news with #eSIMs
CairoScene
23-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Pilgrims Can Now Activate eSIM Cards Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom can activate eSIMs instantly through local telecom apps, bypassing in-person service centres. Pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah can now digitally activate eSIM cards upon arrival, thanks to a new initiative launched by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and licensed telecom providers. The system allows pilgrims to request eSIMs from local operators and verify their identity using biometric data through the Absher platform, enabling activation without the need to visit a store or wait until reaching their accommodation. The move aims to simplify access to mobile services, ensuring pilgrims are connected from the moment they enter the Kingdom. It forms part of CST's wider strategy to enhance digital services for pilgrims in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Korea Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Data breach triggers shift to eSIMs, boosting device innovation
Following the large-scale hacking incident involving SK Telecom's USIM data, concerns over user information security have fueled a sharp uptick in embedded SIM -- eSIM -- adoption. The shift is providing a welcome boost to smartphone makers such as Samsung Electronics and Apple. According to industry sources on Monday, the number of SK Telecom users switching from USIM cards to eSIMs has surged nearly 40 times since the hacking scandal came to light on April 22. Although the mobile carrier announced three days after that it would offer free USIM card replacements for concerned customers, demand quickly outpaced supply -- encouraging many to look to eSIMs as an alternative. As of Sunday, the cumulative number of SK Telecom customers who have replaced their USIM cards has reached 1.47 million, or only 5.9 percent of the telecom carrier's subscriber base so far, it said. Unlike removable USIM cards, eSIMs are embedded directly into a smartphone's hardware. They are activated remotely and digitally, offering a more streamlined user experience and aligning with consumer preferences for lighter and slimmer handsets. While eSIMs offer clear advantages in terms of convenience and device design, they are not without limitations. Embedded in an eUICC chip within the device, they cannot be easily switched out if a phone is damaged or replaced. Additionally, certain authentication procedures using the carrier's network are more cumbersome. The UK-based nonprofit organization Global System for Mobile Communications Association recognizes eSIM as an international standard and adoption has been widespread in markets like the US since 2022. In Korea, however, usage had been largely limited to newer models -- Apple's iPhone XS and above, and Samsung's Galaxy S23 and above -- resulting in a barrier to mass adoption. Some market watchers suggest Korean telecom carriers have been reluctant to actively promote eSIM technology due to existing business models being centered on USIM card sales and the opportunity to upsell in-store services during physical USIM card replacements. However, SK Telecom's recent data breach has shifted sentiment. Smartphone manufacturers are eyeing the growing acceptance of eSIMs as a potential turning point. With consumers increasingly favoring thinner, more power-efficient devices, removing physical USIM slots may offer opportunities for a competitive edge. "The physical presence of a USIM card slot poses a significant limitation in designing slimmer devices," an industry source who requested anonymity said. "Eliminating the space could also lead to using less battery." Another anonymous source said, 'eSIMs help extend battery life and enable slimmer designs. Though the difference in battery life may not always be noticeable to users, the design benefits are significant.'
Cision Canada
07-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Nomad eSIM Drives Global Connectivity and Makes Travel Seamless
SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 7, 2025 /CNW/ -- Nomad eSIM, a business line of LotusFlare, continues to see strong growth by delivering high-speed global connectivity to international travelers. Since its launch in 2021, Nomad eSIM has rapidly become the go-to solution for travelers seeking reliable, affordable internet access in 200+ destinations worldwide. Customers use Nomad to save up to 70% compared to traditional roaming charges, avoid bill shock, and activate eSIMs in seconds. The product has earned a 4.8-star rating on the Apple App Store and widespread word-of-mouth referrals. Building on this consumer momentum, Nomad proudly launched its Nomad Enterprise eSIM portal in 2024. This portal provides businesses with a centralized solution to efficiently manage, assign, and monitor connectivity for their employees. Adoption has been positive, with businesses from financial services and manufacturing, to travel and pharma all leveraging Nomad to optimize their employee travel and reduce employee roaming costs. Equally transformative is Nomad's eSIMfx service, which enables brands like OTAs, airlines, and fintech to integrate eSIMs into their offerings. Partners can offer seamless global connectivity with minimal development effort through robust APIs, SDKs, or no-code microsites. This unlocks new revenue streams, drives customer loyalty with travel benefits, and positions partner brands as all-in-one travel solutions. By partnering with eSIMfx, businesses can boost revenue and tap into the growing demand for global connectivity. "Global eSIM connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have; it's a necessity to modern businesses," says Shern Ng, Head of Product at Nomad. "Nomad eSIM is at the forefront of this transformation, empowering companies and travelers to connect seamlessly wherever their journey takes them. Simultaneously, we enable businesses to offer true connectivity as part of their service." With more exciting features for consumers and businesses launching in 2025, Nomad eSIM remains committed to innovation and expansion. It is poised to continue its success in leading the global connectivity space across both consumer and enterprise markets. Nomad, a business unit of LotusFlare Inc., simplifies global travel by providing affordable, high-speed, mobile data services in over 200 destinations worldwide. With flexible data plans at local rates, Nomad eliminates expensive roaming charges. Travellers can browse data plans for their upcoming trip, install and activate eSIM in seconds, and connect to a 5G network upon arrival.
