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Consumer mobile provider SMARTY, which is a virtual mobile operator (MVNO) on Three UK’s (VodafoneThree) national UK network, yesterday finally joined the large club of providers able to offer eSIM (Electronic SIM) support to their customer base of mobile users.
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 first spotted yesterday by a member (CarlO1460) of ISPreview’s community forum (here), is that customers of Smarty can now also take advantage of eSIM support (here). “If you’re an existing SMARTY customer, you can swap your physical SIM for an eSIM today. New customers and Group owners will be able to order an eSIM directly soon. In the meantime, you can still activate one by doing a SIM swap,” states Smarty.
As usual, you’ll first need to double-check that your mobile phone is actually eSIM compatible. The easiest way to do this is by dialling *#06# into your keypad. If you then see a pop-up that includes an EID number on the screen, your device should be compatible. The move comes just in time for the next refresh of Apple’s iPhone series, which is expected to include at least one eSIM-only model. Better late than never, hay Smarty.