Ever heard of a mobile network that treats customers like owners? Neither had we, so we created Slice. Our goal was to build a better network, and we believe the best way to do that is by co-creating with you. So, we’re handing over the decision-making power to our customers. As part of Slice, you’ll be invited to an exclusive community of Slicers, gaining insights into our future features and benefits. You’ll collaborate directly with Slice HQ to ensure we are building a better network that our customers really want to be a part of.

We wanted the network to reflect the changing needs and demands of mobile network users who are increasingly disillusioned with their current providers. As you can imagine that is no easy feat - there is so much to consider when building a product from the ground up. So when building the product architecture we wanted to make sure that everything laddered up to a customer experience that is frictionless, friendly and flexible and reflected the needs and wants of our target customer.

One of the earliest decisions we made was for Slice to be the UK’s first eSIM-only mobile network. We’ve seen how fast the eSIM market is growing, it aligns with our audience who want more sustainable options and the ability to make a switch instantly, which means that the choice to go eSIM was a no brainer for us.

All the other telcos in the UK have used standard physical SIM process as their main model and have adjusted this slightly to introduce eSIM offerings, which can make for a clunky experience for customers. This challenged us as a team to deliver something that is an industry first by starting from the ground-up and creating a bespoke UX that would deliver a seamless end to end experience.

As a fairly new concept to many, I thought that I’d share my eSIM 101 with you all so that you can make the most of all that it can offer if you join Slice.

So what is an eSIM?

Whether you are thinking “What the hell is an eSIM?” or if you have an eSIM downloaded already, let’s start by introducing what an eSIM really is. An eSIM or “Embedded Subscriber Identity Module” if you want to sound clever, is a digital version of the physical SIM card, which can be downloaded onto your device. Think of it like using Apple or Google pay instead of your physical card, same functionality just more convenient.

Why should you care?

eSIM is the future - it will be the norm in a few years with all devices being eSIM only, so we are just getting ahead of the curve. We know that not everyone is fully aware of just how many benefits eSIM actually has, so let me take you through some of the key ways in which eSIM can benefit you.

Switch instantly. With eSIMs, there's no hassle. They can be installed onto your phone in minutes, so no waiting for a SIM to arrive in the post or trying to poke your phone with that weird needle thing.

Environmental impact. eSIMs help us to run more sustainably, so by switching to eSIM, you aren't contributing to the 6 billion SIM cards that are made and shipped around the world every year. The carbon footprint of plastic SIMs is approximately 46% higher than eSIMs - it’s an obvious switch.

Flexibility. eSIMs allow you to hold multiple numbers on the same device, so you can easily switch between networks or have multiple plans without having to swap out SIM cards (or risk losing them). You can try out a new network alongside your current provider, or you can have your work and personal number on the same phone, rather than carrying around a separate device.

Security. eSIMs are more secure than physical SIMs because they can't be removed if your phone is lost or stolen, so it's a bit more protection from fraudsters. How do I set it up?

To get started all you need to do is download our app and sign up to Slice, then for iOS and Android we have provided a ‘one click installation’ process within the app, and then your eSIM will be fully activated and ready to use. Not only is it a speedy set up but you can also try our network for a week before committing to one of our plans.

Ready to try eSIM?

If you’ve got this far, we’re hoping you’re wondering why doesn’t everyone have an eSIM? Not only can we assure you that physical SIMs will be some distant memory of the past, but the endless benefits that eSIMs bring alongside the ease of switching will make your mobile experience that bit better. So what are you waiting for?

Once you’re all set-up, don’t forget to join our exclusive community of Slicers and help us co-create Slice.