Week of October 26 – November 1, 2025
1. 🏢 Forbes Analysis Highlights eSIM Awareness Gap Despite Strong Consumer Appetite
Despite eSIM technology being widely supported across mainstream devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google, only 33% of adults in the U.S., UK, and China understand what eSIM actually does, according to recent research. However, when informed of benefits, 49% of consumers are open to using the technology, rising to 60% in China. The global travel eSIM market is projected to exceed $3 billion by 2033, driven by 1.8 billion annual international travelers by 2030. Forbes analysis indicates non-traditional suppliers including banks, travel companies, hotel chains, and supermarkets are well-positioned to capitalize on cross-sell and upsell opportunities, leveraging direct customer relationships to accelerate adoption.
Sources: – Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/10/28/why-esim-is-an-underrated-technology-that-businesses-shouldnt-ignore/ – BICS Survey: https://bics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/eSIM-Survey-Report_Final.pdf
2. 📈 Mobile Operators Prepare eSIM Flood to Compete with Third-Party Providers
Mobile network operators are preparing to launch more travel eSIM services as third-party providers capture growing market share. According to Juniper Research, travel eSIM revenues will reach $1.8 billion by end of 2025, marking 85% growth from 2024. Connectivity-as-a-Service platforms have lowered technical barriers, enabling smaller agile providers to offer digital-first solutions. By 2026, major mobile operators are expected to introduce their own travel eSIM services alongside traditional roaming to retain revenues and prevent further market share erosion. Competition is intensifying as consumers increasingly demand flexible, affordable international connectivity options that challenge established telecommunications business models.
Sources: – TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/pro/phone-communications/mobile-networks-set-to-flood-market-with-esim-to-fend-off-competition-from-smaller-rivals – Juniper Research: https://www.juniperresearch.com/press/travel-esims-surge-as-roaming-alternative/
3. 🚗 Motive Enables Seamless eSIM Activation for Connected Cars in Latin America
Motive has partnered with a leading Central and South American operator to bring seamless mobile connectivity to a luxury European automotive brand’s vehicles in Mexico. The solution, powered by Motive’s Entitlement Server, enables drivers to link their mobile identities directly to vehicles using eSIM technology and GSMA standards. This automotive-first deployment allows drivers to activate mobile subscriptions upon entering vehicles, delivering personalized connected experiences for entertainment, navigation, and communication. The solution manages 1.8 billion devices across 150+ global deployments and will expand across the operator’s regional affiliates, ultimately connecting tens of millions of vehicles.
Sources: – Business Wire: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251031122265/en/Motive-Brings-Seamless-eSIM-Activation-to-Luxury-European-Automotive-Brand-in-Latin-America – Automotive World: https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/motive-enables-esim-activation-for-vehicles-in-mexico/
📊 Key Statistics This Week
- 8 billion – IoT cellular connections expected globally by 2030
- 8 billion – Devices managed by Motive across 150+ deployments
- $1.8 billion – Travel eSIM market revenue by end of 2025
- 85% – Year-over-year growth in travel eSIM revenues
- 33% – Consumer awareness of eSIM functionality (US, UK, China)
- 49% – Consumers open to eSIM when informed of benefits
- $3 billion – Projected global travel eSIM market by 2033
Newsletter prepared: November 1, 2025
Coverage period: October 26 – November 1, 2025
Total sources: 10 professional media and industry organizations