MTN has expanded eSIM functionality to prepaid customers. Finally. MTN’s prepaid customers have been awaiting the expansion since 2019, when the operator first launched eSIM support which was initially reserved for its post-paid clients.
No longer will the yellow-themed operator’s customers have to suffer the hassles that come with a physical SIM. You know, finding a needle or one of those ejector tools, handling the ever-condensing slab of plastic – you get the idea. It’s not fun. We’ve been expecting an eSIM expansion ever since Vodacom beat MTN to the eSIM punchline, with the operator finally deciding to bite the bullet.
About time, MTN
When Apple launched the iPhone 14 last year, devices sold in the US and a few other countries forewent a SIM tray altogether. The change might take a little longer to reach South Africa but it’s only a matter of time before SIM tray-less smartphones turn up here. Best to make the switch before it becomes a necessity.
MTN listed a few eSIM features on its website, namely:
- Multiple SIM capability: Prepaid customers can load multiple eSIMs onto one device, and switch between them seamlessly.
- International service provider support: Customers can easily access local networks while abroad, eliminating the need to buy new SIMs or change numbers. The same goes for international tourists visiting South Africa, who can activate their eSIM-enabled devices on MTN’s network.
- Security: If an eSIM-enabled device becomes lost or stolen, MTN can simply deactivate the eSIM and enable it on a new device.
Read More: You’ve heard of eSIMs, now get ready for iSIMs
Customers looking to go the eSIM route can do so by visiting any MTN store, as long as their devices are eSIM-enabled – be it a smartphone, laptop or smartwatch. The operator’s eSIM functionality for prepaid customers is currently limited to a handful of devices and will become available to a wider range of wearables at a later stage.
For more info on how to activate an eSIM for your specific device, you would normally find it on MTN’s eSIM FAQ. Unfortunately, at the time of publishing, that page and any topic relating to the embedded Subscriber Identity Module returns a blank page. WayBack Machine to the rescue. Not the smoothest expansion from the operator but hey, at least it’s caught up to Cell C and Vodacom.