Vodacom Launches eSIM Support For Smartphones

Vodacom will now offer eSIM support for smartphones across prepaid, top-up/hybrid and postpaid contract types. This means that users with selected eSIM-enabled smartphones will be able to connect to the Vodacom network and enjoy the benefits, capabilities, and flexibility that an eSIM provides.

eSIMs also known as embedded SIMs are not just the next generation of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card technology, they also help drive the eradication of the need for a physical card entirely. In addition, this also eliminates the need to manufacture and ship the associated plastic, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

Traditional SIM cards contain unique identifying information that enables a mobile phone or device to connect securely to a mobile network. With eSIM, that information is contained in a few lines of code which is stored on a dedicated chip inside a mobile phone or device rather than on a removable card.

“As technology advances, so too do the needs of our users. Our drive to adapt and launch solutions that address our customers’ changing needs is driven by market trends and insights informed by consumer requests.

The introduction of eSIM support for smartphones could not have come at a better time as research shows that the number of eSIM-enabled smartphones in the market is growing rapidly,” said Rishaad Tayob, Consumer Business Director at Vodacom South Africa.

With the introduction of the QR code-based eSIM activation method, customers can now connect and use the Self Rica Process to activate their new number digitally, allowing them to easily connect with their loved ones.

“We are always looking for new ways to extend our capabilities and simplify connectivity for our customers in today’s digital world. The launch of our eSIM support for smartphones is a great example of how we strive to simplify connectivity for our customers,” added Tayob.

Added Davide Tacchino, Managing Executive of Terminals at Vodacom South Africa, “The eSIM solution is key to drive the Vodacom’s Green Planet Strategy as it allows us to continue to connect additional customers to the network, without having to distribute traditional cards which means no more worries about plastic and paper waste resulting from packaging. This in itself will help boost our Green Plan achievements, and further our vision of constantly making a positive difference in the future of our planet, while reducing carbon emissions”.

“We also understand that to mitigate risk, we need to ensure connectivity with the lowest possible GHG emissions, and we need to provide goods that are manufactured, supplied, distributed and discarded with the lowest possible carbon footprint. Through the introduction of eSIM support for smartphones, we hope to make a meaningful contribution and reduce the impact on the environment” concluded Tacchino.

Vodacom was the first mobile operator to launch eSIM support for wearables under its Vodacom OneNumber brand name back in 2019.  Since then, our network of eSIM-enabled devices has grown beyond a million users.

“Looking at this number, we can confidently say we are well on our way to achieving our goal of keeping our customers connected to people and things. This only motivates us more to continue to innovate in order to address the changing lifestyle and communication needs of our customers” concluded Tayob.