esim discussion

[wirelesslink]

You already can get benefit 1 by switching to eSIM today with almost all telcos. And if you lost your phone, there's no switching anything cause the original phone is already lost. The only downside is the fee payment to get another eSIM, which is a minor one albeit penny pinching on the telco's part.

The eSIM Quick Transfer only works for iPhone to iPhone or Android to Android for now and support for it is also very limited across different manufacturers and telcos in Android land.

yea, mentioned ‘true’ benefits because right now we have to pay for esim replacements which is annoying

for iphones if the carrier supports it it’s actually super seamless

 

[froztheart]

eSIM is supposed to allow porting of SIM profile conveniently and quickly, but the carriers choose to nickle and dime.

 

[crystalnox]

eSIM is supposed to allow porting of SIM profile conveniently and quickly, but the carriers choose to nickle and dime.

Nah that's almost an after thought when it comes to eSIMs. Evidence being the subpar eSIM transfer capability rolled out by Apple and Android long after eSIMs have hit various foreign telcos.

 

[froztheart]

Nah that's almost an after thought when it comes to eSIMs. Evidence being the subpar eSIM transfer capability rolled out by Apple and Android long after eSIMs have hit various foreign telcos.

I mean they updated it to allow eSIM profile porting as compared to previous when it couldn't at all, no?

 

[sadboy]

I'm not an expert in eSIM design, but I have come across telcos in Malaysia enabling their customers to convert their existing physical SIM to eSIM on their iPhone online. It really depends on which eSIM solution the telcos are running on and if they are investing enough to enable all the eSIM functions for their customers' needs.

In Singapore, it seems that telcos offer the most basic eSIM functions. Some Singaporean telcos don't allow you to convert your physical SIM to eSIM unless you change your plan or telco.

Singapore was one of the last few countries in this region to offer eSIM. Other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan had already offered eSIM to their customers long ago. SH and ST only joined the game recently.

https://www.lowyat.net/2022/290780/maxis-iphone-esim-quick-transfer/

 

[Fellowes]

I'm not an expert in eSIM design, but I have come across telcos in Malaysia enabling their customers to convert their existing physical SIM to eSIM on their iPhone online. It really depends on which eSIM solution the telcos are running on and if they are investing enough to enable all the eSIM functions for their customers' needs.

In Singapore, it seems that telcos offer the most basic eSIM functions. Some Singaporean telcos don't allow you to convert your physical SIM to eSIM unless you change your plan or telco.

Singapore was one of the last few countries in this region to offer eSIM. Other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan had already offered eSIM to their customers long ago. SH and ST only joined the game recently.

https://www.lowyat.net/2022/290780/maxis-iphone-esim-quick-transfer/

Still say what first world nation, more like laggard nation in terms of eSIM

 

[TyL3r_DuRd3n]

Just did convert from physical SIM to eSIM for SMART Cambodia telco.
It is done through the app. No need to scan QR code. All done less than 2 minutes.

 

[dean_h]

eSIM are designed to be reusable and to make it easy to switch phones by just scanning the QR code again.

Local telcos are adding an additional mechanism in their systems to deliberately expire the QR code after you use it once, so that they can charge you for additional ones.

They pulled a similar stunt in the 90s by locking physical SIM cards to the phone you bought from them, which prevents the SIM card from being used in other phones (by only allowing the SIM card to connect to the network if the phone's IMEI number matched in their backend system), so that they can charge for "transfer fees" and pretend that you must buy a new SIM card. Finally, IMDA's predecessor legislated and stopped this practice, which gave us today's freedom to put our SIM cards in any phone we like.

eSIMs are handled digitally, and like other digital goods like e-vouchers and credits, are much more cost efficient to generate and issue. It's nearly zero cost to generate additional eSIMs, once the initial system is in place. The telcos are banking on people not being tech savvy enough, and naively associate eSIMs with physical SIMs to justify charging for each instance of them. Don't be fooled.

IMDA should outlaw this greed with eSIMs before it gets out of hand.

 

[froztheart]

eSIM are designed to be reusable and to make it easy to switch phones by just scanning the QR code again.

Local telcos are adding an additional mechanism in their systems to deliberately expire the QR code after you use it once, so that they can charge you for additional ones.

