e-SIM was recently introduced in Bangladesh by Grameenphone. On March 1, 2022, Grameenphone launched the first-ever e-sim in Bangladesh. So, how does eSIM work? What is e-SIM in real? Which are the GP eSIM supported devices? Get all the info here.
Hello friends, today I am going to try to make you clear about all the myths, and confusions about e-SIM and obviously we will know what is e-SIM & how it works?
What is eSIM and How it Works?
e-SIM stands for "Embedded SIM". This means there is no more plastic SIM card rather it is a virtual SIM card. It can be installed or registered like you install apps on your smartphone. e-SIM-supported phones will be eligible to use this feature. In short, it's a technology that is a built-in smartphone and the user needs to register with an operator following some process to use e-SIM in Bangladesh.
Can I use eSIM in Bangladesh?
Yes, definitely you can. Since Grameenphone launched e-SIM throughout the country from March 1, 2022 everyone is eligible to buy an e-SIM. You need to make sure that you have a smartphone that supports e-SIM technology.
For buying an e-SIM you need to go to your nearest GP center. Enjoy the new technology.
Will the eSIM number be different from the existing one?
It depends on the operator you are using. For the time being it seems like the number format or number of digits will be unchanged but the code number might vary. e-SIM in Bangladesh is now introduced by GP and will be followed by other operators like Robi, Banglalink, etc.
Can I take an eSIM for the same number I am using now?
Yes, you can. You need to follow the process defined by your operator. The process is something like the below.
- You need to request for sim replacement for e-SIM.
- Use your physical SIM number while replacing.
- Get your new e-SIM toolkit by verifying your identity.
- Scan the QR code that came in the e-SIM package.
- Register your profile and that's it.
- You are now able to use your e-SIM with the existing number.
See, it is as simple as above. If you are using the eSIM-supported handset then you can go to a Grameenphone customer care center to register your first e-SIM in Bangladesh.
How Can I Activate eSIM In Bangladesh?
For Android Users
- Step-1: Open "Settings", and select "Network & Internet" or "Connections"
- Step-2: Now open "Download SIM"
- Step-3: Then select the "Next"/"Scan QR Code" option.
- Step-4: Now you have to scan the QR code that you have received from customer care.
- Step-5: After scanning, tap on "Add"/"Save" and your eSIM will be saved to your device.
- Enjoy using your eSIM
For iOS User
- Step-1: Open “Settings” and tap on “Mobile Data”
- Step-2: Select “Add Data Plan” .
- Step-3: Now “Scan the QR code” you got in your mail or from customer care.
- Step-4: After scanning again select “Add Data Plan” and choose the “Data Plan Labels” according to your choice.
- Step-5: Tap on “Continue” and your eSIM will be activated.
- Enjoy using your eSIM
Which devices support eSIM?
There are multiple devices that support e-SIM. But all those are from the flagship family. Do you have one of them? Check the list below. This list was collected from the Grameenphone website and updated today.
Apple Devices
- iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini
- iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11 inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11 inch (1st generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
Samsung Devices
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, Ultra 5G, S22+
- Samsung Fold LTE model
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra, Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
Google Pixel Devices
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 3 & 3XL (Limited support)
- Google Pixel 2
Pros & Cons of eSIM
Technology is not always a blessing, right? New technologies are always appreciated but everything is not perfect. Whatever innovation comes there must be positive and negative sides to that. We just make sure the positive side is the heavier.
e-SIM has many advantages while some disadvantages too.
PROS
- Environment-friendly as it is not material.
- In 2020, there were 4.5 Billion plastic SIM has been produced which is alarming and can be stopped through e-SIM
- Less use of plastic packets and all since everything is virtual.
- Buying an online SIM will be easier.
- No need to change the SIM card to change the operator. It's just like a change of profile in Facebook, and Instagram.
CONS
- Do not support almost 80% of smartphones.
- e-SIM is so far costly to buy.
- Data pack is costly too compared to the existing data packs.
Conclusion
To wrap up the discussion today, I would like to suggest you to buy an esim and taste the technology If you are using one of the eSIM-supported devices.
Let us know how is the experience. Our readers will get some practical idea of e-SIM in Bangladesh through your review comment. We will write another article on e-SIM when other operators will bring the facility. Till then take care, tata.