The eSIM Thread

Cromulent · 28 Oct 2022 at 19:21

As Apple seems to be pushing eSIM heavily, I thought it would be helpful to list and perhaps rate all the UK mobile phone networks that support eSIMs. I need to change my network and have been looking into an eSIM, but there doesn't seem to be all that much information on what providers fully support eSIM.

So what networks support eSIM, and how good are they?

ChrisD. · 28 Oct 2022 at 19:44

EE, doubt I'll move away from them. I've been with all the others and EE to me at least, seem best for coverage, (lack of) congestion, and speed.

Cromulent · 28 Oct 2022 at 19:55

ChrisD. said:
EE, doubt I'll move away from them. I've been with all the others and EE to me at least, seem best for coverage, (lack of) congestion, and speed.

The only problem I have with EE is that they are so expensive. I'm currently on this plan with Smarty:

4GB data SIM plan for only £6 p/m - (Unlimited calls & texts)

SIM-only phone contracts £6 per month. No credit checks and discounts on unused data. Best PAYG SIM winner (2019)

smarty.co.uk

and it suites me fine. Just no eSIM support.

ChrisD. · 28 Oct 2022 at 19:57

Cromulent said:
The only problem I have with EE is that they are so expensive.

You get what you pay for. They work out very cheap for me due to the BT Sport add-on.

Cromulent · 28 Oct 2022 at 19:58

ChrisD. said:
You get what you pay for. They work out very cheap for me due to the BT Sport add-on.

Fair point. I'll try it out. It is only a 1-month test at most.

Zeebedy · 28 Oct 2022 at 20:08

@ChrisD. same here, I have the BT Sport app through EE and some other devices too with them. im in the eco system for them but there service (maybe not the cheapest) but overall I really like them.

Reuben klang · 28 Oct 2022 at 20:10

EE are expensive but they are by far and away the best network in the UK.

Cromulent · 28 Oct 2022 at 20:14

Shame. No 5G with EE. It'll probably still be faster than my current plan, though.

ChrisD. · 28 Oct 2022 at 20:16

Cromulent said:
Shame. No 5G with EE. It'll probably still be faster than my current plan, though.

I get 5G with Vodafone at home, and only 4G with EE. My work phone is with Vodafone. I'd still choose EE.

Cromulent · 28 Oct 2022 at 20:21

ChrisD. said:
I get 5G with Vodafone at home, and only 4G with EE. My work phone is with Vodafone. I'd still choose EE.

Thanks. I've ordered a free SIM card from EE for the £10 plan. I see they do data rollover, which is good as it means I probably won't have to upgrade my plan if I need a temporary data boost. Will switch it to an eSIM once I've ported my number over.

Sparx · 28 Oct 2022 at 21:10

Another +1 for EE... Have tried other networks over the years and they are pants for coverage/speed/reliability/responsiveness compared to EE.

uvarvu · 28 Oct 2022 at 21:32

EE here as well. No other networks come close where I am.

--Mike-- · 30 Oct 2022 at 16:26

What happens if you need to send your phone off for repair? With a physical sim, you’d take it out and can put in a spare phone, but with an esim I’d assume you’d be stuck. Can anyone advise?

Yas786 · 30 Oct 2022 at 23:08

--Mike-- said:
What happens if you need to send your phone off for repair? With a physical sim, you’d take it out and can put in a spare phone, but with an esim I’d assume you’d be stuck. Can anyone advise?

Very good question and something I have thought about it.
I just recently converted my voda physical sim to an esim. Works perfectly fine and when I am travelling I can just stick another sim in and use that for data and roaming etc.

Cromulent · 2 Nov 2022 at 16:30

I've transferred my number over to EE and subscribed to the £10 pack, but I can't find the number for voicemail. Sorry for the stupid question.

Feek · 2 Nov 2022 at 16:34

EE uses Visual Voicemail. Open the phone app and in the bottom right corner there's a voicemail button.

Terminal_Boy · 2 Nov 2022 at 16:43

Cromulent said:
As Apple seems to be pushing eSIM heavily, I thought it would be helpful to list and perhaps rate all the UK mobile phone networks that support eSIMs. I need to change my network and have been looking into an eSIM, but there doesn't seem to be all that much information on what providers fully support eSIM.

So what networks support eSIM, and how good are they?

EE, O2, Vodafone and Virgin Media.

EE one should work well as they were Apple’s development partner for this technology.

Cromulent · 2 Nov 2022 at 16:56

Feek said:
EE uses Visual Voicemail. Open the phone app and in the bottom right corner there's a voicemail button.

Awesome! Thank you. That is much easier to use.

Reuben klang · 2 Nov 2022 at 20:49

Cromulent said:
Awesome! Thank you. That is much easier to use.

Yeh, VV is amazing. I’d be lost without it. I’ve had it since the first iphone with o2.

Apple should have got everyone to upgrade their networks before opening the phone up to sales from everyone once the exclusivity with o2 ended.

Cromulent · 7 Nov 2022 at 18:59

I've switched over now, and I'm pretty pleased. My home broadband went out for about 4 hours on Sunday, and using my iPhone as a hotspot with EE worked well. The only query I have now is that you need to be an EE contract owner to switch to eSIM. They don't support eSIMs on their PAYG plans which is a shame. I'm currently on the 5GB of data, 500 minutes of calls and unlimited texts subscription for £10 a month. I need an eSIM as I need the physical SIM slot for my business mobile phone number. If I have to take out a 12 or 24-month contract, I'll consider it, but I just thought I'd ask here to see if anyone had any options before I make the move.