T-Mobile to begin testing eSIM in the first quarter of 2017

GSMA has completed and published the global eSIM standard
T-Mobile has been developing the first system for support of eSIM devices; tests are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2017
The first devices using the new technology should appear on the market next year

GSMA, a worldwide association of mobile operators, published at the end of November 2016 a standard for embedded SIM cards (eSIM), in the development of which Deutsche Telekom (DT) had participated for several years. T-Mobile Czech Republic has been developing a system to support devices equipped with eSIM and is planning to begin trial operation in the first quarter of 2017. The operator expects the first devices using this technology to be introduced to the market next year.

“It was a long-distance run but we have finally reached the homestretch and can start working on offering the benefits of eSIM to customers as soon as possible,” says Martina Králová, Director of New Business Development at T-Mobile, adding: “More good news for customers also is that this involves the development of a global standard for the entire telecommunications sector and not just one proprietary solution.”

T-Mobile, which has been closely involved in the entire project under the umbrella of its parent company, DT, began developing a system that enables the operation and use eSIM devices. Trial operation is scheduled to start in the first quarter of next year, with the commercial launch of this technology anticipated during 2017. “We wanted to offer the first eSIM handset to customers this year; however, the standard was unfortunately completed nearly one year later than expected,” explains Jan Fišer, Innovations Manager in charge of the eSIM project at T-Mobile.

Embedded SIM cards take the form of a special chip and are an integral part of the particular device. The eSIM card contains information about the user’s profile in the network (the equivalent of the digital content of a regular SIM card) and can be programmed remotely, which is the main difference as compared with a regular SIM card: all customers need to do is scan or copy the ID code of a particular product and the eSIM card is then immediately activated and connected with other connected products that the customer uses. Several profiles can be saved on the eSIM card simultaneously, while only one is active at a particular moment. If, for example, customers want to give their mobile phone to another family member or to switch to another operator, they can easily and quickly delete their original profile and reactivate the device under another contract.

The introduction of eSIM cards is closely related especially to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), as it will enable easy activation, administration and control of – often multiple – IoT devices, such as smart watches, fitness trackers, utility metering sensors and smart cars.

After more than 20 years, the entire mobile communications sector is advancing to the next level with the introduction of eSIM cards. The environmental aspect of this development is also significant, as the manufacture of billions of plastic chip cards in paper packaging will no longer be necessary, nor will the related logistics and subsequent disposal of these products.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.