From Estonia to Paris, London to Lisbon, Europe has no shortage of incredible tech hubs to choose from. For founders and entrepreneurs, keeping a presence across a number of these innovation epicenters is typically a key business development strategy whether it’s to attend a conference, setting up a new satellite office or headhunt top talent.
While logging on to the hotel WiFi is fine for some travellers, entrepreneurs and founders have an increased need for seamless connectivity. Further, they often have higher data demands, whether that’s downloading a presentation on the go or running a demo during an event.
As a result, we’re seeing a rise in international entrepreneurs using an eSIM, also known as a digital or virtual SIM. While eSIMs have most often been associated with the tourism market, entrepreneurs and founders are the lesser-known customer demographic responsible for a high percentage of market growth.
The rapid evolution of digital technology has led to groundbreaking advancements in connectivity, with eSIM global solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront. The combination of these two technologies is revolutionizing the way users connect to mobile networks, manage data, and interact with smart devices.
With this, let’s take a closer look at the tech behind the trend and the industry players solving important challenges.
The evolution of the SIM card
A SIM – traditionally a small plastic card that slots into your mobile phone – is an acronym for ‘subscriber identity module’. It holds information, such as your mobile number, and allows you to make and receive calls and texts, and use data on your phone.
SIMs can also store contacts and phone numbers which makes switching phones easy. You can simply take your SIM out of your old phone and slot it into a new one. But so-called eSIMs are designed to supersede old-style physical SIMs (and, in case you’re wondering, the ‘e’ stands for embedded).
Instead of being a removable plastic card inside your phone, an eSIM is a small chip embedded in your handset. You can’t remove it and put it in another phone.
The information on an eSIM is rewritable. This means you can change your network without removing your SIM and inserting a new one.
A time when eSIMs completely replace plastic SIMs is probably still quite some way off. At the moment, eSIMs are more commonly used as the second SIM in a dual-SIM handset.
Why are we seeing more entrepreneurs using eSIMs
Entrepreneurs and digital nomads are more likely to travel for business purposes. In addition, the nature of the game means they may well bump into an important lead unexpectedly or decide to attend an event at short notice.
This means they rely on uninterrupted connectivity and need a mobile data solution tailored for heavy usage. Public WiFI hotspots are available in most European cities but these are often insecure and slow making them unsuitable options.
The same can often be true for WiFi at conference centers or hotels. Usually, entrepreneurs can tether to their own mobile data to avoid security and reliability issues, but when abroad another solution is required.
Data roaming might be convenient but it’s expensive and unpredictable. Unexpected roaming charges happen all the time. Plus, coverage can be slow and unreliable as local users typically get network priority.
This leaves us with the final option: travel SIM cards. Traditionally, the travel SIM card was the go-to solution for connectivity abroad. However, it involves finding a store, purchasing the card, and physically swapping it with your current SIM is a process that can be quite tedious.
eSIMS are now the most popular options thanks to their ability to address all of these hurdles and more.
The draw of eSIMs
An eSIM makes it much easier to switch mobile networks. Instead of needing to order a new SIM, waiting for it to arrive, then inserting it into your phone, you can switch to a different network with a phone call or online. You also won’t need to go hunting for a SIM ‘ejector tool’ to remove the old SIM from your phone
You can temporarily change to another network. Up to five virtual SIM cards can be stored on one eSIM at a time. This means you can quickly switch between different networks if you find yourself in an area without a signal on your usual network.
It also makes it easier to switch to a local network while traveling, without needing to physically insert a local SIM. This is especially useful for entrepreneurs who might be visiting multiple cities or destinations on a trip. With an eSIM they can easily switch to a new network at each new destination.
eSIMs use less physical phone space. Another advantage of eSIMs is that they will eventually negate the need for a physical SIM card and its tray. Smartphone manufacturers could potentially use this space to increase a phone’s battery size or add more features to a handset. Fewer holes in a handset also mean more protection from moisture and dust, so less breakdowns
Why entrepreneurs are choosing Sim Local
Sim Local is a leading global provider of eSIM technology making it a popular choice with entrepreneurs and digital nomads. With an easy-to-use platform, customers can easily purchase and activate a travel eSIM for instant internet from any location globally. Further, the company offers fast, reliable coverage in over 200 destinations thanks to the strength of its partnership with local network providers.
What’s more, when roaming abroad or using a travel SIM, data activities are often curtailed. With Sim Local, users can create their own hotspots and tether to their data from any location making it a great option when on the road or at an event.
Finally, entrepreneurs can access all these data benefits without changing their original number or disrupting any existing settings on the handset. This is essential to avoid missing a call about that important deal.