Starting Tomorrow, eSIMs Will Be Used Domestically... The Era of 'One Device, Two Numbers'

Available for activation on the three major carriers and MVNOs
Domestic iPhone XS successor devices and
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Fold4 supported

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Starting from the 1st of next month, the three major mobile carriers SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus, as well as MVNO providers, will allow smartphone activation using eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module). The government expects this to enhance consumer choice and reduce the cost burden of SIM cards.

Fast and Convenient Without SIM Delivery

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 31st that eSIM allows faster and more convenient mobile phone subscriptions when activated online, as it does not require the SIM delivery process unlike USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module).

Like USIM, eSIM serves the role of linking the user of the device with the carrier’s network, but unlike the physical card-shaped chip inserted into smartphones, eSIM is an intangible SIM that downloads subscriber information onto a chip embedded inside the smartphone.

The issuance cost of eSIM is also cheaper at 2,750 KRW compared to the USIM purchase cost of 7,700 KRW. However, when maintaining the same carrier but only changing the device (device change), USIM can be reused, but due to current technical limitations, eSIM cannot be re-downloaded, which may incur additional costs.

Initial Promotional Events for eSIM by the Three Major Carriers

During the initial period of eSIM service from September to December, the three major carriers will run promotional events offering free issuance of eSIM to first-time users. However, MVNO providers vary by company in whether and when they will implement eSIM. While the majority of 20 providers will offer eSIM service starting from the 1st of next month, some will implement it sequentially, and some will not adopt it at all.

To use eSIM, a device that supports it is required. Among devices released domestically, Apple iPhones have supported eSIM since the iPhone XS released in 2018. Samsung Electronics’ domestic models first included eSIM in the recently released Galaxy Z Fold4 and Flip4.

Dual SIM Mode Usable with Two Numbers

Smartphones with embedded eSIM can use both USIM and eSIM simultaneously, enabling dual SIM mode where two phone numbers can be activated on one device to make and receive calls separately. Each phone number can be activated with a different carrier, and the selective discount plan can be applied to each line. However, device subsidies apply only to the single line activated at the time of purchase.

To prevent fraudulent use such as burner phones, only one person’s name can be registered per device. Dual SIM smartphones also offer an 'IMEI Pre-registration Service' that allows the smartphone’s unique identifier (IMEI) to be registered in advance so that if one number is reported lost or stolen, both numbers are blocked.

This service is available through the Korea Information and Communication Promotion Association or the mobile device self-supply website. The Ministry of Science and ICT expects that the introduction of eSIM will make online mobile phone activation more convenient, expand user choice by enabling separation of uses with dual SIM, and reduce device costs.

Expanded User Choice... Responding to Number Demand

The government expects that the introduction of smartphone eSIM will facilitate online activation and expand user choice by allowing separation of uses on a single device through dual SIM. Device costs will also be reduced. In the long term, this is expected to lay the foundation for the activation of eSIM services in various IoT industries such as automotive and utilities.

A Ministry of Science and ICT official said, "This could be an opportunity to revitalize MVNOs, which mainly activate online, promote competition among carriers, and reduce household communication expenses by alleviating SIM cost burdens."

Meanwhile, the Ministry plans to monitor the usage rate of 010 numbers in preparation for increased demand due to dual SIM, and respond to number demand without disruption by utilizing the number sharing system among carriers (allowing other carriers to use surplus numbers assigned to a specific carrier) or by newly allocating government-held numbers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.