Esim for business - explain it to me like I'm 5

[KDC1]

Hi all, 

I am interested in learning about esims to use as a separate business line, as my current free app isn't cutting it. 

1. If I purchase the esim on my old phone (iphone 😎 and get a new iphone (16e) will there be issues transferring it?

2. Do I get a whole separate phone plan and bill for the esim line?

Thank you!

[hTideGnow]

hi @KDC1 

you can have 2 sim with 2 different carriers

since you have a physical sim with your person phone number, you can keep it.  Then ask setup an esim with your business number.  Honest, it really does not matter which one is esim which one is physical

And if you are still a bit confused, it is good to bring it to an Apple store for in person support

[KDC1]

I didn't realize it was an option to have 2 plans with 2 different carriers! I assumed both the physical sim and the eSim would have to be with Public. 

I am still quite confused, my current physical sim is linked to my personal number and is active. I wonder if the Apple store would help me with this? I will have to inquire.

[slusagm]

So, you want both accounts with PM?

I would download PM app, activate the physical sim first.  After done activation, test it

Then uninstall and reinstall PM app, use ANOTHER email to create another account for esim and complete the activation

[KDC1]

Can you help with step by step instructions on how to go about this? Apple store has recommended eSim be my personal, and physical sim be business.

1. Buy new iPhone

2. How do I go about getting my number on the eSim once purchased through Public's add ons? How do I go about setting up the business number? I am assuming I'm in for a whole new phone number and not my current Fongo number, which isn't the end of the world. 

Thanks so much!

[Dunkman]

@KDC1 

As mentioned, you will need to download the PM app on your new phone (ie. 16e), login into your PM account and then purchase another eSIM (should be free) and the new eSIM will be installed on new phone.  The old eSIM on old phone will be inactivated. 

[umnikke8]

Basically 2 different issues you've brought up.

First the difference between SIMs. Traditionally a SIM was a physical card that you put in your phone. Now there is the option of using an eSIM instead, basically electronic code that you download into your phone. Both do the same job, providing a unique ID to identify your phone to the network. It is how all the billing and authorizations happen. For iPhone you need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later to support eSIM. To transfer a SIM you just move the card between phones, for an eSIM, Public doesn't allow eSIM transfers currently, but you can transfer service by creating a new eSIM on the new phone, this is generally free. You could also transfer to a physical SIM card later if you wanted, but you generally have to pay for that. Note that many modern phones allow you to have 2 lines on the phone at the same time, 1 SIM and 1 eSIM or 2 eSIMs.

The second issue about creating a separate business line. Yes you would create a second account/line/number. For Public this requires creating a separate account, with a separate plan and billing. For some other providers you might be able to bundle multiple lines into one account with combined plans and billing.