ESIM ACTIVATION
Going abroad? Vi offers free roaming for up to 3 trips a year
Vodafone Idea has launched a new feature offering free international roaming on select plans for eligible customers. Travellers will benefit from an allowance for data and outgoing calls while abroad, eliminating the need for additional packs. This new service can potentially save users up to Rs 9,000 annually, enhancing their travel experience. The offer is applicable to various plans, including postpaid and prepaid options.
From iPhone Duo to AirPods 5: Everything Apple launched at its September event, with India, US prices, specs & more
Apple launched its first foldable iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro models. The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 also debuted with advanced features. AirPods 5 were introduced with active noise cancellation and improved audio. Indian pricing for these devices ranges from Rs 14,900 to Rs 2,99,900. Availability in India for most products begins in September and October.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, Z Flip8, Watch Ultra2 & Watch9 go on sale: Check price, features and offers
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Flip8, marking a major advancement in foldable technology. Alongside these, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 smartwatches are introduced, featuring cutting-edge health tracking capabilities. Global sales kicked off on August 7, with reports indicating an impressive initial demand for the Galaxy Z series. In addition, Samsung has revamped its Smart Switch, making data migration from iPhones more seamless.
Banks, telecom companies to chuck OTPs, adopt silent authentication
Banks and telecom companies are developing a silent authentication mechanism to combat SIM cloning and eSIM swaps. This background check verifies mobile number and SIM card matches, flagging or blocking suspicious transactions in real-time without customer action. This move enhances security beyond traditional OTPs, aligning with new RBI mandates for two-factor authentication.
SIM binding could end physical travel SIMs but boost eSIM adoption: Experts
New government rules will affect foreign SIM cards. Popular apps like WhatsApp will stop working on secondary numbers. This change is set to boost eSIM sales for travelers. Companies offering travel eSIMs anticipate growth. Travelers can keep their Indian number active while using data abroad. This shift offers affordable digital connectivity.
TRAI issues recommendations on use of foreign SIMs in export-focused IoT devices
The recommendations follow a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, which had sought TRAI's views on the terms and conditions for issuing and renewing no-objection certificates (NOCs) for the import and sale of foreign SIM/eSIM cards used in export-bound M2M and IoT devices.
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China gears up for Apple's iPhone Air launch after SIM approval and pre-orders start Friday
iPhone Air China launch 2025: Apple's iPhone Air is set to launch in China next week. Pre-orders begin Friday. This comes as China Unicom receives government approval for smartphone eSIM trials. Tim Cook is visiting China, meeting local talent. The iPhone Air's release was delayed due to eSIM regulations. This new device is expected to boost Apple's global shipments.

The new iPhone Air is eSIM only - Here's how you switch
The iPhone Air introduces a global shift to eSIM-only connectivity, ditching the physical SIM card tray. This sleek device, the thinnest iPhone yet at 5.6mm, boasts a titanium frame and a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. Powered by the A19 Pro chip, it features a 48MP main camera. In India, the iPhone Air starts at Rs 1,19,900.

Travelling to the UAE? Here’s how tourists can get free eSIMs on arrival
UAE airports now offer tourist eSIMs. Visitors can avoid roaming charges. These digital SIMs activate instantly. They provide data and local numbers. Du offers a free eSIM with 10GB data for one day. Etisalat and Virgin Mobile also have plans. Activation is easy via apps. Tourists can book taxis and access discounts.

Apple's move to eSIM-only strengthens global trend
Apple's Tuesday announcement that the new iPhone 17 Air will only be available around the world without physical SIM cards marks a new advance for the virtual eSIM technology the firm has relied on in the US for years. - Apple dropped physical SIM cards in the US starting with 2022's iPhone 14.

Apple’s thinner iPhone 17 faces rocky China debut as eSIM uncertainty clouds launch
Apple is launching its thinnest iPhone 17 Air, but the China release may face delays. The eSIM system in the country is not fully ready, and stores have limited training. Other iPhone models may launch on time. The update is part of Apple’s long-term plan, including new foldable iPhones and future device upgrades.

iPhone 17 event date: Here’s when Apple could finally make the big reveal
Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be revealed in early September 2025, with September 9 widely predicted as the most likely announcement date. The event may showcase four new models alongside updates to other Apple products. Rumored enhancements include slimmer designs, enhanced cameras, and faster processors, fueling excitement among consumers as they await Apple’s official confirmation and release date schedule.

