Airtel Kenya has joined the likes of Faiba and Safaricom by launching eSIM support for its customers, a move that is set to revolutionize mobile telecommunications in Kenya. The launch event was graced by Airtel Africa CEO Segun Ogunsanya and Airtel Kenya’s MD Ashish Malhotra, who expressed their excitement at the opportunities that the eSIM technology would bring.
The eSIM technology is designed to replace the traditional SIM card, which is a removable chip that identifies and authenticates the user on a cellular network. With eSIM, the user can switch between mobile network providers without physically changing the SIM card. This is a significant improvement from the traditional method of having to purchase and insert a physical SIM card from a particular service provider.
eSIM technology is not limited to smartphones only, but can also be used in other devices such as smartwatches, laptops, and IoT devices. This makes it an all-inclusive and versatile solution that can cater to the needs of different types of customers.
Kenya is the second market in Africa that supports this technology powered by Airtel, with the telco having a presence in 16 African countries. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing innovative and convenient solutions to its customers across the continent.
How to check if your device is compatible and how to get one
To activate the eSIM technology, customers need to check if their smartphone is compatible by dialing *#06# and looking for an EID number to appear. If the number appears, then the device is compatible, and the customer can proceed to an Airtel store to speak to one of the telco’s customer service representatives, who will guide them through the eSIM setup process using a QR code.
How much Airtel eSim will cost you
Customers who can activate their eSIM technology immediately will get it for free. However, those who activate it later will attract a fee of KES 100.
A wide range of modern high-end devices supports eSIM technology, including Samsung Galaxy S smartphones starting from the S20, modern Apple devices, and Pixel phones by Google. It is worth noting that some of these devices may require a software update before they can support eSIM technology. This is usually done in collaboration with the telcos, in this case, Airtel Kenya.
eSIM technology offers numerous benefits to customers, including the convenience of setting up their devices without the need for physical SIM cards, using multiple mobile numbers on a single device, and easy switching of network operators. For frequent travelers, eSIM is particularly convenient as it eliminates the need to purchase and insert a physical SIM card from a different service provider in every country they visit.
The launch of eSIM technology by Airtel Kenya is a significant step towards revolutionizing the mobile telecommunications industry in Kenya. The convenience, flexibility, and versatility that eSIM technology offers to make it an attractive solution for customers looking for a seamless mobile telecommunications experience.