ComReg is trying to both facilitate more switching, and promote the uptake of eSIMs which remains low in Ireland
The adoption of OTA in Ireland will not be without challenges: The Irish regulator, ComReg, has opened a consultation on its approach to facilitate faster and easier switching between mobile operators. This would happen over-the-air (OTA) onto embedded SIMs (eSIMs) which have become increasingly common and will eventually replace traditional SIM cards. The new European Electronic Communications Code requires countries in the EU to promote OTA switching, and gives regulators the power to define OTA switching processes. In the consultation, ComReg highlighted that the Irish market lags behind its peers on eSIM adoption for consumer mobile services. Ireland is among the last countries in Europe to have any support for eSIMs. So far, only Vodafone has started supporting eSIMs for smartphones since July 2021. Three announced it for some time in 2021 but has not yet started, and Eir has not communicated any plan. There is also low consumer awareness of eSIMs, despite the relatively high adoption of eSIM enabled smartphones in the country.
A strategy to facilitate eSIM adoption and OTA switching: To address these challenges, ComReg proposes a comprehensive strategy made up of nine actions, including among others the development of guidance for OTA switching for consumer mobile services. This will help MNOs design their OTA provisioning processes. Switching for M2M devices will also be addressed, with ComReg looking to strengthen provisions in M2M contracts regarding OTA switching. Awareness campaigns should promote the benefits of eSIMs to consumers and industry, involving Government and industry bodies in sectors such as medical technology, engineering, food and drink, and small businesses. While ComReg believes no action is currently needed to protect MVNOs, as part of the strategy it will monitor their access to OTA provisioning. ComReg proposes that MNOs enable fully digital consumer activation, switching and porting journeys for eSIM-enabled smartphones within 12 months of the adoption of the strategy. The regulator’s consultation is open until 17 December.
Source: https://www.comreg.ie/comreg-consults-on-faster-easier-over-the-air-mobile-switching
