MUSCAT: Omantel has launched a digital-embedded SIM card (eSIM) for the first time in Oman. The technological advancement will allow customers with eSIM-supported smartphones to enjoy unprecedented digital experience and use more than one SIM card at the same time, without having to physically swap SIMs in the phone.

Samy Ahmed al Ghassany, chief operating officer at Omantel said, “We seek to keep pace with new technological advancements, introduce innovative products and services and offer our customers unmatched and leading digital experience in the sultanate. The launch of eSIM comes in line with Omantel’s strategy to lead digital transformation and partake in bridging the digital divide in the sultanate.”

Ghassany expressed his happiness as Omantel customers will be the first to enjoy eSIM in the sultanate allowing them to use up to nine numbers at the same time without the need to physically swapping SIM cards whenever they want to use different mobile number.

Ghassany added that more smart devices will be compatible with eSIM in the future giving further impetus for the adoption of Internet of Things in the country.

Haitham Abdullah al Kharusi, vice president of Consumer Business Unit at Omantel said, “We are proud of being the first operator to launch eSIM in Oman and make it available for our customers. The devices that are currently compatible with eSIM are iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. In future, it is expected that all devices will have the eSIM feature enabled including smart home devices.”

He added, “The eSIM will be very useful for customers using different numbers for business and personal use. There is no need to carry more than one device, not anymore.

“Customers can use multiple phone numbers in one device. Adding, deleting and configuring the SIMs can be done right from the phone’s settings, in addition to selecting favourite roaming network.”

The newly launched eSIM will be available across all Omantel outlets. All customers need to do is visit nearest Omantel outlet to opt for the new eSIM.

What is eSIM

Short for “embedded SIM” (also called eUICC), an eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical SIM card.

Why would manufacturers Switch to eSIMs?

For phone manufacturers, there are two reasons why they’d want to switch to eSIMs.

1. Better design

Physical SIM cards are mostly useless plastic and the actual working part of the SIM is that tiny metal strip. Removing that tiny bit of plastic means that phone can be a tiny bit thinner.

And as phones and devices get smaller and thinner each tiny little bit of space counts. There’s also the housing, reader, and tray that are needed with physical SIM cards. Manufacturers can eke out a bit more space as well. Plus, removing slots and openings from any device’s shell make it less likely to be compromised by water or dust.

2. Better experience for device owners

In Apple’s case, they decided to use all that extra space to add Dual SIM options to their options. This allows them to deliver a much better experience for their customers.

Here’s why eSIMs are better for consumers:

1. You’ll be able to change carriers without having to get a new SIM. You can change carriers or your plan in your phone settings. This means less time speaking with carriers and ordering and waiting for new SIMs. Software does everything.

2. No more having to deal with cutting SIM cards, or finding adapters

3. With eSIMs and dual SIMS, you can have two plans from two different carriers. This means you can:

Use one number for business and another number for personal calls. Add a local data plan when you travel outside of the country or region. Have separate voice, text and data plans.