VOXI Mobile Launch eSIM for New and Existing UK Customers
Contract-free UK mobile provider VOXI, which is a virtual network operator (MVNO) sibling of Vodafone, has today announced the introduction of eSIM (Electronic SIM) support to their mobile service for both new and existing customers who take one of their SIM Only mobile plans.
Just to recap. The eSIM standard is an alternative to physical SIM cards, which works by essentially embedding an electronic SIM into your device (Smartphone) that could – once fully implemented – make it easier and quicker to switch between operators (e.g. not having to wait for a SIM card to arrive) and to use additional networks alongside your main mobile service (e.g. eSIMs for travel when abroad).
Scott Currie, Head of VOXI, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce eSIM on VOXI Mobile, making it easier than ever to get connected. With network access in as little as 10 minutes, eSIM is not only more eco-friendly [i.e. it’s plastic free and postage-free], it gives our customers a hassle-free way to join without waiting for a SIM card to arrive.”
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The announcement doesn’t say much more than that, except to note that not all Smartphones currently support eSIM technology and VOXI’s eSIMs are currently only available when purchasing a SIM only plan (i.e. not in conjunction with a handset device). The operator also caveats that, “in some instances, application may take longer than 10 minutes“.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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Makes sense, Apple are probably only one generation, two at most from removing the SIM slot from phones in the UK, they’ve done it for two generations now in the US.
It’s either add eSIM support or lose 40% of customers when that happens.
The problem with ESIMs is that, due to a design flaw that can’t be solved without a complete overhaul of the spec, they just don’t work in a competitive market where people regually change providers or phones independently. They work fine as a replacement for a long term contract SIM that’s never swapped out used in an environment where there’s a support network of physical shops to solve any issues, but as soon as that support network isn’t present and you need to change phones or SIMs you have a big issue.
The main failing is you can’t connect an ESIM without already having a working internet connection, which is a catch 22 and the most major issue, especially for the majority of MVNO customers, as it’s exactly what they’re usually buying the SIM to obtain. If Apple were to remove the SIM slot they would therefore lose access to over 50% of UK customers (and a lot more in other countries) or at a minimum cause such significant support issues as to make their phones untenable and they know this.
> The main failing is you can’t connect an ESIM without already having a working internet connection
This doesn’t seem like a massive flaw, given how common WiFi is. Unless I’m missing something?
@Blue Shirt Guy
I change phone every 3 or 4 weeks, normally between different iPhones and a Samsung devices. Never had an issue with swapping eSIM. The process I find works best is Vodafone’s, I just delete my eSIM and they pretty much instantly email a new QR code to use on the new device. Normally activated within the hour. Spusu I can just keep using the existing QR code but it takes me a few minutes to find the right PDF in the email they sent when I joined a year or so ago. O2 is a bit of a pain because I’ve reached my SIM limit so have to contact them but for most people its a matter of just ordering one via O2s website and getting an email with it on. Three I can log into my account and request a new one. Not sure about EE, I don’t have them.
Sure, its not quite a simple as popping a sim out and putting it in a new phone, but its not rocket science and you certainly don’t need a support network at all. In the few years I’ve been pretty much doing this I’ve never had a single issue. Yes you need wi-fi, but networks are 10 a penny these days. If I’m at home I just use mine, if I’m out there’s plenty of public hotspots. Wi-Fi is set up when setting up the new device or I’m already connected if its an existing device. Not really an issue.
I doubt apple lost may US customers over this and I think they would be pretty confident that they won’t loose many customers over any switch to eSIM only globally once various regions have better eSIM support. What sells iPhones is the fact they are iPhones. People won’t even think about how it connects to the network – they want a iPhone and that’s it. Same reason networks will introduce eSIMS, they will be more concerned about losing iPhone customers than iPhone users will be about switching networks. SIMs, while always previously physical, have changed a lot over time, both in form factor and a switch in voltage from 5V to 3.3V. The market and consumers have always adapted.
@Blue Shirt Guy
Nonsense, I can walk outside my home and connect to a whole host of free BT hotspots, go a little further and the library will give me free access, get on a bus and I get free access, free internet is literally everywhere, your point just isn’t valid
Always wonder why ‘new and existing’ is a phrase when ‘all customers’ is the correct meaning
1pmobile now it’s your turn, although I do see an option on my iPhone to convert to eSim which I have used on Voxi before, but lack of 4G/5G which actually works forced to depart Vodafone.
Well we are getting there, slowly. We need Smarty and 1P Mobile to release their eSIM systems now. An app for 1P Mobile and Voxi would be nice too, I know they aren’t cheap but if Smarty and Tesco Mobile etc can do it then so can they surely?
Wonder how long it is before telcos became esim only as that would trigger a massive increase of people buying phone sso they can use esims.
You can buy sim cards that will store up to 3 active esims – useful for travelers or if you need a business number and want to keep a memory card onboard. They obviously work in a wide range of Androids beyond the limited number of new models embedded with the capability.
Sounds interesting — link?