They pulled a similar stunt in the 90s by locking physical SIM cards to the phone you bought from them, which prevents the SIM card from being used in other phones (by only allowing the SIM card to connect to the network if the phone's IMEI number matched in their backend system), so that they can charge for "transfer fees" and pretend that you must buy a new SIM card. Finally, IMDA's predecessor legislated and stopped this practice, which gave us today's freedom to put our SIM cards in any phone we like.

eSIMs are handled digitally, and like other digital goods like e-vouchers and credits, are much more cost efficient to generate and issue. It's nearly zero cost to generate additional eSIMs, once the initial system is in place. The telcos are banking on people not being tech savvy enough, and naively associate eSIMs with physical SIMs to justify charging for each instance of them. Don't be fooled.

IMDA should outlaw this greed with eSIMs before it gets out of hand.

But does IMDA ever do any work for consumers?

 

[Mach3.2]

But does IMDA ever do any work for consumers?

Sometimes they do, but the inertia is strong.

 

[crystalnox]

eSIM are designed to be reusable and to make it easy to switch phones by just scanning the QR code again.

Local telcos are adding an additional mechanism in their systems to deliberately expire the QR code after you use it once, so that they can charge you for additional ones.

They pulled a similar stunt in the 90s by locking physical SIM cards to the phone you bought from them, which prevents the SIM card from being used in other phones (by only allowing the SIM card to connect to the network if the phone's IMEI number matched in their backend system), so that they can charge for "transfer fees" and pretend that you must buy a new SIM card. Finally, IMDA's predecessor legislated and stopped this practice, which gave us today's freedom to put our SIM cards in any phone we like.

eSIMs are handled digitally, and like other digital goods like e-vouchers and credits, are much more cost efficient to generate and issue. It's nearly zero cost to generate additional eSIMs, once the initial system is in place. The telcos are banking on people not being tech savvy enough, and naively associate eSIMs with physical SIMs to justify charging for each instance of them. Don't be fooled.

IMDA should outlaw this greed with eSIMs before it gets out of hand.

They will give you their SOP reply: no demand.

Just like no number probability from post paid to prepaid because : no demand.

 

[eyz]

any esim data roaming for 2 days usage in macau?

i already applied for cmlink sim card for my china and hong kong trip, but just lack of a data sim for macau.

 

[Jurong640]

any esim data roaming for 2 days usage in macau?

i already applied for cmlink sim card for my china and hong kong trip, but just lack of a data sim for macau.

just get those icc esim package from shopee if you need a short trip.

 

[joesph]

eSIM are designed to be reusable and to make it easy to switch phones by just scanning the QR code again.

Local telcos are adding an additional mechanism in their systems to deliberately expire the QR code after you use it once, so that they can charge you for additional ones.

They pulled a similar stunt in the 90s by locking physical SIM cards to the phone you bought from them, which prevents the SIM card from being used in other phones (by only allowing the SIM card to connect to the network if the phone's IMEI number matched in their backend system), so that they can charge for "transfer fees" and pretend that you must buy a new SIM card. Finally, IMDA's predecessor legislated and stopped this practice, which gave us today's freedom to put our SIM cards in any phone we like.

eSIMs are handled digitally, and like other digital goods like e-vouchers and credits, are much more cost efficient to generate and issue. It's nearly zero cost to generate additional eSIMs, once the initial system is in place. The telcos are banking on people not being tech savvy enough, and naively associate eSIMs with physical SIMs to justify charging for each instance of them. Don't be fooled.

IMDA should outlaw this greed with eSIMs before it gets out of hand.

can report to one service?

 

[sibeiTrolled]

Starhub MVNO Giga now has eSIM support along side with their some of their plan upgraded to 5G

https://giga.com.sg/mobile/esim

Fees are "hidden" and not mentioned.

https://giga.com.sg/FAQs_Details.aspx?QuestionId=6409

 

[eno_lc]

Those using giga can switch to eSIM free now for limited time

I'm an existing giga customer. Can I get an eSIM?
Of course - in our giga app, go to Mega Menu > SIM Services > Swap to eSIM to request for an eSIM to instantly install and activate your eSIM! For a limited time, swapping from a physical SIM to eSIM is FREE for existing customers!

https://www.giga.com.sg/FAQs_Details.aspx?QuestionId=6301

 

[froztheart]

