The eSIMrevolution is gaining traction globally, and Latin America ispreparing to join the movement. As a technology that eliminates the need forphysical SIM cards and enables remote management of mobile subscriptions,eSIM not only enhances the user experience, but also paves the way for newbusiness models, stronger mobile security, and the rapid expansionof the IoT ecosystem. While eSIM adoption in the region is stillemerging, signs point to significant growth in the coming years. But thequestion remains: Is Latin America ready for this digital shift?
What Is an eSIMand Why It Matters
An eSIM(embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into a smartphone orconnected device. It allows users to activate a mobile plan without inserting aphysical SIM card and switch carriers remotely using a QR code. This innovationis expected to drive major advancements in mobile connectivity and digitalonboarding across Latin America.
For telecomoperators, eSIM provides greater flexibility in acquiring and managing newcustomers. It also improves data security, as it cannot be cloned orphysically removed, and is tied to a specific device. eSIM aligns with broader mobileID developments focused on verifying digital identity securely.
In addition, eSIMenables secure and efficient cellular connectivity for IoT devices, agrowing demand as businesses and cities invest in smart infrastructure.
Flexibility,Security, and Global Connectivity
From a userperspective, eSIM technology offers convenience and control. It allowsfor easy switching between carriers and remote provisioning of new serviceprofiles—ideal for frequent travelers and digital nomads. Instead ofjuggling multiple physical SIM cards, users can store and toggle betweenmultiple eSIM profiles on one device, each with its own mobile number.
In Latin America,where remote work and global mobility are rising, this flexibility ishelping drive interest in eSIM. However, users must have unlocked devicesthat are eSIM-compatible to take advantage of the technology.
Another key benefitis data protection: if a device is lost or stolen, the eSIM can beremotely deactivated, and personal information can be recovered more safely andefficiently.
Market Outlook:eSIM in Latin America
According to GSMA,just 5% of smartphone connections in Latin America used eSIM by the endof 2023. This number is expected to climb to 16% by 2025 and reach 75% by2030—mirroring global trends.
Globally, eSIMadoption is accelerating. As of mid-2023, 292 mobile network operators(MNOs) across 116 countries had launched commercial eSIM servicesfor smartphones. Technology is already available in most modern,high-end smartphones,and in more than half of all countries worldwide.
In Latin America, 34%of MNOs have rolled out eSIM offerings, matching the global average. The regionincludes 30 operators across 14 countries, with Argentina, Brazil, Chile,Colombia, and Mexico leading the charge—each with three carriers offeringeSIM plans.
Research from Grand View Research reports that the Latin American eSIM marketgenerated nearly USD 782 million in revenue in 2023. The market isprojected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from2024 to 2030, reaching USD 1.128 billion by the end of the forecastperiod.
Barriers toAdoption and What’s Next
Despiteinfrastructure expansion, consumer awareness and eSIM adoption ratesremain low in much of Latin America. According to GSMA, these factors continueto pose a challenge for widespread implementation.
Still, the outlook isoptimistic. Industry analysts anticipate that device manufacturers willlead the next wave of eSIM growth by producing eSIM-only smartphones, atrend that is expected to reach Latin America by 2026 or shortlythereafter. This shift may also encourage users to upgrade their mobile devicesmore frequently, thereby further boosting adoption.
Some predict that Apple’sstrategic focus on eSIM could help the company increase its smartphonemarket share across the region.
At Plusmo, weclosely monitor innovation across the mobile ecosystem to deliver cutting-edge solutions that support secure authentication, protect againstfraud, and enable advanced IoT services. As eSIM technology becomes more mainstream, we’recommitted to helping organizations and users in Latin America fully leverageits potential.
