Bell is already in the process of preparing for a future when physical SIM cards no longer exist.
The company announced a partnership today with eSIM company G+D Mobile Security in order to provide its customers with an embedded SIM, or eSIM, management solution.
eSIMs, as the name suggests, are embedded in the device and cannot be physically removed. Instead, eSIMs are programmed and reprogrammed digitally, when necessary.
In addition to the convenience of not having to physically purchase or swap SIMs, eSIMs are ideal for small form factors that don’t have space for a SIM tray — like the recent Apple Watch 3.
The Apple Watch 3 is Bell’s first and currently only eSIM-toting device, but with this new partnership it seems likely more will join the ranks in the near future.
Google’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL feature eSIMs, though the company has so far only launched a pilot of the tech with subscribers to its Project Fi service, which is not available in Canada.
“By implementing this solution, Bell is now well positioned to pursue further emerging devices and solutions using embedded-SIM technology,” the carrier told MobileSyrup in a written statement.
The operator also notes that its efforts are in-line with the GSMA’s eSIM standard, which means interoperability with other carriers and partners shouldn’t be an issue in the future.
Source: CNW
