Tele2 launched eSim in Russia

In the latest models of the iPhone, Google smartphonesPixel and smart watches from different manufacturers are supported by eSim technology, which allows you to use the services of mobile operators without a physical sim card. She already works in 24 countries of the world, but in Russia was still unavailable. The first operator to allow people to use a virtual sim-card was Tele2 - you can arrange the transfer in five stores in Moscow, and in early May, people can turn to 83 stores.

When contacting the salon you must havephysical sim card, and if not, buy it. According to Vladimir Pavlov, director for working with Tele2 subscriber equipment, the availability of a physical card is a requirement of regulators. After signing the application for transfer to a virtual card, the physical card is disabled. According to Michael Alekseev, managing partner of AC & M consulting firm, the requirement to come to the communications salon to switch to eSim contradicts the very meaning of the technology.

It is noteworthy that in early April, representativesMegaFon, MTS and VimpelCom mobile operators opposed the launch of eSim technology in Russia. In their opinion, the introduction of virtual sim-cards will lead to the closure of mobile phone shops and a decrease in profits, since no one will need physical cards anymore. The strength of virtual mobile operators will also increase, as they “will be able to offer cellular services at prices well below market prices.”

In discussing the prospects of eSim technology in RussiaRepresentatives of the Federal Security Service also participated. According to RBC, they opposed the technology because of the inability of Russian cryptographic algorithms to work with virtual sim cards. With all this, the department itself has not yet officially commented on its position.

Will you try eSim technology, or have you already signed a transition application? Share your responses and feedback in the comments, or in our Telegram-chat.