Having a phone number for calls, texts and data remains relevant and a necessity for communication. Even in 2025, it is common to see individuals purchasing physical sim cards from stores and activate it on their phone.

Sim card refers to a smart card that securely stores information needed to identify and authenticate a user on a mobile network. In the Philippines, the use of physical sim remains a norm.

But with the introduction of phones capable of e-sim technology, and local telecom companies offering e-sim cards, the future of how telecommunication get new customers is inevitable. You should be using e-sim now.

Well, it’s a sim card that can be activated electronically (all via the phone) and it’s the new trend. All local telecom players have started utilizing the tech. In fact, Smart Communications has released a telecom brand called KIQ that is focuses solely on e-sim technology.

What is an E-sim

E-sim refers to embedded subscriber identity module.

As a short background, SIM cards are an essential part of phones and mobile devices since their launch in 1991. These small PVC cards provide a unique identity to the device, and hence connect it to a mobile network, send messages and make and receive calls.

But regular sim cards have limitations, which include having to physically switch cards, a limitation on numbers on a phone, privacy and security issues, and as a way to address the need for travelers who faces big roaming charges.

Therefore, in 2012, e-sim was developed. It works like regular sim cards, but the sim is embedded directly into the phone’s circuitry. To use a sim card from a local carrier, you have to activate the number within the software.

Why You Should Get an E-sim

New technology both has advantages and disadvantages, but in most instances, the advantage overrides the disadvantages – the reason why it was invented.

These are the reasons why you should consider purchasing an e-sim:

• If you are planning for a trip abroad, roaming charges is very expensive. The functionality of being able to easily install several e-sim cards on a phone is an advantage. You can switch later.
• If you are a person who loves to use multiple sim cards (such as one for work, one for school, one for personal use, etc.) this provides an advantage.
• This shift is good for the environment, reducing the use of plastic sim cards
• If you are conscious somebody might remove your physical sim from your phone and use your identity, this is harder with e-sim as the sim is installed on the phone itself
• You can easily purchase, activate and delete an e-sim.

How to Activate an E-sim

Before purchasing an e-sim, make sure you have a handset supporting the modern sim tech. Here’s how to find out:

• For iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll to the Digital SIM or EID section, a 15-digit EID number is present if it is supported
• For Android, go to Settings > Mobile Network, Connections, Sim Cards. If there is an option to add an e-sim, then it is supported
• Another option is to dial *#06# and your phone’s IMEI information shall appear. Check if an EID is listed.

If your phone is e-sim ready, you can purchase from online stores, through applications (if supported), and via physical stores. Local telecommunication companies in the Philippines (Globe, Smart, DITO) supports e-sim.

To activate the e-sim:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
• Scan the QR code provided inside the e-sim package or sent via e-mail. Note that app-based e-sim installation does not require scanning of QR vode.
• Press the button that prompts whether to install the e-sim
• Wait and relax, as your e-sim is being prepared for you
• Congratulations, your e-sim is now activated

Final Thoughts

Communication continuous to move forward with digital – that even the sim cards which formerly were on a physical PVC has turned into simple scannable QR codes and gets activated on the phone.

It provides many advantages such as easy switching, multiple sims on a phone, reducing carbon footprints and more.

Local telecom companies are joining in the trend.

Aside from reducing the use of plastics, the phone now has larger room for battery, better resistance to dust and moisture.

In no time, this will eventually be utilized by all mobile phone owners. It is inevitable.