Nepal Telecom has begun distributing its next-generation SIM technology eSIM from outside Kathmandu on Mangsir 08 considering the demand of the customers. The company first launched its long-awaited eSIM service on Bhadra 31 and made it available from the Sundhara counter. But after a few weeks, the company has expanded the availability of its virtual SIM services outside the capital. So, now all the existing users of Ntc can get an eSIM service nationwide for free. Find how to activate eSIM in Ntc below.
Currently, the company is replacing existing customers’ old SIM cards with a new eSIM profile for free.
Now the service is available at all the customer centers nationwide. 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 is available for both prepaid and postpaid NTC customers. And customers can replace their existing physical SIM cards with eSIM without any charge. Likewise, new postpaid customers can also get eSIM at the current selling cost. As for new prepaid users, the company is yet to roll out the eSIM 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 IoT/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 your nearest Ntc service center. You then 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 10 minutes for a user.
After initially making eSIM available from a few select centers in Kathmandu, the operator has made it available from outside of the valley.
The eSIM is now available for users nationwide with supported devices. Ntc has started to replace physical SIM cards with eSIM for existing prepaid and postpaid customers for free. For a new number subscription, the company charges the same price as the regular SIM cards.
The company collaborated with Monty UK Global Limited to launch the eSIM service. It has also signed an MoU with Ultimate Horizon Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the regional partner for Monty UK. It provides Ntc the platform 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 pleasant advantages. We will discuss more below.
Also read: How to check SIM registered name and transfer?
What is an eSIM?
Contrary to traditional physical SIM cards, eSIM has 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 distribute eSIM to its customers whereas recently Ncell also launched the eSIM service. We have also covered more details on eSIM, which you can learn from the link below.
In detail: What is an eSIM? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Which devices support eSIM?
eSIM is a new SIM technology and is now slowly available in most countries. However, only premium-tier phones come with support for them. Likewise, for several developed markets, eSIM has become quite regular. 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 wearables, 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. Usually, Ntc personnel will add the eSIM profile on your phone on their own but you need to know the steps for how to install it later. If you lose your phone or change your phone on your own, make sure you keep the QR code with you so that you can add the eSIM profile to your new phone.
How to install eSIM on Phones?
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.
Nepal Telecom eSIM 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.
Nepal Telecom eSIM 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” and scan the QR code
- When it’s registered, tap “Ok” to turn on a new mobile plan
- This activates the eSIM profile on your phone.
Advantages of using eSIM
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 a sleek design.
- No need to worry about physical SIM card damage.
Check out: Common problems of a SIM card and how to replace it.
An eSIM brings a whole new range of benefits and a fresh user experience. If your mobile phone supports the technology, you can grab your chance to convert to it for free.
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.
