Samsung announces Gear S2 classic model with GSMA e-SIM

Today, Samsung has announced that it will be releasing a new Gear S2 classic model which comes equipped with a GSMA standardized e-SIM. This will be the first consumer device on the market to feature such an e-SIM.

For those unfamiliar, an e-SIM replaces the physical SIM cards that we have become accustomed to with a small embedded chip, which cannot be removed. The compact size of a chip is certainly much more suited to the smartwatch form factor and customers will be able to simply download a mobile network operator’s profile to the watch to get themselves connected.

Samsung has been working with a number of global operators to ensure compliance with the GSMA Consumer Remote SIM Provisioning architecture, including: M1 Limited, Orange, Singtel, StarHub Ltd., Telefónica, TeliaSonera, and Vodafone Group, among others. In other words, this isn’t a proprietary Samsung e-SIM that might lock you out of some networks. Using the GSMA standard should allow for easy switching between operators and upgrading of contracts.

“We worked closely with the mobile industry to create a global and interoperable specification that gives consumers with a mobile subscription the freedom to remotely connect their devices to a mobile network. This is just the beginning of what is possible and will open up the market to new and exciting device.” – Jean-Christophe Tisseuil, Head of SIM, GSMA

As well as doing away with physical SIM cards in mobile products, e-SIM technology is also seen as a crucial development for internet-of-things device and machine-to-machine communication. Automatic and wireless updating of carrier information, as well as more discrete hardware, will help to bring many more devices online and make managing their connections much easier.

The new Gear S2 classic 3G equipped with GSMA-compliant eSIM will be available for purchase in March.