Mobile networks are the silent force powering much of today’s digital innovation. Every Uber ride, LinkedIn like and podcast stream is made possible by a network. But as demand for high-speed data grows, the way we access mobile services is undergoing a fundamental shift—welcome to the era of embedded connectivity.
Brands across industries, from neobank giants like Nubank to investment apps like Wealthsimple, are embedding connectivity in their products, turning mobile from a mere commodity to a fully digital service, seamlessly embedded in the products we use daily.
For consumers, this means more choice, more customization and a more personalized user experience. For brands, it’s not only an opportunity to tap into a $1T+ mobile market, but a chance to provide users with a truly essential service, strengthening product stickiness.
What is embedded connectivity?
Embedded connectivity is the integration of mobile services into devices, apps, and digital platforms. In the past, only telecom operators like T-Mobile and AT&T were able to supply connectivity to consumers. But today, any brand can add eSIMs to their product offering through a simple integration.
Embedded connectivity has made global networks programmable, interoperable and automated, opening the door for innovative businesses to reimagine how consumers access and experience mobile services.
What is an eSIM?
An embedded SIM (eSIM) connects users to a mobile network without the need for a physical SIM card. In practice, eSIMs make it possible for consumers to buy a new phone plan online and get connected instantly, rather than going to a shop or waiting for a physical SIM to arrive in the mail. This makes it much easier for users to switch providers or purchase additional plans for work, travel, or secondary devices like smartwatches.
By removing the need for cumbersome physical SIM cards, eSIMs have ushered mobile connectivity into an age of digital distribution.
The global eSIM market is growing rapidly as devices become eSIM-first and, in many cases, eSIM only. By 2030, it’s predicted that 98% of US smartphone connections will use eSIM. The opportunity for brands that can harness the convenience of eSIMs to convert users to their own mobile services is huge.
Forecast share of total smartphone connections using eSIM by 2023How do consumers benefit from embedded connectivity?
According to YouGov, 35% of Americans want to switch carriers for a better deal.
35% of American want to switch carriers for a better dealHowever, 49% of Americans believe switching to a new provider will be too much hassle.
Half of Americans think changing network carriers is too much hassleEmbedded connectivity eliminates that hassle, allowing consumers to choose the mobile plan they want and connect instantly with a tap of a button.
What's more, tech companies are experts at disrupting traditional industries and turning outdated consumer services into digital experiences that customers genuinely enjoy.
Take fintech for example. Neobanks like Chime and Varo have amassed millions of customers in short order by offering customer-centric features such as cashback and early paycheck access—all delivered through a sleek, user-friendly app.
HR tech tells a similar story. Platforms such as Rippling and Deel have turned cumbersome processes like payroll and expense management into seamless, intuitive workflows, making life easier for both employees and employers.
Tech companies are perfectly positioned to bring the same innovation to telecom, turning phone plans from a mere commodity into a customer-centric service that users really value.
Embedded connectivity use cases
Fintech
Two life essentials, one app.
Bundles: Boost attach rates by pairing mobile connectivity with complementary products like credit builder cards and insurance.
Smartphone financing: Drive acquisition rates by offering the latest smartphone with a mobile plan customers will love.
Family plans: Attract and retain a whole new generation of customers by combining mobile services with under-18 bank accounts.
Travel made easy: Earn platform loyalty by saving your customers from roaming fees, with travel eSIMs that activate in a tap.
HR Tech
Programmatic phone plans for modern teams.
Security: Protect against telecom scams by managing eSIMs programmatically.
Simplicity: Make life easy, with one contract and invoice across carriers and countries.
Seamless onboarding: New hires receive their eSIM via email or Slack and connect in a tap.
Automated offboarding: No termination fees, no security risks, no hassle. When employees leave, their eSIM deactivates instantly.
Easy travel: Say goodbye to roaming fees. Employees can request travel eSIMs with a click.
Devices
Turn one-time buyers into monthly subscribers.
User experience: Delight customers with devices that connect straight out of the box.
Stronger connections: Drive revenue by transforming one-off purchases into recurring subscriptions.
Tailored plans: Enjoy long-term customer loyalty, with phone plans that suit your audience perfectly.
Travel
Grow platform loyalty by offering your users the chance to bid ‘bon voyage’ to roaming fees.
No surprise bill: Eliminate a major stress point for your users and build unprecedented platform loyalty.
Point redemption: Add value to your rewards program by allowing users to redeem points for eSIMs.
Purchase incentive: Incentivize sign ups and repeat transactions by offering free travel data to customers.
Embed connectivity in your platform
The world’s most innovative tech brands launch mobile services to millions of users effortlessly with Gigs.
Our end-to-end telecom OS covers everything—from seamless network integration and elegant UX design to plan management and customer support.
With Gigs, your customers will connect to the world’s fastest networks in one tap, all without leaving your platform.
To find out more, get in touch.