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?

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.

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.

Cromulent · 28 Oct 2022 at 20:14

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cromulent · 4 Jan 2023 at 06:46

Cromulent said:
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.

Just an update here. I ended up speaking to a support rep online, and they were very helpful. Basically, the short version is that if I go into an EE store with my phone, they can switch me over to an eSIM.