Orange Belgium announced that it now supports embedded SIMs (eSIM), a first on the Belgian telco market.
Launching eSIM support opens the way to brand new customer experiences, with users being able to easily add a new eSIM profile and switch between accounts without manipulating their device, says the Operator. It will also make the life of frequent travellers, expats and tourists easier, by allowing them to easily opt for and keep a local subscription when staying in Belgium.
The eSIM support will also allow Orange Belgium to offer in the near future new dedicated subscription services for a broader range of devices, like tablets, smart watches and other wearables.
For residential customers equipped with an eligible smartphone, the insertion of a SIM card into their device will no longer be necessary in order to access Orange Belgium’s network. Instead, Orange Belgium will use the embarked eSIM and allow customers to download their client credentials through the simple scanning of a QR-code, generating a specific user profile on the device, which allows a secured access to Orange Belgium’s network. All of which after a thorough verification of the customer’s ID.
The company expects eSIM to exceed the share of conventional SIMs on the Belgian market as early as 2025, and to own almost 100% of the market by 2030, as new ranges of eligible devices (smartphones but also wearables, connected devices) are hitting the market. Globally, a recent projection from Counterpoint Research predicted that shipments of eSIM-based devices will reach almost two billion units by 2025.
Werner De Laet, Chief Enterprise, Innovation & Wholesale Officer, Orange Belgium
On an annual basis, Orange Belgium uses as much as 2 million new SIM cards, and the progressive switch to eSIM will generate environmental benefits by reducing the usage of plastic and by streamlining the logistic processes.
Christophe Dujardin, Chief Consumer Officer, Orange Belgium
By bringing eSIM to the market, Orange Belgium allows new, even more digital and simple customer experiences.
