One Mobile Phone Can Have Two Numbers

eSIMs can be used in smartphones in South Korea starting from Sep. 1, 2022.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on Dec. 21 that eSIMs can be used in smartphones in South Korea starting from Sep. 1, 2022.

“The eSIM service is based on electronic subscriber profile downloading and does not require USIM change,” it explained, adding, “With USIM and eSIM used at the same time, one mobile phone can be linked to two carriers and have two numbers.”
 

eSIM-related international standards were prepared in 2016 and a total of 175 mobile carriers in 69 countries adopted the service until the end of last year. In South Korea, KCT commercialized the service in July last year and the three major carriers are providing the service for smart watch users.

“USIM is recyclable but profile re-downloading on the eSIM is impossible now,” the ministry said, adding, “The GSM Association is currently developing a standard so that re-downloading becomes possible.”

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