Several reports have surfaced about the availability of the Smart Prepaid eSIM on its website, but the direct link to the product seems to be no longer available. It also looks like there’s already a dedicated page for it that’s complete with information.
Why was it taken down? we can only guess. But if anything, it’s highly likely already in the pipeline, and will be the first prepaid eSIM in the country, which is a huge thing, as many devices that are compatible with an eSIM are already locally available for purchase.
Smart’s official store on Shopee also has a placeholder post for it, and some posts have surfaced showing an actual retail prepaid eSIM. According to the post, you’ll get a new number, and that you cannot convert a physical prepaid SIM into an eSIM just yet.
What is an eSIM?
Basically, an eSIM is a digital SIM that gives you access to cellular networks without the need for a physical SIM card. Depending on the device, you can install more than one eSIM. (The iPhone for example, accepts up to 8 or more eSIMs).
How Much is the Smart Prepaid eSIM?
While Smart is yet to make a formal announcement, the Shopee listing shows that the Smart Prepaid eSIM is priced at PHP 99. Whether that’s a placeholder or not remains to be seen. It’ll come with up to 21 GB of data along with free calls and texts to all networks for 7 days.
What Devices Accept an eSIM?
Some devices that are compatible with an eSIM that are available in the Philippines – Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold4, Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro, HONOR Magic4 Pro, HONOR Magic5 Pro, and the OnePlus 11. For iPhones, it’s from the iPhone 14 series down to the iPhone XR.
So, will you be getting yourself a Smart Prepaid eSIM when it becomes available? why or why not? let us know in the comments!
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
