eSIM.net launches UK’s WFH business line solution

eSIM.net, a UK-based Mobile Virtual Network Operator, has recently launched a Pay As You Go eSIM service that is helping those working from home in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first of its kind, the UK plan utilises eSIM technology and is powered with a +44 telephone number and full mobile services. It is purchased and downloaded online and can be activated instantly by scanning a QR code to an eSIM-enabled device. By using the second mobile plan as a business line, customers experience dual SIM functionality and can separate their personal and business billing. 

There has never been a greater need for this solution, with an estimated 20 million UK workers relocating to home offices in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. And it doesn’t look like things will change anytime soon. Since March 2020, employers and individuals alike have faced a number of unexpected challenges brought around by this event. Almost immediately, companies had to consider how their employee’s personal contact details would be protected while working from home, whether that be during calls with business colleagues or suppliers, or taking calls from customers. Further, what would happen when an employee lives in a mobile ‘notspot’ and struggles with access to mobile coverage? Lastly, there came a question of expense-tracking. Would an employee be responsible for using their own internet and mobile phone line to support work-related activities? If so, how would that be identified and reimbursed?

Since lockdown began in the UK, eSIM.net's sales for the Pay As You Go eSIM service has risen by an average of 76% month-on-month. They attribute part of this to the product’s suitability as a work from home solution. 

“We’ve been excited about the potential of eSIM for a long time, so to see more individuals and businesses adopting eSIM has been great,” Product Manager for eSIM.net, James Ashby, discussed. “Employees can now easily differentiate between personal and business expenses, and can top-up their credit at any time through our website or app. And as it works across all networks, those living in rural or remote areas can now access other networks which may have stronger coverage.” 

The eSIM plan is also the country’s first to provide a multi-network domestic service, as eSIM plans from the UK’s main eSIM-supported operators (O2 and EE) remain locked to their respective networks.

“I moved to eSIM a while ago and I love not having to carry around two phones with me all the time. It’s also completely changed how my colleagues and I stay in contact when we travel - we don’t have to worry about huge monthly phone bills or run around looking for WiFi.” He added.

Historically, eSIM technology has been used by business travellers and holidaymakers as a means to access cheap mobile services while overseas. As an eSIM stores multiple profiles and plans to the hardware chip, consumers are not locked to any one network provider and therefore can bypass traditional roaming charges applied by their normal operator. In practice, this involves an eSIM customer downloading a local plan from a local provider in their chosen destination, or buying a roaming eSIM designed for international travel.

eSIM.net's customers can use their Pay As You Go eSIM plan in every country around the world, excluding Italy. Not only will data-services work in each destination, but the customer will still be able to make and receive calls, and send and receive SMSs, using their +44 telephone number - ideal when using it as a business line. Additionally, any one calling from the UK to the UK number will not be charged any higher costs and will not be notified that the telephone number is currently overseas. 

With fixed rates across the UK, Europe and USA at only 0.7 US cents per MB and 7 US cents per minute, eSIM.net’s Pay As You Go plan is among the cheapest options on the market. When travelling outside of those designated areas, a Rate Calculator is available on the website for customers to understand which costs apply.

The Pay As You Go eSIM plan is compatible with a wide range of handsets, as well as a select number of tablets. The Apple iPhone X, 11 and SE models, and select iPads, are eSIM-enabled, as well as a range of Android devices. The Google Pixel 3 and 4 series work with eSIM.net’s plans, and the latest Samsung Galaxy S20, Fold and Flip handsets will work in select countries worldwide.