topic eSim, are they interchangeable? in Get Support

eSim, are they interchangeable?

Grinch — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 23:00:42 GMT

eSim are they interchangeable:

If you get a different phone?

If you like to swap back and forth to different devices like a phone to a tablet etc.

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

Handy1 — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:06:08 GMT

@Grinch No unfortunately , it’s just for new activations for now . If you have it and get new phone you will need to switch to a physical SIM card . So in your case I’d just stick to the physical SIM card until something changes

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

hairbag1 — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:07:51 GMT

@Grinch

the eSim is a new innovation here in PM world...at this time your eSim will only work in your originally registered phone.

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

esjliv — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:09:06 GMT

@Grinch - ridiculous that it isn't though, don't you think? Seems physical SIM is more convenient in some ways imo.

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

softech — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:09:31 GMT

@Grinch not at the moment with PM due to some system limitations. But hopefully PM will have this fixed soon. Once it is done, you can buy new eSIM and install on another phone. But like other providers, each switch will need a new eSIM and that is another $5

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

softech — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 19:11:09 GMT

yes @esjliv , if your want to change phone as you like physical sim is the way to go. Even when PM fixed the eSIM switch issue, like other providers, each switch will need a new eSIM and it is another $5 to spend

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

DennyCrane — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 20:15:04 GMT

Yeah, other than for initial activation (not having to go to a store or wait for a physical SIM delivery) or dual sim purposes, I don't really see the benefit of esim. It gives more control to the carriers and takes it away from consumers. It's akin to the old CDMA days where the carrier charged you to swap IMEI's. I much prefer being able to swap a physical sim in and out of various phones on a whim.

I do like esim when travelling though. It's so nice to set up a secondary line ahead of time, and then just turn the e-sim on when I land.

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

sfy — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 21:46:30 GMT

eSIMs are free at Lucky, and they allow transfer from current accounts to eSIM.

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

Grinch — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 01:07:51 GMT

@computergeek541 Thanks for reassigning the post to the correct classification.

@sfy I have nooooo idea how your post is helpful! But thanks for the input. Also they (physical SIMs) are $4 at the Dollar Store and they say......"Then, follow the easy steps to activate the SIM and you’ll be enjoying our super cheap phone plans in no time. Plus, get a $20 Dollarama gift card after 2 months of service!" But who wants a BELL product?? Been there once and never again.

@everyonelse Thanks for your replies in regards to the "having a physical SIM" and I feel the same. To those of you that say it can't be done .... where did you get your info from?....I would like to confirm for sure! Too many good options to have a physical SIM for swapping and I am sure for other situations!!! I do see Apple has a routine to transfer "if" the carrier allows. See here.

I did contact PM over chat and here is their answer....it was positive.

I looked up on Telus and it too was positive.

No doubt that in the future there may only be eSim and a smooth fee-less transfer will be in place. . That will eliminate the whole production of SIM cards (fairly long off, until the majority of phones have dual or eSim only). But personally I would prefer the real McCoy. And will the eSim transfer/swap cover "any" situation for the need to transfer? For any of us that are getting Refer A Friend, this is a good bit of information to pass on.

So what I see....you CAN transfer the eSim. I have no idea what the email looks like and if that is the "only" way that PM issues the eSim?

Re: eSim, are they interchangeable?

Community_QA_ — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 02:31:13 GMT

@Grinch

i love eSIM for travel.

but for my PM ? nah, will never use it unless i need the sim slot for another carrier.