Over the years, technology has advanced, including telecommunications and smartphone devices. The physical SIM, as we know it, will no longer be the standard and will soon be replaced by a programmable card.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the details you need to know about the future of the SIM card.
What is a virtual SIM card?
Simply put, a virtual SIM card is a mobile phone number that does not require a physical SIM card to connect phone data to a user’s mobile phone. A virtual SIM card is a cloud-based number that can be used from any device via a mobile application and therefore, it allows you to travel to a foreign country without the need to change your location with your mobile network provider.
A virtual SIM card is based on cloud services and can be used on any smartphone, while an eSIM card is embedded inside the phone and can work without a permanent link to cloud service.
Both cards basically remove the need for the physical, plastic SIM card used by all current smartphones, and this technology is expected to be the future of telecommunication.
Virtual SIM card – How does it work, and why should you use it?
Although most phones currently don’t support virtual SIM cards, it’s only a matter of time before all mobile device manufacturers will adopt electronic SIM cards – which will remove the need to have a physical SIM card. As a matter of fact, the Motorola Razr flip-phone is the first-ever mobile phone with no physical SIM card.
An electronic SIM card is available from some network providers. You’ll have to check with your carrier whether it supports an eSIM card, and then you need to have the carrier’s app or scan a QR Code. Apart from the traditional carriers in your region, there are additional global providers that allow users to implement virtual and eSIM cards.
Virtual and eSIM cards are a great solution for travelers and businesses that want to easily add another number and remove the high charges by the local network provider. You can use esimdb.com to find the eSIM Providers for your travel destination.
How to set up eSIM on an iPhone
How to set up eSIM on Android
Best 5 virtual SIM card providers
Best 5 virtual SIM card application
Best smartwatches with a virtual SIM card
Apple Watch Series 4
- Processor: Apple dual-core 64-bit S4
- GPS
- 30% larger display
- 16 GB internal storage
- Electrical and optical heart sensors
- Has an ECG app
- Louder speaker
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
- Water and dust
resistant - Text, call, and notifications
- Loudspeaker
- LTE, heart-rate monitor, Wi-Fi, and GPS
- Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones
Mobovi Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE
- Dual display [Amoled + FSTN LCD]
- Memory: 4GB ROM; 1GB RAM
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Suitable for swimming pool
- Magnetic four-pin charger
- Long battery life
Virtual SIM card – Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅Cheaper
✅Eliminates the risk of losing a physical SIM card
✅Virtual SIM card can save more space for storage
✅More convenient for travelers
✅eSIM card can be used in smaller devices, such as smartwatches
✅The virtual SIM card allows you to have more than two phone numbers on one device
Cons:
❌Security – A concern of hacking into the cloud hosting the virtual SIM
❌ It might involve a complicated process to change the network
❌ It is unclear how to transfer the data to another device in case your phone has been damaged or lost
