The article explores using a 9eSIM SIM card to enable eSIM functionality on devices with only physical SIM slots. The 9eSIM card acts as a bridge, allowing users to provision and switch between multiple eSIM profiles on their device through a companion app, effectively turning a physical SIM slot into an eSIM-capable one. The author details their experience setting up and using the 9eSIM with both Android and Linux, highlighting the benefits of managing multiple eSIM profiles without needing a physically dual-SIM device. While the process isn't entirely seamless, particularly on Linux, the 9eSIM offers a practical workaround for using eSIMs on older or incompatible hardware.
This blog post by Neil Hughes explores a workaround for utilizing the convenience of eSIM profiles on devices limited by having only a physical SIM card slot. The author details his experience with the 9eSIM SIM card, a physical SIM card that acts as an intermediary, allowing users to store and switch between multiple eSIM profiles on devices that lack native eSIM support. He meticulously outlines the process, focusing on Android and Linux environments.
Hughes begins by explaining the limitations of physical SIM cards and the advantages offered by eSIM technology, such as the ability to switch between carriers without physically swapping SIMs and the potential for streamlined device setup. He then introduces the 9eSIM card as a solution for bridging this gap, describing it as a physical SIM card that essentially emulates eSIM functionality.
The core of the blog post lies in the step-by-step instructions for configuring the 9eSIM card. This involves downloading and installing the required Android application, scanning a QR code provided by 9eSIM to link the physical card with the user account, and then adding eSIM profiles to the 9eSIM account through the app. Hughes thoroughly explains the process of selecting a desired eSIM profile from within the app, which is then subsequently communicated to the physical 9eSIM card, effectively activating that chosen profile on the device.
The author further extends the discussion by detailing his experience integrating the 9eSIM card with Linux. He provides specific command-line instructions for interacting with the 9eSIM card using tools like qmicli, enabling users to manage eSIM profiles directly from a Linux terminal. This portion of the post showcases a more technical approach, offering a deeper level of control for users comfortable with command-line interfaces.
Throughout the post, Hughes incorporates screenshots to visually guide the reader through the different stages of configuration, making the process easier to follow. He emphasizes the convenience of being able to manage multiple eSIM profiles from a single physical card, highlighting the potential cost savings from utilizing data plans from different carriers depending on location or specific needs. He concludes by reflecting on his overall positive experience with the 9eSIM card, presenting it as a valuable solution for individuals who wish to leverage the benefits of eSIM technology on devices restricted to physical SIM cards. He also notes that while he focused on Android and Linux, the 9eSIM card theoretically supports iOS devices as well, although he has not personally tested that functionality.
Summary of Comments ( 96 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42767584
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and security implications of using a 9eSIM to bridge the gap between eSIM-only services and devices with physical SIM slots. Some expressed concerns about the security of adding another layer into the communication chain, questioning the trustworthiness of the 9eSIM provider and the potential for vulnerabilities. Others were skeptical of the use case, pointing out that most devices support either physical SIM or eSIM, not both simultaneously, making the 9eSIM's functionality somewhat niche. The lack of open-source firmware for the 9eSIM also drew criticism, highlighting the difficulty in independently verifying its security. A few commenters saw potential in specific situations, such as using the 9eSIM as a backup or for managing multiple eSIM profiles on a single physical SIM device. Overall, the sentiment was cautiously curious, with many acknowledging the cleverness of the solution but remaining hesitant about its real-world security and usefulness.
The Hacker News post discussing the use of eSIMs with physical SIM slots via a 9eSIM card has generated several comments exploring various aspects of the technology and its potential implications.
One user expresses skepticism about the practicality of the solution, pointing out the added cost and complexity compared to simply using a standard physical SIM card. They question the target audience for such a product, suggesting that individuals who frequently switch between SIM profiles are more likely to already possess eSIM-compatible devices. This comment highlights the niche nature of the 9eSIM solution and challenges its value proposition.
Another commenter raises concerns about the security implications of using the 9eSIM, particularly regarding the potential for cloning or unauthorized access. They question the robustness of the security measures implemented by the 9eSIM and express a preference for the inherent security of a physical SIM card. This concern reflects a broader anxiety surrounding the security of digital SIM technologies compared to their physical counterparts.
A different perspective is offered by a user who sees the 9eSIM as a valuable tool for travelers, particularly those who require multiple SIM profiles for different regions or carriers. They highlight the convenience of switching between profiles without physically swapping SIM cards. This comment underscores a potential use case for the 9eSIM, catering to the needs of international travelers.
Further discussion revolves around the technical details of the 9eSIM's functionality, with one user inquiring about the specific method used to provision the eSIM profiles onto the card. This technical question demonstrates the curiosity surrounding the inner workings of the 9eSIM technology.
Finally, a commenter mentions the potential for using the 9eSIM as a backup solution in case of a lost or stolen phone. They suggest that the ability to quickly transfer a SIM profile to a different device could be a valuable feature. This comment expands the potential applications of the 9eSIM beyond its primary use case.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a mixed reception to the 9eSIM technology. While some users acknowledge its potential benefits for specific use cases like international travel or backup solutions, others express concerns about its cost, complexity, and security implications. The discussion also delves into the technical aspects of the technology, indicating a general interest in understanding its functionality.