Ntc Launches eSIM, How to Get One for Your Smartphone?

Nepal Telecom (NTC) launched its long-awaited eSIM service on Friday, Bhadra 31. The company started distributing these virtual SIM cards from its Sundhara counter in a limited volume. But the company says it’s going to distribute the eSIMs as per the demands of the customers. As per the company, customers will be able to get eSIM from more service centers in Kathmandu from Tuesday, Ashoj 4. If you have a phone that supports eSIM technology, then you can use and enjoy the new technology of SIM cards on your handsets. Below, you will find out how and where you can get an eSIM for your phone and its benefits.

The eSIM cards are available for both prepaid and postpaid NTC customers. NTC says customers can replace their existing physical SIM cards with eSIM cards without any charge. Likewise, new postpaid customers will get eSIM at the current selling cost. As for new prepaid users, the company will soon roll out the service for them.

With eSIM, you won’t have to change your SIM cards. Besides, you can use eSIM on other types of gadgets such as smartwatches, PCs, and wearable devices.

How to get an Ntc eSIM for your phone?

To get an Ntc eSIM for your handset, you need to fill in a form at an Ntc service center. You also need to produce your citizenship and must have a compatible smartphone for it.

The activation of an eSIM on a smartphone can take up to 15 minutes for a user.

In the beginning, the company only made 50 – 100 eSIM available to eligible customers to the dismay of many. To address the exceeding demands, the company is now distributing the eSIM from 7 service centers in Kathmandu from Ashoj 4.

Ntc says it is going to provide as many eSIM as demanded.

The eSIM cards will be available for users with supported devices only. Ntc will replace the physical SIM cards with eSIM for existing customers for free. For a new number subscription, the company will charge the same price as the regular SIM cards.

Ntc worked with Monty UK Global Limited to launch eSIM service. The operator also signed an MoU with Ultimate Horizon Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the regional partner for Monty UK. The company has provided the platform for Ntc to roll out its digital SIM service.

A regular SIM card comes with a dedicated slot in mobile phones. On the other hand, its enhanced digital counterpart goes right to the chip inside the phone. You need an eSIM profile to activate the digital SIM service. It gives phone makers more space that they can utilize for a larger battery or make lighter devices. Besides, an ESIM brings many likable advantages. We will discuss more below.

Do read: How to check SIM registered name and transfer?

Ntc eSIM distribution centers

Ntc started distributing eSIM from its Sundhara Service Center in the beginning. But as demands were conspicuously high, many left the center disappointed as few eSIM could be distributed. But to address the demands, the operator has announced it will issue virtual SIM cards from more centers.

The company has also said that it has enough stock of eSIM for the time being. People had long waited for the company to launch the next-generation technology of SIM service. Users with compatible handsets can visit Ntc service centers to replace or get a new eSIM number from the government-backed telco.

Currently, Ntc has been distributing eSIM from Sundhara but from Ashoj 4, it will distribute the embedded SIM from a total of seven service centers in Kathmandu given below:

• Sundhara
• Naxal
• Chabahil
• Thimi
• Bhaktapur
• Gongabu
• Chhauni.

What is an eSIM?

Contrary to traditional physical SIM cards, eSIM cards have an embedded chip inside a device. It is not removable and remains in the same device where it finds space. For an eSIM to function, it must be supported by the carrier. Currently, limited carriers support eSIM but it’s growing in numbers.

With this, Nepal Telecom has become the first telco in Nepal to bring eSIM cards into circulation. We have already covered this in detail on eSIM. You can learn more about eSIM at the link below.

In detail: What is an eSIM? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Which devices support eSIM?

eSIM is still a new technology and is not available in most countries at large. However, premium tier phones do come with support for them. For example, Apple has completely ditched physical SIM trays for eSIM support on iPhone 14 in the US.

Besides, Apple’s recently launched iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 Series, iPhone 12 series, and iPhone 11 series come with eSIM support. Meanwhile, Samsung has also added eSIM compatibility for its flagship Galaxy S22 Series, S21 series (in some markets), Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Fold series. and the list of eSIM-compatible devices is likely to increase with every new moderate to high-end device launch.

It is not only phones that come with eSIM support but the latest wearable, tablets, and PCs also have eSIM functionality or eSIM variant. These devices are already here in the Nepali market.

How to know if your smartphone supports eSIM service?

eSIM is an advanced technology and only a handful of devices support the technology. If you are curious to know whether your device supports eSIM or the conversion to it, you can follow the steps below.

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 EID (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 virtual SIM replacement for your phone.

Also keep in mind that to get the eSIM from Ntc, you need to produce your citizenship and you must also have a compatible device.  

How to install eSIM on Android?

To install or set up an eSIM on your phone, you can follow the given steps below. Remember that depending on different smartphone platforms, the steps can vary slightly. We have listed methods to install eSIM for both types of devices below.

On iOS

• First, make sure you are connected to the internet by either WiFi or mobile data
• Go to Settings
• Select Cellular
• Select Add Data/Cellular plan
• Now scan the eSIM QR code you receive from NTC
• Select the “Add Data Plan” option and save the eSIM details
• Customize the name of the plan, and select “Continue”
• Choose Ntc as the default line and select “Continue”
• Select Ntc as the default mobile data line and select Done

Now, eSIM installation on your iOS device is complete.

On Android

• Go to Settings
• Find “Connection or Mobile Network”
• Go to “SIM Card Manager”
• Tap on “Add Mobile Plan”
• Tap on “Scan carrier QR code”
• When its registered, tap “Ok” to turn on a new mobile plan
• This activates the eSIM profile on your phone.

Advantages of using eSIM Cards

An embedded SIM Card comes with several merits. Check below some key benefits of an eSIM.

• Makes it easier to switch between networks.
• Switch between different telecom networks on a temporary basis, also while you are traveling, and save roaming costs.
• Have multiple phone numbers in one device without needing a dual SIM phone.
• It occupies less phone space inside and enables sleek design.
• No need to worry about physical SIM card damage.

Check out: Common problems of a SIM card and how to replace it.

Will you be switching to an NTC eSIM or prefer to stay with your current physical SIM card when you have the option? Let us know in the comments.