Nepal Telecom has finally launched the eSIM in Nepal for the first time for general citizens. Current NTC users can upgrade their physical SIM to an eSIM for a free claim from NTC. Customers with an eSIM-supported phone can use and enjoy the brand-new technology of an eSIM, launched by NTC.
eSIM in Nepal
The Nepal-based telecom giant has signed an agreement with UK-based Monty Mobile to provide the necessary platform for making eSIM service available to NTC customers.
The eSIM is available for both prepaid and postpaid. Similarly, new postpaid customers will get eSIM at the current sale price, and pre-owned users can replace their existing physical SIM cards with eSIM cards without any charge to the company. NTC will soon roll out the service for new postpaid customers as well.
With eSIM, you won’t have to change your SIM cards. Therefore, you can use a virtual eSIM on various types of gadgets, such as smartwatches and wearable devices. In this article, we will be discussing the key features of eSIM and its implementation in Nepal. So stay on the blog.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM that is embedded into a smartphone. eSIM allows you to use cellular data services from the telecom operator without having a physical SIM card on your phone, meaning that it’s not necessary to get a physical SIM card.
For an eSIM to function, it must be supported by the carrier. Currently, only a few carriers support eSIM, but the number is growing.eSIM is already available on some smartphones and is expected to become more widely available in the future.
Microsoft introduced eSIM to the Windows 10 operating system in 2018 and launched its first eSIM-enabled device, the Surface Pro LTE, in 2017.
What are the pros and cons of eSIM?
Pros
eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM that is embedded into a smartphone. A virtual SIM card allows you to use cellular data services from the telecom operator without having a physical SIM card on your mobile, meaning that it’s not necessary to get a physical SIM card.
For an eSIM to function, it must be supported by the carrier. Currently, limited carriers support eSIM, but it’s growing in numbers. eSIM is already available on some smartphones and is expected to become more widely available in the future.
Cons
Although users can change the service provider or an eSIM profile, i.e., phone number, digitally, they are not in the custody of the procedure.
With a standard SIM card, users could just change the card, but with the eSIM, users need to contact the service provider.
Also, you can no longer save the contact details on the SIM card. And there may be some possibilities when you need to temporarily use the SIM card on another phone. With the eSIM, it’s not going to be that simple.
Advantages and Disadvantage of eSIM
| Pros | Cons |
| Easier to switch network operator | Switching smartphones is annoyed |
| Supports dual-SIM connectivity | Can be comparatively easier to track |
| Takes up less space than traditional SIM cards | Extra costs and limited compatibility |
How to get eSIM in Nepal?
All existing prepaid and postpaid customers of NTC are eligible for a free eSIM upgrade. To subscribe to it, users must fill out a form and submit it to the company. Currently, you can only do this from the Sundhara branch office in Kathmandu, but we hope it will be available throughout the country in the coming days.
How to activate eSIM in Nepal.
To activate Nepal Telecom eSIM you need to contact respective branch office, all the contact details are given below.
| Location | Contact number |
| Naxal | 01-4430660 / 01-4416666 |
| Bhaktapur | 01-6622066 / 01-6618852 |
| Chhauni | 01-4285001 |
| Gongabu | 01-4350350 |
| Chabahil | 01-4479200 / 01-5903390 |
| Thimi | 01-6632600 / 01-6632700 |
| Sundhara | 01-5340065 / 01-5909866 |
| Pulchowk | 01-5010722 |
Which Devices support eSIM in Nepal?
As I said earlier, to be able to use the eSIM feature on mobile, customers need to make sure that their device is also compatible with eSIM technology.
The latest flagship smartphones from Samsung, Google Pixel and Apple support eSIM. However, there are different variants of eSIM-compatible mobiles, so here is a list of some eSIM-compatible mobiles.
Apple
- iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini
- iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone XR
- Apple Smartwatch
Samsung
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, Ultra 5G, S22
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy Fold
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 FE 5G
Google Pixel
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4
How to install eSIM on Android?
eSIMs are now supported on a few Android devices, and the list is growing. If your Android device doesn’t have an eSIM, then you can still use an eSIM with a physical SIM card.
Here’s how to install an eSIM on your Android device in Nepal :
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap on the “Network & Internet” option.
- Select the “Mobile Network” option.
- Tap on the “Advanced” option.
- Select the “SIM cards” option.
- Tap on the “Add SIM card” option.
- Select the “ESIM” option.
- Tap on the “Continue” button.
- Select your carrier from the list.
- Tap on the “Activate” button.
- Enter your activation code when prompted.
- Tap on
Now, eSIM installation on your Android device is complete.
Check your smartphone support eSIM service?
Remember, you must have a working SIM card inserted inside the phone while running the check.
- Go to your phone’s dial-pad
- Now, dial *#06#.
- If you see an Embedded Identity Document number, then it means your smartphone has support for eSIM.
- With this confirmation, you can visit your nearest NTC office to get the eSIM replacement for your phone.
FAQ
How to get NTC eSIM in Nepal?
All existing prepaid and postpaid customers of NTC are eligible for a free eSIM upgrade. To subscribe to it, users must fill out a form and submit it to the company.
Which Mobile support eSIM in Nepal?
The latest flagship mobile from Samsung, Google Pixel and Apple support eSIM. However, there are different variants of eSIM-compatible mobiles, so here is the list of some eSIM-compatible mobiles.