The Top 10 Enterprise ‘Use Cases’ for eSIM

The Top 10 Enterprise ‘Use Cases’ for eSIM

If you’ve travelled abroad recently or booked a flight, then the chances are you’ve started to see lots of adverts and promotions about roaming eSIMs and how they can help you save money on roaming mobile data costs. You might also have been offered an eSIM by your domestic mobile provider instead of a physical SIM when taking out a new personal mobile or business subscription.

Airlines, banks, local mobile operators, travel companies and new entrant digital mobile providers are all joining the eSIM market and quickly taking market share from incumbent networks. What’s more, global technology providers like Apple are driving the adoption of eSIM, which is forcing the hand of mobile networks that were initially reluctant to support eSIM. For example, in the USA, the iPhone 14 was only available as an eSIM only device and so it won’t be long before that is the standard for most smartphones.

Having been in the corporate telecoms industry for 30 years, eSIM feels very similar to the way ‘Least Cost Routing’ initially opened up the fixed line telecoms market to alternative providers in the 1990’s. Paving the way for the highly competitive and deregulated telecoms market we have today in the UK, instead of the previous duopoly of BT and Mercury (Cable&Wireless).

Over a series of connected articles, I set out the evolving landscape for eSIM and why I believe eSIM will be far more transformational than its initial ‘use cases’ for saving money on roaming data charges and simplifying the deployment of mobile connectivity.

To start with I cover what exactly an eSIM is, how they work and provide a high level summary of the short and mid term eSIM ‘use cases’ for larger businesses. In part 2, I explore some of these use cases in more detail, with a specific focus on their application within large corporates and multi-national businesses. Finally, in Part 3 I set out a future vision for the corporate use of eSIM and why I think eSIM will function as the enabler for ‘Enterprise Cloud Mobility’ services that will completely change the global mobile services market and the way large multi-national businesses purchase and manage mobile connectivity.

So, what is an eSIM?

An eSIM or embedded SIM is simply a chip on your smartphone (or tablet / laptop) that can be used to load and store different mobile network SIMS digitally rather than physically. In the same way that a dual SIM smartphone has two physical SIM slots that allow two SIM cards to be inserted into the phone, the eSIM enabled device does this digitally and in the case of an iPhone can store up to 8 eSIMs at one time.

Loading and configuring eSIMs

As a digital product, eSIMs have to be initially loaded onto the smartphone, tablet or laptop, either temporarily with an expiry date or more permanently (for example instead of a physical SIM). Until recently this has been most commonly achieved by scanning a QR code, which provides a link to a secure server which allows the phone to pull down the unique network registration credentials. Early adopters found this QR process to be quite awkward, however more recently it’s been possible to scan the QR code from within the phone and most recently a few suppliers are now adopting the latest push technologies so they can send the eSIM directly to the phone.

Where an eSIM is used in conjunction with a corporate managed device, MDM platforms including MS Intune, are now starting to support ‘over the air’ deployment of eSIM directly to devices, which allows IT teams to simply push and more simply load the eSIM on the device, which further simplifies the process for the user.

Once loaded on the phone, then in device settings the user then simply selects which SIMs (physical or eSIM) should be active at anytime, and also which of these SIMs should be used as the default SIM for data. Standard SIM settings like enabling roaming data then are configured for each SIM.

It should be noted, that whilst some phones might have a storage capacity of eight eSIMS, of these, only two connections can be active at anytime (either one physical SIM plus an eSIM or two eSIMs), and only one of these can be active at a time for accessing data. So currently it’s not possible for example to automatically use a work eSIM for business use like email and a personal eSIM for say Netflix or social media. Some devices offer data switching, which simply allows the device to switch between SIMs for data where there is poor or no coverage on the default data SIM. As eSIM and phones develop, the concept of two active data SIMS with management controls will I’m sure become available over the next few years.

So what are the Top 10 Business Use Cases for eSIM?

eSIM Use Case # 1 – Roaming Mobile Data / Travel 

Whilst eSIMs have many potential uses, providing alternative access to roaming mobile services is the use case that’s gaining the most attention. In the consumer market there are already hundreds of roaming mobile services available from a range of businesses including eSIM providers (e.g. Airalo and Holafly), a wide range of start ups and interestingly from businesses like airlines (e.g. Wizz Air) and travel companies as well as brand builders like banks (e.g. Revolut) that are seeing eSIM as a path to improve the customer experience and loyalty.

