A new survey conducted by BICS, a Proximus Global company, has revealed notable consumer interest in eSIM technology as a viable, cost-effective solution for avoiding international roaming fees.
The survey of 2,100 UK adults, conducted with YouGov, reveals 46% would consider using an eSIM to avoid roaming charges when travelling abroad. 10% have already done so and would do so again. 31% said they would consider purchasing a travel SIM from a non-traditional provider such as a supermarket, airline or travel website with a further 9% already using such providers.
“eSIMs are a game-changing opportunity for brands across travel, retail, and beyond. Consumers are actively looking for cost-effective connectivity, and non-traditional providers with strong customer bases are in a prime position to meet this demand. With the right approach, businesses can easily unlock new revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty by integrating eSIM into their offerings,” said Surash Patel, Chief Revenue Officer, Proximus Global.
eSIM solutions have already been successfully launched by the likes of Revolut, Nord VPN, and French retailer Carrefour, showcasing the potential of non-telecom players to capitalise on this trend.
The survey also found that in spite of strong potential demand, awareness remains low: 40% hadn’t heard of eSIMs before the survey and 41% were unsure if their phone supprots one, signalling the chance for brands to educate consumers and accelerate eSIM adoption.
“Our research shows the growing consumer appetite for travel eSIMs, but also highlights a significant awareness gap. Many consumers are unaware their devices support eSIM, presenting an opportunity for brands to educate and simplify adoption. Those who move early will be best placed to capture this demand and establish themselves in the market,” added Milind Pathak, Chief Corporate Marketing Officer, Proximus Global.
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