Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, recently announced in a press release on Monday that Egypt plans to launch e-SIM cards within the next two months.
Compared to physical SIM cards, e-SIMs allow users to switch between mobile operators directly through their phone’s settings without the need to physically remove the previous SIM card.
This is not the first time Egypt has intended to introduce e-SIMs. In 2022, Telecom Egypt announced that it had successfully completed initial tests for operating e-SIMs on its networks in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure technical readiness and optimal service delivery.
e-SIMs offer several benefits for both individuals and companies. They eliminate the need for physical SIM swaps, a particularly helpful feature for frequent travelers.
For companies, e-SIMs enable efficient management of mobile fleets, reducing the administrative burdens and logistics associated with traditional SIM cards.
Individuals can easily switch between mobile plans, fostering competition among operators and potentially leading to cost savings over time. e-SIMs also contribute to reducing electronic waste since there are no physical SIM cards to dispose of or recycle.
In Egypt’s competitive telecom market, the introduction of e-SIMs is expected to intensify the rivalry between Egypt’s four main telecoms. Operators will compete for customers by offering innovative services and competitive pricing.
Pending regulatory approval from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority, Telecom Egypt and other operators are preparing to launch e-SIM services to consumers.
The MCIT minister also revealed that the ICT sector remains Egypt’s fastest-growing sector over the past six years, recording more than 16% growth in the previous fiscal year.