Most of these services follow a similar model, which is to offer eSIMs either on a pre-paid per trip basis (e.g. provides the service (typically data) in a specific country, for a fixed duration and specific data allowance for a fixed fee) or on a regional or global basis (e.g. a range of countries in a specific region/s for a fixed cost, duration and allowance).

In most cases, the user selects the provider and eSIM package of their choice, makes the up front payment and then either downloads an App which guides through the installation process or receives a QR code to scan and load the eSIM. Once an eSIM is loaded, it is typically activated when the user is abroad and switches their settings to select the eSIM as their default SIM for data. If everything goes to plan the user receives the service and cost effective data.

For business, the process is largely similar, however with a smaller range of vendors offering consolidated accounts and support portals for businesses to purchase eSIMs centrally. I’ll explore the opportunities and challenges related to roaming eSIMs for business further in Part 2.

eSIM Use Case # 2 – Business and Personal Numbers on one Phone

eSIM enables users to have different mobile numbers active on their phone, potentially removing the need for two phones. By deploying eSIM on a smartphone a user could have a physical SIM or eSIM for their corporate voice and data connection, and an additional active second eSIM for their personal mobile number for voice and SMS. Thereby creating two numbers on one device, but with the ability to quickly turn off one of the lines when needed (for example turning off the business line out of work hours or when on holiday).

eSIM Use Case # 3 – Data enabled laptops and tablets

A growing number of laptops and tablets are being offered with eSIM, which offers the opportunity for businesses to provide high quality mobile connectivity for users and remove the need for public Wi-Fi on the move. Whilst tethering provides an alternative to Wi-Fi, it simply doesn’t compare from a user experience to a 5G embedded connection that’s available on boot up. On device eSIM connectivity tends to be quicker, requires no user set up and is more secure than Wi-Fi.

eSIM Use Case # 4 – Enhanced Coverage through Multi-Network Data Services

Unlike local mobile network SIMS which are typically tied to a single issuing network, global data eSIMs can provide users with access to multiple networks within each country. Originally designed to support roaming data, the same services can now offer enhanced coverage for domestic data in home countries.

This model also offers corporates the opportunity to split their mobile provision between voice and SMS on one SIM, with users provided multi-network data access on a second eSIM. 

eSIM Use Case # 5 – Real Time Management & Private Mobile Data Connectivity

Building on the use case for data enabled laptops and tablets and multi-network access, next generation enterprise mobile services built on eSIM also include a range of management tools including real time data usage management, flexible usage and cost controls, the ability to prevent data access in specific countries or zones (for example preventing connecting to Satellites) and content policy controls which prevent access to services like streaming, but allow access to corporate applications.

Data connectivity can also be provided with the option of a Private APN applied to the service. Private APN’s seamlessly route all data traffic from devices back to the corporate network via a VPN or dedicated IP link, for even greater control and security. Effectively think of this type of solution as a route to make corporate mobile devices (e.g. laptops and tablets) an extension of the corporate WAN.

It is also a highly effective solution when deploying connected devices like cellular routers, EPOS devices and IoT devices, as eSIMs cannot be switched from the device like a physical SIM. This removes then need for IMEI locking and it creates a much more secure method of connectivity.

eSIM Use Case # 6 – Simplifying BYOD Roaming Data Expenses

With BYOD, users typically also provide their own SIM and mobile data, which doesn’t tend to be an issue when used domestically, however becomes more complex when users are asked to travel internationally on business. For such roaming, users will typically submit additional expense claims for usage charges, which are expensive to validate and process, often include non-claimable taxes and can be of a materially higher cost than a corporate tariff. These charges are also often approved outside of the IT team, and so these costs are excluded from IT budgets.

eSIM can very effectively solve this problem by providing either short term data connectivity for the roaming destination or for regular travellers a permanent eSIM which can work across multiple countries when travelling on business. With a service like SureSIM Global, eSIMs can be quickly set up to support BYOD users when roaming, completely removing the need for expense claims and providing cost effective pricing with built in data management tools.

eSIM Use Case # 7 – Short term SIMs for Contractors

Many larger organisations issue temporary workers, contractors and third parties (e.g. consultants) with a corporate device and number. This is an expensive process and can be entirely avoided with a combination of eSIM and Mobile Application Management (MAM).

