topic Existing PM customer looking to switch from SIM to eSIM - can I keep my existing phone number? in Get Support

Existing PM customer looking to switch from SIM to eSIM - can I keep my existing phone number?

canada_one — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:26:33 GMT

When I purchase an eSIM on the PM app, do I need to do anything special to make sure I keep my existing phone number?

Re: Existing PM customer looking to switch from SIM to eSIM - can I keep my existing phone number?

hairbag1 — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:07:43 GMT

your PM cell number can be used with your esim.

I thought of getting esim but reconsidered after finding out that the esim will only work on the original phone you got it for. If you need to get a new phone...you need to get a new esim whereas the hard sim can just be removed from old phone and installed in new phone.

Re: Existing PM customer looking to switch from SIM to eSIM - can I keep my existing phone number?

BKNS27 — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:18:17 GMT

@canada_one

You will need to purchase an eSIM then just change the SIM card number on your account.

Re: Existing PM customer looking to switch from SIM to eSIM - can I keep my existing phone number?

rikray — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:00:30 GMT

Just follow the esim instructions when you purchase it through the app on the phone you want the esim installed on. it will move your number to the esim automatically. using an esim is good if you intend to travel as you will have a physical sim slot open if you cannot get an esim for your destination.

Re: Existing PM customer looking to switch from SIM to eSIM - can I keep my existing phone number?

pmbc — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:24:59 GMT

@hairbag1 wrote:
@canada_one
your PM cell number can be used with your esim.
I thought of getting esim but reconsidered after finding out that the esim will only work on the original phone you got it for. If you need to get a new phone...you need to get a new esim whereas the hard sim can just be removed from old phone and installed in new phone.

Absolutely this is a flaw with how the carriers have implemented esims. It makes even less sense if you consider that esim is just virtual and sim is physical. The telcos make more to resell you the esim to move to a new device. I believe that telcos can transfer esim from one device to another but they choose to charge for it. Maybe once esims become the norm they'll no longer be able to charge for it. Who will be the revolutionary telco to make esim permanently free?? lol