TRAI seeks views on new licence for new service under Telecommunications Act for sale of foreign SIMs & eSIMS
TRAI is seeking comments on a new service authorization for foreign SIMs and eSIMs used in M2M/IoT devices destined for export. This move addresses difficulties with current regulations, which hinder in-India activation needed for testing and prototyping by Indian manufacturers. The aim is to streamline compliance and support the growing M2M/IoT ecosystem.

Telcos dial up international roaming perks to take on eSIM companies
As international travel surges, Indian telecom companies are bolstering their roaming services to counter competition from low-cost eSIM providers. These providers offer data-only plans at significantly lower rates, challenging the telcos' traditional revenue streams.

Life after Skype: Here are some alternatives to consider
Microsoft shut down Skype on May 5, ending a 21-year run of affordable internet calling. Users must now migrate to alternatives like Microsoft Teams, Google Voice, Zoom, or VoIP services. Expatriates and longtime users face challenges retaining US numbers and adapting to new platforms.

There's a China connection to why eSIMs haven't taken off in India
While Apple offers eSIM capability in its entire iPhone range, others such as Samsung, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi have started enabling eSIMs in their premium flagships. But the incentive to offer it in the affordable segment is still lacking, as China, their primary market, has barred its use citing security concerns. Brands therefore cannot benefit from economies of scale as adding eSIM compatibility exclusively for all Indian phones will inflate the bill of materials (BoM) cost of devices.

Telecom regulator releases recommendations for embedded SIMs in IoT devices
The recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released Thursday are meant to address issues in regulating the IoT landscape that includes the likes of smart meters, agricultural sensors and more, that is growing in the face of increasing digitisation of the economy. TRAI also recommended the Telecom Engineering Center (TEC) to examine possiblity of devising a standard process for device-to-device transfer of profiles on consumer eSIMs.

All about e-SIMs: Benefits, activation process, and essential tips
The e-SIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM allows users to activate a mobile plan without the need for a physical SIM. Here's all about eSIMs, the process to activate, benefits, and other things you neeed to know.

How to buy, activate iPhone's eSIM for international travel without roaming fee: A complete guide
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. This can be especially useful when traveling internationally, as it allows you to easily switch between different carrier plans without having to physically swap out SIM cards.

Apple may launch iPhone 15 series without SIM card tray
Apple allows the iPhone 13 and newer models to operate two eSIMs at the same time.

What are steps to activate eSIM on Apple Watch? Know here
The eSIM feature on Apple Watch allows users to activate a cellular plan on their watch without a physical SIM card. This feature is available on Apple Watch Series 3 or later models running watchOS 7 or later.

Time For An eSIM? Apple Thinks So
Any iPhone later than the iPhone XS or XR, too, comes with the option of activating an eSIM.

iPhone 14 series completely relies on eSIM. Here's how it works, steps to activate it
You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.

Apple triggers eSIM wave, here’s all you need to know
The recently launched iPhone 14 will only have eSIM functionality in the US, while adding a physical SIM slot in global variants, paving the way for mainstream adoption of the eSIM.

From Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 to focus on women's health, Apple sets the innovation bar high
The tech giant's latest innovations were launched at the 'Far Out' event on September 7.

Mobile number portability now easier with eSIM
Telecom providers will be able to raise their game to retain users, say company executives and experts.

From ads on WhatsApp to foldable phones: 4 game-changing announcements from the tech world
Apple, too, announced dual SIM iPhones this year.

Airtel slams Jio for Apple Watch service complaints
The DoT on May 17 has sought multiple clarification within a week from Airtel about eSIM service facilitation by the company on Apple Watch 3.

Are you a nomophobic? Then, get the Apple Watch Series 3
You could take calls on the older Apple Watch too but only if your phone was within Bluetooth range.
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