The subscribers of А1 will be the first in Belarus to enjoy the benefits of connecting an eSIM to their mobile devices

Telecom, ICT and content service provider A1 on August 12, 2019 proposed an opportunity for its subscribers to use eSIM – a virtual digital SIM card of a new generation.

A digital virtual eSIM  (“е” stands for “embedded”) is a microchip embedded on the motherboard of the device, which is programmed remotely by the communications service provider. eSIM has the same features as its plastic counterpart: it may be blocked in case of telephone loss, and it can be reinstalled on a new device.

The technology complies with the security standards of the global association GSMA and is supported with a wide range of contemporary smartphones, tablets, notebooks, some smart watches, trackers, and also with the Internet of Things devices.

Unlike physical SIM cards, the number of which is limited with the quantity of slots in the smartphone and does not exceed two cards, eSIM users may install up to five various eSIM cards on one gadget and toggle between them if and when required.

As a proud owner of an eSIM, you may forget about difficulties with installation and replacement of SIM cards. Just buy a new smartphone supporting an eSIM, activate your device, scan a special operator’s QR code and everything is settled! Just a few simple clicks – and the subscriber will be able to use the A1’s mobile services.

“We are the first in Belarus to introduce eSIM cards, and we are doing it primarily for the convenience of our subscribers that use state-of-the-art gadgets and would rather manage their devices personally in the online mode. Also, we believe that in the future the Internet of Things rather than smartphones will drive this technology. It’s one thing to personally install SIM cards in dozens, hundreds, and even thousands of various sensors, meters and other data-transmitting devices, and it’s totally another – to program them remotely and to manage them with the use of one personal account,” said Irina Savina, A1’s Deputy General Director for Customer Segment.

An essential prerequisite for the use of an eSIM is support of this technology by the subscriber’s device. А1 guarantees compatibility of eSIM cards with all models of the devices supporting such a technology which are officially sold in Belarus. At present, such devices include smartphones and tablets Apple iPhone XS, iPhone XS max, iPhone XR, iPadPro (11 inches), 3rd generation iPadPro (12.9 inches), 3rd generation iPadAir, 5th generation iPad mini (except for the tablets without a mobile module). The list of such devices may be extended as the brand new products of leading manufactures become available.

At this stage of technology implementation, in order to connect an еSIM a subscriber needs to visit any of the A1’s sales and service centers, or to order an eSIM in the A1’s online store together with a smartphone or tablet supporting a new technology. The cost and the procedure for the acquisition of digital and conventional SIM cards are identical, therefore subscribers will be able to select the card type in the course of connection of their device.