Regarding e-SIMs, will we be able to pick which number we want to use data on?

[donnation]

Currently I have two lines and I am excited at the prospect of E-Sim and only carrying one phone. I had a question on data though.

Will we be able to pick which number we want to use data on? One one line I have unlimited and the other I don't. My primary line has very limited data and I'd like to use the data on my secondary line. Will I be able to pick which line uses data?

 

[Tartarus]

Re: Question on e-Sim

Currently I have two lines and I am excited at the prospect of E-Sim and only carrying one phone. I had a question on data though.

Will we be able to pick which number we want to use data on? One one line I have unlimited and the other I don't. My primary line has very limited data and I'd like to use the data on my secondary line. Will I be able to pick which line uses data?

From what I have gathered from several news articles: Yes, you can choose what line to use for Data.
You can even set a line as ‘Primary’ for outgoing calls instead of choosing per call.

 

[TwitchyPuppy]

Re: Question on e-Sim

Yep. You get the choose the ‘Call & Text’ line and the date only one.

 

[donnation]

Re: Question on e-Sim

Thank you for the information!

 

[Harry Wild]

Re: Question on e-Sim

Will not be available until IOS 12.1 is release and carrier has to agree to go with it too! All 4 major carriers in U.S. have orally agree.

 

[C6TX6]

Re: Question on e-Sim

Probably won't see this supported before the end of the year at this rate.

 

[Raptor007]

Yeah, US carriers verbal agreements are worth nothing. I am sure they are trying to figure out how to charge $5-10 per month to use a second SIM. I am glad Apple went this route, perhaps in another 2-3 years we can have eSIM only in our phones which would be very nice.

 

[strikeIII]

Yeah, US carriers verbal agreements are worth nothing. I am sure they are trying to figure out how to charge $5-10 per month to use a second SIM. I am glad Apple went this route, perhaps in another 2-3 years we can have eSIM only in our phones which would be very nice.

Yeah who knows how these carriers are going to handle this. I installed the 12.1 beta 2 and it does enable the eSIM but when I called AT&T they said their systems are not ready to allow and probably by the end of the Month or when 12.1 is officially released. It would be nice if you use two lines from the same carrier like AT&T that the secondary will just be a $5 or $10 add-on rather than a full voice, text & data plan.

 

[bamf-hacker]

My AT&T rep is going to get me on a pilot to test eSIM functionality. As soon as I am set up I can test and verify

As a side note, if you want to have more than one carrier on a device it needs to be unlocked.

I will have a physical SIM through VzW and the eSIM through AT&T since the VzW devices are still unlocked.

 

[Les74]

Do you have to have an unlocked phone to have dual sim capabilities?

 

[Spencerdl]

Do you have to have an unlocked phone to have dual sim capabilities?

No, but you will only be able to use one carrier on that particular device. With an unlocked device you might be able to have different carriers with eSim, but I doubt it

 

[bamf-hacker]

No, but you will only be able to use one carrier on that particular device. With an unlocked device you might be able to have different carriers with eSim, but I doubt it

Not the case. If the device is unlocked you can have multiple carriers.

 

[Les74]

No, but you will only be able to use one carrier on that particular device. With an unlocked device you might be able to have different carriers with eSim, but I doubt it

Good. I want to use my work number with my personal and both are AT&T. Thanks.

 

[Spencerdl]

Not the case. If the device is unlocked you can have multiple carriers.

Ok will shall see. I wonder how your bill will look? A bill from Verizon for your main number and a bill from AT&T for your eSim? I not sure that would make business sense, but we shall see. Hopefully soon.

 

[bamf-hacker]

Yeah you will need to have an active contract for each SIM. It will also be two separate numbers etc.

No different if you have a personal line say through Vzw and a corporate line through VzW. You will still have two bills and two accounts.

If you wanted two numbers on your personal or two on your corporate account, you could do that as well, but would need to pay for a second line of service.

 

[Tartarus]

Exactly, the eSim and the physical SIM will each have their own unique IMEI number. Your device will be considered two devices instead of one.

 

[Spencerdl]

Yeah you will need to have an active contract for each SIM. It will also be two separate numbers etc.

No different if you have a personal line say through Vzw and a corporate line through VzW. You will still have two bills and two accounts.

If you wanted two numbers on your personal or two on your corporate account, you could do that as well, but would need to pay for a second line of service.

Oh I understand the concept. But do you think AT&T will give you a $10 (estimating) for a eSim number and your main account is with Verizon...nope not going to happen. That would not make any business sense, but once again we shall see.

 

[Spencerdl]

Exactly, the eSim and the physical SIM will each have their own unique IMEI number. Your device will be considered two devices instead of one.

This is true...I just check and my Xs Max has a second IMEI number.

 

[Spencerdl]

Just got off the phone with Apple Tech Support...yes you will be able to have two different carriers with the eSim only being supported by GSM if your Xs and Xs MAX is unlocked.

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT209044

 

[Tartarus]

Oh I understand the concept. But do you think AT&T will give you a $10 (estimating) for a eSim number and your main account is with Verizon...nope not going to happen. That would not make any business sense, but once again we shall see.

In theory no carrier should have to charge extra for the eSim. Just for the line as if you’re using 2 phones.
That’s why I said what I said about two IMEIs.