AIRTEL FIRST TO LAUNCH eSIM TECHNOLOGY IN TANZANIA

Airtel Tanzania Director of Communications, Beatrice Singano (left) and Tanzanian artist, Naseeb Abdul - fondly known as Diamond Platnumz, who is also Airtel Tanzania Ambassador (centre) display a placard after launching eSIM (embedded SIM) - a digital SIM that enables customers to access the same functionality as a physical SIM available in the market. Looking on is Airtel Device Manager, James Ngau.

• Now customers can use up to 5 different SIM-card using a single phone.

Dar es Salaam March 16th, 2023: Airtel Tanzania the Smartphone Network has taken the lead in the market by launching eSIM (embedded SIM) – a digital SIM that enables customers to access the same functionality like physical SIM available in the market. Airtel Tanzania becomes the first telecommunications mobile services provider in the country to launch eSIM.

Instead of a physical and removable SIM, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a form of programmable SIM card that is embedded directly onto the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) chip permanently attached to your phone.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the launch, Airtel Tanzania Director of Communications Beatrice Singano said that Airtel has paved the way to be the first eSIM provider in Tanzania. We have been investing in innovative products and services that fit the daily digital lives of our customers, the launch of the eSIM is a testimony of our commitment to Tanzania and how we implement the company’s vision.

‘With the introduction of eSIM in the country, Airtel continues to stay ahead as far as innovation is concerned giving Airtel customers convenience, affordability and flexibility while championing technological advancement by creating innovative platforms and opportunities that make life simpler’, added Singano.

She added eSIM service is now available on the Airtel network and customers who wish to switch their current physical SIM cards to eSIM will need to visit any Airtel Shop in the country and be guided to swap their SIM to an eSIM.

Customers can also add a new number onto the eSIM, while continue using the existing physical SIM. With eSIM from Airtel Tanzania, they no longer need to have several phones to accommodate the sim card and can use up to five numbers with a single phone.

Even customers of other operators can take Airtel number on their eSIM if they have an eSIM compatible phone.

‘Not all phones are compatible with eSIM. However, a customer can dial *#06# to see whether their phone supports eSIM. On dialling *#06# for compatible phones an EID number will be displayed’, said Singano, adding that an eSIM card cannot be removed or stolen, whereas removable SIM cards are sometimes stolen, and used in scams hence high security.

Singano said that with eSIM, a customer can use up to five different sim cards/ mobile numbers with a single phone and avoid the unnecessary burden of carrying more than one handset. ‘We are confident that our customers will quickly move to our eSIM for what it delivers Airtel Tanzania continues to ensure seamless and affordable services to all’, she said.

Tanzanian renowned artist who is also Airtel Tanzania Ambassador, Diamond Platnumz applauded Airtel for always being ahead with technology and promised to continue championing the company’s brand.

‘I am very proud to be part of the Airtel family, today eSIM launch connotes Airtel's focus to continue with the innovation of its products and service as it ensures customers’ daily needs are met’. Diamond said that ‘eSIM offers several benefits over the traditional SIM cards as;

• It provides an easy extra line as you can use two numbers without needing two phones/handsets,
• It is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.
• If you are a frequent traveller, you will find the eSIM very convenient for switching network operators and no longer need to fear damaging your SIM card.
• And it is planet-friendly (plastic free/zero carbon emission)

‘eSIM can be connected to a compatible Smartwatch, especially for people who like sports like jogging. You can take a walk while connected to eSIM through your Smartwatch and keep communicating thus ensuring the safety of your phone, added Diamond.

It is quick and simple to set up eSIM, visit any Airtel shop and our customer care executive will walk you through the process of setting up your eSIM.