MNO​	MVNO​	eSIM support​	eSIM replacement charge​	Source​
Singtel​	GOMO​	Yes​	No​	How many times can I re-install my eSIM? Good news! There is currently no cap to the number of times you can re-install your GOMO eSIM! You can re-install your eSIM on the same device or transfer it to another device using the same QR code you get when you sign up for GOMO with no additional charges. Remember, your eSIM can only be installed on one device at a time.​
​	CMLink​	No​	N.A​	N.A​
​	Vivifi​	Yes​	Yes​	I am changing my device. How can I transfer my VIVIFI eSIM from the old device to the new device? Please note that the eSIM can only be active on one device at a time. You are allowed up to 3 free downloads regardless of the device. A SIM replacement fee of $5.50 (inclusive of GST) will apply if you require more than 3 downloads.​
​	Zero1​	No​	N.A​	N.A​
​	ZYM​	No​	N.A​	N.A​
Starhub​	Giga​	Yes​	Yes​	3.31 eSIM: 3.32.4 There is no limit to the number of eSIM profiles that can be generated for each giga subscriber line. An eSIM fee of $1.00 applies for each eSIM generation.​
​	MyRepublic (5G - SH)​	Yes​	Yes​	5. Installation of eSIM (via QR Code) and Applicable Charges 5.3 Each user is given 2 free downloads of the eSIM profile. Charges (as set out in Clause 7 below) will apply for each subsequent download after the 2 free downloads have been utilised. 5.4 There is a limit of 4 successful installations per eSIM. If a user has maxed out the number of installations allowed for an eSIM, an eSIM replacement will be required and the respective charges set out in Clause 7 shall apply. eSIM profile download charges will also apply where applicable (i.e. for the 3rd and each subsequent download of the eSIM profile for each mobile line). 5.5 For the avoidance of doubt, each installation of an eSIM profile counts as a new installation, and also counts towards the limit of 4 successful installations per eSIM.​ 7. Charges Service​ Fee​ Remarks​ eSIM Registration​ S$32.70​ This Charge may, at our discretion, be waived during promotions that we may run from time to time​ eSIM Profile Download​ Free for first 2 downloads on each mobile line; S$3.27 for each subsequent download​ ​ eSIM Replacement​ S$10.90​ ​
​	RedOne​	No​	N.A​	N.A​
M1​	Circles.Life​	Yes​	Yes​	How do I transfer my eSIM to my new phone?​ - Every eSIM can only be added to and removed from any device for a maximum of 10 times.​ - Any subsequent transfer will require a new eSIM to be sent to you, which is chargeable one-time in your next bill for $25.00.​
	MyRepublic (4G - M1)​	Yes​	Yes​	5. Installation of eSIM (via QR Code) and Applicable Charges 5.3 Each user is given 2 free downloads of the eSIM profile. Charges (as set out in Clause 7 below) will apply for each subsequent download after the 2 free downloads have been utilised. 5.4 There is a limit of 4 successful installations per eSIM. If a user has maxed out the number of installations allowed for an eSIM, an eSIM replacement will be required and the respective charges set out in Clause 7 shall apply. eSIM profile download charges will also apply where applicable (i.e. for the 3rd and each subsequent download of the eSIM profile for each mobile line). 5.5 For the avoidance of doubt, each installation of an eSIM profile counts as a new installation, and also counts towards the limit of 4 successful installations per eSIM.​ 7. Charges Service​ Fee​ Remarks​ eSIM Registration​ S$32.70​ This Charge may, at our discretion, be waived during promotions that we may run from time to time​ eSIM Profile Download​ Free for first 2 downloads on each mobile line; S$3.27 for each subsequent download​ ​ eSIM Replacement​ S$10.90​ ​
​	Geenet​	No​	N.A​	N.A​
SIMBA​	N.A​	Yes​	Yes​	I am an existing SIMBA subscriber; how do I keep my number and swap/replacement SIM/eSIM?​ eSIM replacement (can be done at Service Centres Orchard Central, Kaki Bukit, Paya Lebar Quarter, Canberra Plaza, Clementi or Promenade only) Upon verification of ID and phone compatibility, you will be issued with an eSIM QR Code. A $5 fee apply per replacement.​

- As of 20 May 2024

Latest post below:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/esim-discussion.6342675/post-152496720

 

[shawniiex]

MNO​	MVNO​	eSIM support​
Singtel​	GOMO​	Yes​
​	CMLink​	No​
​	Vivifi​	Yes​
​	Zero1​	Yes​
​	ZYM​	Yes​
Starhub​	Giga​	Yes​
​	MyRepublic​	Yes​
​	Circles.Life (5G - SH)​	Yes​
​	RedOne​	No​
M1​	Circles.Life (4G - M1)​	Yes​
​	Geenet​	No​
SIMBA​	N.A​	Yes​

Feel free to correct me if I got any wrong.

Zero1 has eSIM? I thought it's only for their travel plans.

 

[froztheart]

Zero1 has eSIM? I thought it's only for their travel plans.

Corrected and updated w sauce!

 

[shawniiex]

Corrected and updated w sauce!

I guess you can add a row for the actual main Telco too haha