MAM provides a simple method for organisations to securely provide BYOD and 3rd party user access to certain corporate applications like Teams, Outlook and SharePoint on unmanaged devices. When coupled with an eSIM, businesses can provide access to corporate tools and dedicated corporate mobile number (with or without data) for use on a temporary basis in just a few minutes over the air. Depending on requirements, the SIM can also include mobile voice recording recorded and number retention post employment contract.

eSIM Use Case # 8 – Teams Telephony for Mobile

The vast majority of organisations have already switched to using technologies like MS Teams, Zoom, 8×8 and other UC services as their primary means of communication. Outside of the contact centre, this has meant that the need for traditional business fixed line and mobile voice calling has fallen dramatically since the start of Covid with many internal corporate calls now being made over Teams.

When coupled with near ubiquitous mobile data coverage, it’s now possible for most users to simply communicate via the Teams application on a mobile (with or without PSTN dialling), either on a corporate or BYOD smartphone over Wi-Fi or cellular data. eSIM solutions are ideal for this data requirement, especially where they support multi-network coverage, ensuring users get the best service wherever they are located, and potentially removing the need for mobile voice services entirely.

This type of solution may also be particularly interesting for multi-national corporates, as eSIM data can be deployed generically across all countries that support Teams, meaning one solution globally for mobile.

eSIM Use Case # 9 – International Numbers for Global Execs & Workers

eSIM enables execs and global workers to easily access a second active local number and service for countries travelled to regularly. For example, a UK user that regularly travels to the USA or has USA clients, could have one UK SIM with Voice, SMS and Data with an additional USA eSIM either for voice and SMS or optionally with data access also.

This enables the user to issue USA colleagues, clients and suppliers with a local number to call which is more cost effective and it enables support for local services (like banking, ID, travel) that require a local number for registration.

eSIM Use Case # 10 – Private 5G Services and Access

Whilst Private 5G is a major topic in its own right, eSIM is one of the key enablers for use of Private 5G by end-users as a complementary or alternative to traditional corporate Wi-Fi and Local Area Networking. 5G Private Networks use mobile spectrum that is dedicated to organisation for use within a certain specified area. This means it is not available for general public use by mobile networks, and to connect to the 5G radio access points and private network, users need an authorised SIM or eSIM.

Typically the ‘use cases’ for Private 5G are to extend connectivity across large areas (e.g. ports, holiday parks and campuses) and to reach areas that are hard or impossible to access with Wi-Fi using wired access points. Private 5G typically has a range and coverage of about four times that of Wi-Fi and it also supports a larger concentration of users as well as seamless network hand-off which enables users to move around the building without loss of service. It is also inherently more secure than Wi-Fi, as it uses dedicated spectrum and mobile security protocols instead of unmanaged Wi-Fi spectrum and security.

When used as a Wi-Fi alternative, corporate users and guests can be simply provided with an eSIM (either pushed for corporate users via MDM or available as a QR code for scanning by guests) on their phone, with built in expiry dates, and optional access to the corporate network, to remove the need for VPN tunnels.

As the use case for Private 5G in corporate offices evolves, the benefits of Private 5G as a complementary technology to Wi-Fi are becoming clearer. These range from use in business continuity planning as a second network and Wi-Fi alternative, wireless cabling for LAN, enabling building management and sensors, dedicated bandwidth and VLANS for specific services (e.g. security, CCTV). Private 5G also enables prioritisation and network slicing (bandwidth allocation) and so the network can be managed to ensure that critical services and applications always have appropriate network bandwidth and performance.

Finally, for businesses that are considering a 4G/5G mobile network coverage scheme to boost mobile network signal in their corporate offices, it should be noted the there is a relatively small incremental cost to add a Private 5G installation at the same time, making this a technology to consider in many large corporate HQ’s.

eSIM is still in its relative infancy in terms of deployment in the Enterprise, with cost savings on roaming data being a clear immediate opportunity for most large and multi-national organisations. However, with a little planning most large organisations can quickly exploit much greater value from eSIMs and supporting network services like the ones we provide at Utelize with our SureSIM services.

In Part 2 and 3, I delve into more detail on some of the use cases highlighted in this article, and set out the long term potential for Enterprise Cloud Mobility services, that will deliver on the vision of a truly global mobile service for multi-national organisations.

To arrange a discovery meeting, please visit Utelize Mobile’s site at https://www.utelize.co.uk/suresim-global-esim.