More than half of UK consumers say they would use an eSIM - if they knew about it

(Image credit: eSIM)

Report claims only 18% of UK consumers have used an eSIM
Growing opportunity for non-telecom companies to enter the eSIM market
56% of UK consumers prefer to use an eSIM to avoid roaming charges

A new survey conducted by BICS has suggested eSIM awareness in the UK is quite low, with only 18% of the respondents claiming to have used the technology.

However, when respondents were made aware of the benefits of an eSIM for international travel, more than half (56%) said they would consider using an eSIM to avoid roaming charges.

Interestingly, of the 2,100 UK adults surveyed, 31% responded they would buy an eSIM from a retailer or a travel company. Non-telecom brands have already started to capitalize on this trend but consumer knowledge is low, with 41% unsure if their phone supports an eSIM.

Non-telecom providers have a chance to tap into the growing eSIM market

The survey also suggests that even though eSIM awareness is low, the demand for eSIMs is on the rise with consumers looking for cost-effective ways to travel.

"eSIMs are a game-changing opportunity for brands across travel, retail, and beyond. Consumers are actively looking for cost-effective connectivity, and non-traditional providers with strong customer bases are in a prime position to meet this demand," noted Surash Patel, Chief Revenue Officer of Proximus Global.

We have seen a significant influx of new eSIMs in the market, with non-traditional players leading the charge. NordVPN launched Saily eSIM for business in September 2024. Shortly after, ExpressVPN announced its entry into the eSIM market with the launch of holiday.com.

"With the right approach, businesses can easily unlock new revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty by integrating eSIM into their offerings," Patel said.

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Udita Choudhary is an Editorial Assistant at TechRadar Pro where she looks after the eSIM vertical. She specializes in curating reviews and crafting deals. She also works on the affiliate side, managing the editorial needs of our diverse clientele. Her background is in Fashion Media where she has worked for publications such as Vogue Business, Marie Claire, and Grazia. She has an MA degree in Business and Economics from the University of Glasgow.