Korea Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Nomad eSIM Drives Global Connectivity and Makes Travel Seamless
SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nomad eSIM, a business line of LotusFlare, continues to see strong growth by delivering high-speed global connectivity to international travelers. Since its launch in 2021, Nomad eSIM has rapidly become the go-to solution for travelers seeking reliable, affordable internet access in 200+ destinations worldwide. Customers use Nomad to save up to 70% compared to traditional roaming charges, avoid bill shock, and activate eSIMs in seconds. The product has earned a 4.8-star rating on the Apple App Store and widespread word-of-mouth referrals. Building on this consumer momentum, Nomad proudly launched its Nomad Enterprise eSIM portal in 2024. This portal provides businesses with a centralized solution to efficiently manage, assign, and monitor connectivity for their employees. Adoption has been positive, with businesses from financial services and manufacturing, to travel and pharma all leveraging Nomad to optimize their employee travel and reduce employee roaming costs. Equally transformative is Nomad's eSIMfx service, which enables brands like OTAs, airlines, and fintech to integrate eSIMs into their offerings. Partners can offer seamless global connectivity with minimal development effort through robust APIs, SDKs, or no-code microsites. This unlocks new revenue streams, drives customer loyalty with travel benefits, and positions partner brands as all-in-one travel solutions. By partnering with eSIMfx, businesses can boost revenue and tap into the growing demand for global connectivity. "Global eSIM connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have; it's a necessity to modern businesses," says Shern Ng, Head of Product at Nomad. "Nomad eSIM is at the forefront of this transformation, empowering companies and travelers to connect seamlessly wherever their journey takes them. Simultaneously, we enable businesses to offer true connectivity as part of their service." With more exciting features for consumers and businesses launching in 2025, Nomad eSIM remains committed to innovation and expansion. It is poised to continue its success in leading the global connectivity space across both consumer and enterprise markets. About Nomad: Nomad, a business unit of LotusFlare Inc., simplifies global travel by providing affordable, high-speed, mobile data services in over 200 destinations worldwide. With flexible data plans at local rates, Nomad eliminates expensive roaming charges. Travellers can browse data plans for their upcoming trip, install and activate eSIM in seconds, and connect to a 5G network upon arrival.
Korea Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
SK Telecom to offer free USIM replacement to all customers after network hacking incident
SK Telecom Co., South Korea's leading mobile carrier, said Friday that it will offer free universal subscriber identity module replacements to all customers, following a recent network hacking incident involving the potential leak of subscriber information. SK Telecom Chief Executive Officer Ryu Young-sang made the announcement during a briefing in Seoul on the hacking incident that occurred last Friday. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern this incident has caused to our customers and the public. As a precautionary measure, we will offer free USIM replacements, including eSIMs, to any customer who requests one," Ryu said. The replacement service will begin at 10 a.m. Monday. Customers who were subscribed as of last Friday, when the company identified signs of a security breach, can receive replacements at the company's T World stores nationwide and airport roaming centers. SK Telecom previously confirmed that a malicious code installed by hackers had led to a suspected leak of USIM-related data. The USIM, which stores personal authentication information used to access mobile networks, can be exploited to allow criminals to clone users' identities or intercept text messages. The company said it is taking the matter seriously and will continue to enhance its data protection measures as investigations proceed. (Yonhap)
