For further information,
please contact:
Legal Alerts
09/06/2022

Turkey Introduces Domestic eSIM Technology

Legal Alerts
IT & Communications
General

 

Recent Development

Turkey introduced its new domestic and national eSIM technology on December 24, 2020. The Minister and the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure and the President of Information Technologies and Communication Authority (“ITCA“) presented the new technology to the public.

What is eSIM technology?

eSIM is a technology that enables the remote use of SIM features without the need for a physical SIM card. eSIM allows device users to swap between operators remotely by granting them simultaneous access to multiple mobile operators’ profiles. Detailed information about eSIM technology is available on the GSM Association’s (GSMA) website.

What Does This Development Mean?

The ITCA elucidated its approach regarding the provision of machine to machine communication services via foreign eSIM technologies and its intention to locate servers to be used for eSIM technologies in Turkey in its decision dated February 12, 2019 and no. 2019/DK-TED/053.

The ITCA reinforced its position with the entry of a domestic player into the eSIM technology market, where previously there was no domestic alternative. In this regard, dimensional regulatory changes will likely occur.

Conclusion

The eSIM technology, which is completely domestic and national, is of utmost importance for IoT (internet of things) users, operators and technology-oriented companies operating or intending to operate in Turkey. The development is expected to have legislative implications in the near future.