Airtel launches e-SIM

Airtel Malawi has taken a major step towards innovation by introducing an e-SIM platform.

This innovation will allow users to connect to the network without having to insert an actual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM card) into their smartphones.

Speaking at the launch in Blantyre, the company’s managing director Charles Kamoto emphasized that only those with selected mobile phones qualify for the platform.

“This is a complete transformation from the past which has been dominated by physical sim card. You will no longer need to have a physical sim card for you to be connected to our services provided you have an e-SIM compatible device.” Kamoto said.

The managing director has assured people of total security.

“For an eSIM to be activated on a mobile phone, we will share with our customer a QR code which will have to be scanned to ensure that it gets embedded in the device and that becomes unique to the user.” He guaranteed.

And director general of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority-MACRA Daud Suleman describes Airtel Malawi’s latest innovation as progressive noting that it will have a significant impact on the telecoms industry.

“The e-SIM now creates a new parameter that we are going to gage networks on. With the initiative, a customer is no longer tied to one network, you can switch network providers without going to apply to anybody else.” Said the MACRA boss.

e-SIM is a programmable sim card that is directly embedded into a smartphone and it allows one to use multiple mobile numbers in one device.