MTN Nigeria pioneers trial of eSIM, find out if your phone is compatible

MTN eSIM trial will run for 12 months

Africa’s largest telecom network, MTN has begin the trial of embedded subscriber identity modules (eSIM) in Nigeria.

MTN Nigeria launched the eSIM on Wednesday, after approval by Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

WHAT DOES eSIM MEAN?

“Unlike the physical SIM, you do not need to insert an eSIM into your phone as it is already built into your smartphone, device or wearable,” the company said in a statement.

“You simply activate the eSIM with your account profile and you are ready to enjoy all the services you normally would with a physical SIM.”

“The eSIM is not like the physical SIM where you have to insert it in your phone, rather it is already built into your smartphone, device, or wearable.”

The Chief Operating Officer at MTN Nigeria, Mazen Mroue said the introduction of the eSIM will offer customers flexibility, simplicity and convenience.

“This is a further demonstration of our firm commitment to delivering the benefits of a bold new digital world to our customers; and we will continue seeking new ways to provide solutions that address old and new challenges, making life a little easier and brighter,” Mroue said.

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Bayo Adekanmbi, Chief Transformation Officer at MTN Nigeria, said at a virtual launch that the eSIM is open to a limited number of subscribers, who own compatible devices and it will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

The compatible devices include Google: Pixel 3, 3XL and Pixel 4, 4 XL; Apple: iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS and XS Max, iPhone XR and Samsung: S20 series.

Adekanmbi added that the new technology would be useful for frequent travellers and tourists, making it easy for them to opt for and keep a local subscription when visiting Nigeria.

Meanwhile, users would still have to register to use the eSIM, just like the physical SIM.