Smart launches the Philippines’ first Prepaid eSIM
5 min read
Table of Contents
Simply ‘scan and connect’ to enjoy the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network.
[10 July 2023] PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is ushering in a new era of convenience and flexibility for mobile users as it unveils the new Smart Prepaid embedded SIM or eSIM, the Philippines’ first prepaid eSIM.
The digital version of the physical SIM card, the eSIM, allows for a quick and hassle-free way for mobile users to enjoy local data, call, and text services without inserting a physical SIM card into their devices.
Simply scan and connect.
Now, customers only have to simply scan the Smart Prepaid eSIM, which comes in the form of a unique QR code containing a Smart Prepaid account number, to connect to data, call, and text services.
The Smart Prepaid eSIM initially comes in the form of a printed card. Soon, subscribers will also be able to receive their eSIM in digital form, such as via email or voucher. Because there’s no physical SIM card, eSIM users don’t have to worry about the lack of a SIM slot in their device and losing or damaging their primary physical SIM.
One device, multiple lines
The Smart Prepaid eSIM is perfect for mobile users who want to experience Smart’s fastest speeds and widest coverage without taking up a SIM slot in their handset. These include Apple device users who can now finally enjoy the convenience of switching between two or more accounts or SIM profiles in just one device.
It is also well-suited for inbound foreign tourists or returning Overseas Filipino Workers who can now quickly activate local mobile services without the often-tedious process of swapping or changing their primary physical SIM with a local SIM.
Moreover, unlike roaming services that only cover mobile internet, the Smart Prepaid eSIM enables tourists to call and send text messages. Having a local eSIM also gives them access to local rates that are significantly more affordable than roaming rates.
The Smart Prepaid eSIM is available for only Php99 in major airports, Smart Stores nationwide, accredited retailers, the Smart Online Store, and Smart flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee.
Bringing cutting-edge innovations to more Filipinos
Smart initially made the eSIM available to postpaid subscribers in 2021. With the introduction of the Smart Prepaid eSIM, Smart is enabling more Filipinos to enjoy its convenience and benefits.
“We are excited to finally offer the Smart Prepaid eSIM, which adds to Smart’s long history of bringing cutting-edge innovations to more Filipinos, so they are empowered to live more today. With this move, we’re also making it much more convenient for mobile users to finally experience our superior mobile network,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Wireless Consumer Business – Individual at Smart.
The Smart Prepaid eSIM is compatible with eSIM-capable devices, such as the latest flagship handsets of Apple, Google, Huawei, and Samsung, tablets, and smartwatches.
Just like the regular Smart Prepaid SIM, the eSIM version also comes with up to 21 GB FREE data, which subscribers can claim by first activating and registering their eSIM; and second by downloading the Smart GigaLife App to conveniently manage their prepaid account.
Subscribers who successfully activate and register their eSIM shall get 5 GB FREE data, and those who download the GigaLife App shall enjoy additional 16 GB FREE data.
Register the Smart Prepaid eSIM.
Activating the Smart Prepaid eSIM is accessible for Apple and Android users, who simply have to open their phone’s camera and scan the unique QR Code containing their Smart Prepaid account.
Alternatively, Apple users may go to their phone’s ‘Settings,’ choose ‘Cellular,’ then select ‘Add Cellular Plan.’ This will then open their camera so they can scan the QR Code of their Smart Prepaid eSIM. Upon successful activation, users can view their eSIM listed under their ‘Cellular Plans.’
On the other hand, Android users may go to their phone’s ‘Settings,’ choose ‘SIM Card Manager,’ select ‘Add Mobile Plan,’ and then tap ‘Add Using QR Code.’ This will then open their camera so they can scan the QR Code of their Smart Prepaid eSIM. Upon successful activation, users can view their eSIM listed on their ‘SIM Card Manager.’
All subscribers are required to register their Smart Prepaid eSIM at www.smart.com.ph/simreg. Users on the platform must input their mobile number and OTP, fill out their personal information and, upload a valid ID, then wait for the confirmation text.
The ‘Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network’
The Smart Prepaid eSIM enables subscribers to experience the power of Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network*, according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.
Smart has made history as the first and only Philippine mobile operator to win Ookla’s Best Mobile Network award in Q1-Q2 2022 and Q3-Q4 2022. To receive the rare and prestigious ‘Best Mobile Network’ citation, Smart won both the Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage awards within the same reporting periods.
Learn more about how you can live more today with the new Smart Prepaid eSIM by visiting https://smart.com.ph/Prepaid/eSIM. #
*Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage: Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1–Q2 2022 and Q3 -Q4 2022. Ookla trademarks are used under license and reprinted with permission.
What is an eSim?
An eSim, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built directly into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike a physical SIM card, which needs to be inserted and removed manually, an eSim is integrated into the device’s hardware and cannot be physically removed or swapped.
eSims store all the necessary information required to connect to a mobile network, such as network credentials and subscriber data, within the device’s memory. This allows users to switch between network carriers and manage their mobile subscriptions remotely without physically changing or acquiring a new SIM card.
eSims offer several advantages over traditional SIM cards, including:
- Flexibility: Users can easily switch between different mobile network providers without physically replacing a SIM card.
- Convenience: As eSims are built-in, there is no need to worry about losing or damaging a physical SIM card.
- Remote Activation: eSims can be remotely activated or provisioned by network operators, eliminating the need for physical visits to a mobile network store.
- Dual SIM Support: Devices with eSims can often support multiple mobile subscriptions simultaneously, allowing users to switch between carriers on the same device.
eSims is becoming increasingly common, with many mobile network operators and device manufacturers supporting this technology. As eSims offer convenience and flexibility, they are expected to replace physical SIM cards in the near future, providing users with easier access to mobile network services.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I convert my physical prepaid Sim to an eSim?
Converting an actual sim to eSim is only available for postpaid accounts.
Follow the Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest if you want more travel and food-related updates.
Read:
