Why Companies Are Switching Employees to eSIM

Forward-thinking companies are increasingly provisioning eSIMs for their traveling workforce. Beyond the convenience factor, eSIM technology offers enterprises significant advantages in cost management, security, and administrative efficiency. Here's why corporate IT departments are embracing this technology.

The Business Case for Enterprise eSIM

Cost Reduction

Traditional corporate international roaming is expensive:

• Carrier roaming contracts: Often $10-20+ per day per employee
• Data overage charges: Unpredictable and costly
• Administrative overhead: Managing multiple carriers and plans

eSIM alternative savings:

• 70-90% reduction in international data costs
• Fixed, predictable per-trip or per-employee pricing
• No surprise charges at month-end

Security Enhancement

eSIM offers security advantages over physical SIMs:

• No physical card to steal: Reduces SIM-swap attack vector
• Remote provisioning: Secure digital delivery
• Easier remote deactivation: If device is lost or stolen
• No retail store vulnerabilities: Eliminates social engineering risks

Administrative Efficiency

IT departments appreciate:

• Centralized provisioning capability
• No physical SIM logistics
• Instant activation for urgent travel
• Simplified expense tracking
• Easier device lifecycle management

Implementation Approaches

Centrally Managed

IT department handles all eSIM provisioning:

• Consistent policy enforcement
• Bulk purchasing discounts
• Controlled deployment
• Centralized cost tracking

Employee Self-Service

Employees purchase and expense:

• Flexibility for varying travel needs
• Lower administrative burden
• Standard expense reimbursement
• Guidelines and preferred vendors provided

Hybrid Approach

Most enterprises use combination:

• Approved vendor list
• Pre-negotiated corporate rates
• Employee self-provisioning
• Centralized expense tracking

ROI Analysis

Direct Savings Example

Company with 50 international travelers:

Traditional roaming:

• $15/day average × 50 travelers × 20 travel days/year = $15,000/year

eSIM approach:

• $15 average per trip × 50 travelers × 10 trips/year = $7,500/year

Annual savings: $7,500+ (50%)

Indirect Benefits

• Reduced administrative time
• Fewer expense disputes
• Improved employee satisfaction
• Better productivity through reliable connectivity

Policy Development

Corporate eSIM Policy Elements

1. Approved vendors: List of acceptable eSIM providers
2. Coverage requirements: Minimum acceptable destinations
3. Spending limits: Maximum per-trip or per-GB cost
4. Reimbursement process: How to submit expenses
5. Security requirements: VPN usage, approved apps

Sample Policy Language

"Employees traveling internationally may purchase travel eSIM data plans from approved vendors. Plans should be sized appropriately for trip duration. Expenses are reimbursable with receipt documentation. VPN must be enabled when using any public network."

Device Management Considerations

BYOD Environments

When employees use personal devices:

• eSIM separate from personal SIM
• Clear work/personal data separation
• MDM integration possibilities

Corporate-Owned Devices

Greater control options:

• Pre-configured eSIM profiles
• Remote deployment capability
• Centralized management
• Easier compliance enforcement

Common Concerns Addressed

"What about voice calls?"

Most travel eSIMs are data-only, but:

• WiFi calling over data works well
• VoIP apps (Teams, Zoom) for calls
• Original SIM remains for voice if needed

"Is it reliable enough for business?"

eSIM partnerships with major carriers ensure:

• Quality network access
• Consistent coverage in business centers
• Reliable enough for Fortune 500 adoption

"How do we handle support issues?"

• Choose providers with business support
• Have backup options for critical travelers
• Train employees on basic troubleshooting

Getting Started

Pilot Program

1. Select group of frequent travelers
2. Choose preferred eSIM vendor
3. Run 3-month pilot
4. Collect feedback and cost data
5. Refine policy based on learnings
6. Roll out company-wide

Success Metrics

• Cost per employee travel day
• Support tickets related to connectivity
• Employee satisfaction scores
• Adoption rate

MerrSim for Enterprise

MerrSim supports corporate travel programs:

• Volume considerations: Scalable for organizations of any size
• Consistent pricing: Predictable costs for budgeting
• Global coverage: 190+ countries for diverse travel needs
• Receipt documentation: Easy expense reporting
• Reliable service: Quality networks for business use

Contact us to discuss how MerrSim can support your corporate travel connectivity needs.