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January 2021 www.intellinews.com I Page 2
Russia goes ahead with eSIM technology
The job is to be implemented by the central re- search institute for communications, which is part of the communications ministry and is known under the Russian acronym TsNIIS.
eSIM technology facilitates the creation of virtual SIM cards, which allows mobile phone subscrib- ers to simultaneously use services of several operators. Over the coming years, this tech, which is already supported by dozens of mobile devices available in the market, is expected to replace traditional, physical SIM cards.
However, there is no legal basis for the use of eSIM in Russia at this point. Russian mobile phone op- erators use various solutions for storing virtual SIM card profiles, including those developed by foreign companies – something that Russian authorities have been uneasy about in recent years.
Therefore, TsNIIS offered to create and manage a centralized platform for storing eSIM user profile info, based on locally developed software. If the idea is accepted, all Russian mobile phone opera- tors will be obliged use the database.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communica- tions and Mass Media has supported the idea but said the operator of the eSIM platform will have to be selected by means of an open tender, Kom- mersant reported.
Meanwhile, the concept of a platform suggested by TsNIIS contradicts the decentralization drive, which has been the trend in the global IT industry over the last few years.
Russian mobile phone operators have said that decentralized storage of eSIM profile info by dif- ferent companies is more secure, while operators could also create their own platforms.
Apparently, TsNIIS is looking for a greater role in the adoption of eSIM technology. In the spring of 2020, the communications ministry reportedly began looking for a company to be put in charge of the eSIM rollout in the country, and TsNIIS was considered as a possible contender, RBC reported.
While the authorities are trying to come up with
a way to control the promising eSIM segment, Rus- sian operators already tested the technology last summer. VEON (formerly Vimpelcom) and Megafon offered their users the eSIM option in July 2020.
Unlike regular physical SIM cards, a customer doesn’t have to visit a mobile phone operator's outlet or have a SIM card delivered to them. Connection to a cellular network takes only
a few minutes and is done remotely.
eSIM technology is already available on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, as well as on some Samsung, Huawei and Honor smartphones and Apple smart watches.
Experts predict that the use of eSIM technology will step up in the years to come with the potential to revolutionize the mobile phone sector.
However, Russian mobile phone operators might face another obstacle in addition to the requirement to use a centralized eSIM user profile data base. Last year, authorities announced plans to launch a major nationwide scheme for remote biometrical identification of all telecom service users.
Apart from the system's cost of RUB10bn ($136mn) a year, which will be passed onto the telecom operators, the very concept would put in question the remote connection of users who are not Russian residents and the operability of the eSIM functionality in general.
Reportedly, the scheme is being pushed by state- run Rostelectom, which has been appointed the operator of the national biometric identification system.