Some of our readers have spotted that low-cost UK mobile operator iD Mobile (Currys), which uses Three UK’s national 4G and 5G network via a virtual operator (MVNO) agreement, has recently introduced eSIM (Electronic SIM) support to their mobile service.
The eSIM standard is an alternative to physical SIM cards, which works by essentially embedding an electronic SIM into your device (Smartphone) that could – once fully implemented – make it easier and quicker to switch between operators (e.g. not having to wait for a SIM card to arrive), as well as to use additional networks alongside your main mobile plan (e.g. eSIMs for travel when abroad).
The good news, as recently spotted via ISPreview’s community forum (credits to meritez), is that iD Mobile have finally introduced eSIM support to their service (here). But you’ll need to double-check if your mobile phone is eSIM compatible first (dial *#06# into your keypad and if you see a pop-up which includes an EID number on the screen, then your device should be compatible).
One other possible catch is that iD Mobile’s related Q&A page appears to be indicating that they don’t currently support eSIM on the Apple Watch (here).
Meanwhile, one of Three UK’s other MVNO providers, Smarty, still has yet to add any eSIM support and would only say (here) “it is something we may look to have in future.”