Nepal Telecom’s eSIM subscription surpasses 29 Thousand

Nepal Telecom (NTC)’s eSIM user base has reached a monumental 29 thousand mark. The state-backed telco grew its eSIM base 6 months after the service was launched in late Bhadra.

The operator’s spokesman Shobhan Adhikari said the total number of its eSIM service subscribers had surpassed 29 thousand. He said that the figure represents the total number of eSIM distributed from Bhadra 31 when the service was first launched.  

At first, Ntc started distributing eSIM from its Sundhara counter in Kathmandu. But given its instant popularity, the distribution channels were widened to Naxal, Chabahil, Thimi, Bhaktapur, Patan, Gongabu, Chhauni, and Pulchowk service centers but still within the capital. Since Mangsir 08, 2079 Ntc made eSIM available for customers outside Kathmandu.

Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIM is embedded into the device and offers a number of next-level benefits including the ability to switch between different mobile networks. Click here: To learn about what eSIM is and its amazing benefits.

If you are an existing Ntc user, then you can get an eSIM subscription free of cost. For postpaid customers, they can buy an eSIM service at the prevalent cost. Taking about eSIM’s benefits, Mr. Adhikari said, “eSIM customers can connect up to 20 mobile networks to other cellular networks”. However, he shared that one can connect eSIM to only one network at a time.

Ntc is not the only cellular service provider to offer advanced SIM service in Nepal. Ncell launched its eSIM service back on Mangsir 09, 2079. Both telcos are helping create an ecosystem of advanced SIM technology in Nepal.

Also read: Telecom development in Nepal in 2022 | 4G, Fiber, eSIM launch, 5G Preparation

eSIM growth depends on next-generation devices

But still, many devices are locked out of the service due to the lack of compatibility. But as technology grows more common among premium phones, it will trickle down on mid and entry-level devices too. So, in a few years from now, eSIM will likely be mainstream.

To check if your phone supports eSIM, enter *#06# and dial. If you see an EID (Embedded Identity Document) it means, your phone is eSIM compatible. You can also check this by going to your phone’s Settings>About>Status to see if there’s an EID showing.

But when we talk about eSIM, tech leaders are already looking at going further from it. Qualcomm and co have made a significant breakthrough in its iSIM technology (integrated SIM). Unlike eSIM which requires a separate chip, an iSIM fits right into the device’s SoC. But we are still a few years away from its commercial rollout. For now, eSIM is the one to root for.

Ntc’s eSIM service is available from its customer service centers across Nepal.