Turns out that Safaricom’s eSIM support official.
This is after a low-key announcement that was made by the operator’s Twitter page.
We have since talked about eSIM, albeit briefly in a previous post. And Safaricom comes in second after Faiba launched the same product in January 2021.
With that out of the way, here is what we have since uncovered after the development.
Supported devices
First are the supported devices, which are:
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 12 and SE 2020.
- Samsung: Galaxy S21, S20, Z Fold and Note20.
Activation
Those interested in getting hands on the embedded SIM would need to visit a Safaricom Shop (we do not know why this is the case with the ongoing pandemic, but we hope it is something the carrier can fix so customers can get their profiles to them without physically appearing at Care Centre shops).
At the shop, and with a supported phone, you should scan the Esim QR code with your smartphone.
Afterward, your phone will download and install the eSIM settings for your Safaricom number.
You eSIM is then ready.
Fees
At the care centre, you will pay KES 250 for a new eSIM line, while the operator will charge KES 150 for a swap.
Benefits
Some of these have been covered in the linked posts above, but Safaricom summarizes them as follows:
- Allows you to have more than one phone number in a device.
- You cannot lose your eSIM, or a SIM card in that matter because it is built onto your phone’s motherboard.
- People who move across many countries can switch between operators and cut on their roaming fees.
Is this something you would be interested in? We are also wondering why the number of supported is so low whereas Faiba supports about 55 of them.
