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Nepal Telecom Finally Launches eSIM in Nepal.

This article is for you if you want to learn how to upgrade to Nepal Telecom’s eSim in Nepal. The long-awaited eSIM service in the country has now been made available by Nepal Telecom Corporation (NTC). To offer eSIM services to its clients, this state-owned telecom giant has a contract in place with a company based in the UK. The main characteristics of eSIM and how it works, as well as how to obtain an eSIM in Nepal, will all be covered in this article.

Nepal Telecom (NTC) eSIM implementation:

What is an eSIM?

You can connect to any operator providing eSIM services using an eSIM in Nepal, which is a SIM card that is embedded in a mobile device. Additionally, the eSIM functions similarly to a conventional SIM card without requiring a real SIM card to utilize it.
The “eSIM profile” of a new operator must be installed in order to activate it because it is already pre-installed in the device. In reality, it is a development of the traditional SIM card.

An eSIM card is a feature that is being added to more and more smartphones, tablets, and computers. The GSMA which developed worldwide eSIM standards endorses this technology. Here I am gonna discuss the advantages and disadvantages of eSim.

eSim in Nepal

Advantages of eSim:-

There is no need to add or remove a physical SIM card because the eSIM is integrated within mobile devices. Switching networks is also made simpler by the eSIM because it can be done electronically.

The user can have many phone numbers thanks to the eSIM. One conventional SIM card and one eSIM, for instance, will allow iPhone customers who have eSIM to now have two phone numbers on a single device.

Additionally, the eSIM occupies a lot less room than a SIM tray. Therefore, producers might use the area for additional components. This explains why cellular can be supported by even tiny devices like IoT and wearables. Since users can connect, telecom companies do not need to produce physical SIM cards. digitally to cellular networks. Both plastic waste and physical harm to the SIM are decreased as a result.

Disadvantages of eSim:-

Although consumers have the ability to digitally change the service provider or an eSIM profile (phone number), they have no authority over the process.

Users of the traditional SIM card could just change it out, but with the eSIM, they must get in touch with the service provider.
Additionally, the SIM card can no longer be used to store contact information. In some cases, you might also need to temporarily utilize the SIM card from another phone. It won’t be that easy using the eSIM, though.

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Compatible devices

The majority of high-end smartphones, including those from Samsung (Galaxy S, Note, and Z series), Apple, Huawei (P, Mate series), and Google, support eSIM. It’s even present on some high-end smartwatches from brands. The most recent smartwatches from Samsung and Apple that enable eSIM are Galaxy Watch 5 Series and Apple Watch Series 8, respectively.

eSIM implementation by Nepal Telecom (NTC)

The first carrier in Nepal to support eSIM connections is Nepal Telecom. The telecom provider set aside money for the initiative in the 2078–79 fiscal year in order to roll out its own eSIM platform. In a similar vein, NTC and Monty UK Global Limited entered into a contract in April 2022 to supply the business with an eSIM platform.

This makes it clear that the NTC’s eSIM platform will continue to rely on a third-party solution. Whatever the case may be, eSIM is currently available in Nepal as of Bhadra 31, 2079. (September 16, 2022). Additionally, NTC aspires to provide around 150,000 eSIMs to Nepal in the first year. On the initial day, the business only authorized 50 units for distribution, and that too from a single branch office (Sundhara). Although you can now get eSIM from seven additional Nepal Telecom counters, all of which are located in the Kathmandu Valley.

How to know if my phone supports eSIM?

Because it’s important to know whether or not your smartphone supports eSIM before you stand in line to switch to an eSIM. According to the usual rule of thumb, eSIM functionality may be available in relatively recent flagship phones or tablets. To be really certain, however, just dial “*#06#.”

You should see an EID (Embedded Identification Document) value appear next to the IMEI numbers if your device is truly eSIM compliant. Additionally, you can find this information under the Settings’ “Status Information” section (which may go by a different name depending on the manufacturer of your phone). To find out if the phone supports eSIM, you may go visit its product website.

How to get eSIM in Nepal?

For a FREE eSIM upgrade, any current NTC prepaid and postpaid subscribers are eligible. For Rs. 500, Nepal Telecom is also providing a new postpaid number in the form of an eSIM, and the business promises that this service will also soon be offered for prepaid plans. To obtain an eSIM, however, you must go to any of the Nepal Telecom branch offices listed below as of the time this article was written:-

LocationContact number
Bhaktapur01-6622066 / 01-6618852
Chabahil01-4479200 / 01-5903390
Chhauni01-4285001
Gongabu01-4350350
Naxal01-4430660 / 01-4416666
Pulchowk01-5010722
Sundhara01-5340065 / 01-5909866
Thimi01-6632600 / 01-6632700
  • You can contact “197” to learn about a newer phone number if the above numbers aren’t working.

Except for the entire physical presence factor, Nepal’s eSIM application procedure is actually quite straightforward. Simply complete the form, attach a photocopy of your citizenship (both sides), and submit it. I’m done now.

The next step will be for an NT employee to activate your phone’s eSIM. If you are already at the front of the line, the entire process takes about 3 minutes. A piece of paper with a QR code, an ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID) number, and an activation code will also be sent to you in case you decide to swap phones. But according to Nepal Telecom, you’ll have to return to their office and get a physical SIM card if you do fill out a form that asks you to.

FAQS? (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is eSIM available in Nepal?

Yes, nepal Telecom is the first carrier to allow eSIM connection in Nepal.

Is eSIM available in ncell?

No, ncell do not have e-sim service available at the current moment.

Is eSIM better than physical SIM?

eSIM is better than a physical SIM card because it has so many more benefits esim is small it also enables manufacturers to rejig the internal layout of their devices.

iPhone 14 series purchased from the US will work in Nepal?

In the US, the iPhone 14 series will only be sold with eSIM, according to a recent announcement from Apple. Users are thus uncertain as to whether US versions of the latest iPhones will function in Nepal. So let’s discuss it here.

The use of the most recent iPhones in Nepal is influenced by a few different factors. First off, starting on September 15, 2022, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) will begin offering its long-awaited Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) service. Therefore, if a smartphone is smuggled into Nepal from a foreign country—including the US—and is not registered with the system, it will be regarded as an illegally imported or grey gadget. And all Nepali telecom operators’ networks will be effectively banned from receiving such devices.

The impact of not will be impacted by this. Android phones are available in addition to iPhones. It remains to be seen, though, how successfully the system will be able to cut down on imports of grey phones.

Iphone 14

Cellular connectivity should also be taken into account when acquiring the most recent iPhone from the US, in addition to MDMS. As previously reported, the US iPhone 14 range exclusively supports eSIM. Therefore, you will also need a telecom provider that has an eSIM option in order to allow cellular connectivity on such devices here in Nepal.

You can utilize the iPhone 14 series without any issues because Nepal Telecom now provides eSIM to its clients. Providing, of course, that you have registered the phone with MDMS.

Conclusion:

Telecom businesses do not need to manufacture physical SIM cards because customers can connect. With a standard SIM card, users may simply swap it out; but, with an eSIM, they must contact the service provider. The most latest Samsung and Apple smartwatches that support eSIM are, respectively, the Galaxy Watch 5 Series and Apple Watch Series 8.

A new postpaid number in the form of an eSIM is also being supplied by Nepal Telecom, and the company claims that this service will soon be made available for prepaid plans as well. In case you decide to switch phones, you will also receive a piece of paper with a QR code, an ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID) number, and an activation code.

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