Why eSIM Is the Next Big Move for ISPs

Jan de Vries · 2026-05-05

Could your ISP become your mobile provider too? It's a question more internet service providers are asking themselves, and the answer is looking like a yes. Consumers today expect to be connected everywhere—at home, at work, on the go. While ISPs have long been the backbone of home connectivity, mobile networks now play an equally vital role. That shift creates a real opportunity for ISPs to expand beyond broadband. Here's the thing: connectivity doesn't stop at your front door anymore. We switch between Wi-Fi and mobile networks constantly. Streaming at home, working remotely, traveling—it's all part of one connected life. And mobile connectivity has become the natural extension of that experience. ### The mobile economy is massive Consider this: according to GSMA, mobile technologies generated $7.6 trillion in economic value in 2025—that's 6.4% of global GDP. Meanwhile, about 70% of the world's population now subscribes to mobile services. These numbers make one thing clear: connectivity is no longer tied to a single location. Providers that ignore this risk getting left behind. For ISPs, this isn't a threat—it's a chance. By adding mobile to their lineup, they can stay relevant throughout the customer's entire day, not just inside the home. ### How eSIM makes it easy eSIM technology is the key. Unlike old-school SIM cards that need physical installation, eSIMs are fully digital. You can activate mobile service instantly, switch providers with a few taps, and manage multiple profiles on one device. Adoption is accelerating fast. Forecasts predict over 3 billion eSIM-compatible smartphones by 2030, with eSIM making up 42% of all SIM tech by the end of the decade. CCS Insight research shows 73% of travelers are considering a travel eSIM for their next trip—and 86% of past users would use one again. That's strong intent. For ISPs, the beauty of eSIM is simplicity. No physical inventory to manage, no new logistics. Just digital connectivity that integrates easily into existing platforms. Industry data from the eSIM Summit at MWC shows consumer use of eSIM from non-telco providers while traveling has grown about 50% year over year. That's a clear opening for ISPs to jump in. ### A new revenue stream Offering eSIM as a value-added service lets ISPs move beyond their core broadband and unlock new money-making opportunities. Mobile data plans become an add-on, giving customers the option to stay connected anywhere. Think eSIM data packages, roaming alternatives, or family plans that complement home broadband. But it's not just about revenue. eSIM can also boost customer retention. By bundling home and mobile, ISPs create a stickier service—one that's harder to leave. Here are some ways ISPs can leverage eSIM: - Offer travel eSIMs for customers going abroad - Create family plans that combine home and mobile data - Provide loyalty perks like discounted mobile data for broadband subscribers - Launch prepaid eSIM options for casual users The bottom line: eSIM gives ISPs a low-risk, high-reward way to grow. It meets customers where they are—connected everywhere—and turns a simple digital tool into a powerful business move. Hamish White, CEO of eSIM software provider Mobilise, puts it well: eSIM presents a valuable opportunity for ISPs to diversify services and unlock new revenue streams. The question isn't whether to explore it—it's how fast you can move.