2 mins read
- 56% of UK adults would consider using an eSIM to avoid roaming charges
- 40% would consider purchasing a travel eSIM from a non-traditional provider
- However, 40% hadn’t heard of eSIMs and 41% were unsure if their phones support eSIM
A new survey conducted by BICS, a Proximus Global company and the global connectivity enabler, has revealed significant consumer interest in eSIM technology as a cost-effective solution for avoiding international roaming fees.
The survey of over 2,100 UK adults, conducted with YouGov, shows 46% would consider using an eSIM to avoid roaming charges when traveling abroad. A further 10% have already done so and would do so again. Additionally, 31% of respondents said they would consider purchasing a travel SIM from a non-traditional provider, such as a supermarket, airline, or travel website with a further 9% already using such providers. This highlights a major opportunity for non-traditional telcos to drive eSIM adoption and open up new revenue streams.
Surash Patel, Chief Revenue Officer, Proximus Global, said: “eSIMs are a game-changing opportunity for brands across travel, retail, and beyond. Consumers are actively looking for cost-effective connectivity, and non-traditional providers with strong customer bases are in a prime position to meet this demand. With the right approach, businesses can easily unlock new revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty by integrating eSIM into their offerings.”
An eSIM is a SIM card embedded directly into the mobile device, removing the need for a physical SIM. The technology is widely available on many popular handsets including Apple, Samsung, Google and Huawei, and allows travelers to connect to a local network and pay local rates, eliminating sometimes expensive international roaming fees.
eSIM solutions have already been successfully launched by industry-disrupting companies like Revolut, Nord VPN, and French retailer Carrefour, showcasing the potential of non-telecom players to capitalize on this trend.
The survey also found that despite strong potential demand, awareness remains low. 40% hadn’t heard of eSIMs before the survey, and 41% were unsure if their phone supports one. This signals an opportunity for brands to educate customers and accelerate eSIM adoption.
Milind Pathak, Chief Corporate Marketing Officer at Proximus Global, said: “Our research shows the growing consumer appetite for travel eSIMs, but also highlights a significant awareness gap. Many consumers are unaware their devices support eSIM, presenting an opportunity for brands to educate and simplify adoption. Those who move early will be best placed to capture this demand and establish themselves in the market.”
As part of the recently launched Proximus Global, BICS leads the organization’s connectivity business, including its eSIM offering. BICS currently works with businesses by offering an end-to-end solution to create and launch their own travel eSIM services seamlessly. With the turn-key solution, companies gain access to eSIM technology and global coverage via one of the most extensive roaming networks in the world, without the need for in-house telecoms expertise.
Proximus Global will be at Mobile World Congress Barcelona from March 3 – 6, 2025, in Hall 2. Join us to learn more about how your brand can tap into the eSIM revolution and unlock new revenue streams.