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[TECHNOLOGY] · 3 sources

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Part of situation: Growth and security challenges of eSIM technology (15 clusters)

Travel eSIM demand projected to grow by one-third this year

travel eSIM international roaming mobile connectivity digital SIM telecommunications market

Global demand for travel eSIMs is projected to increase by one-third this year, as travelers increasingly adopt digital SIM profiles to avoid high international roaming fees. Market research firm FDM CCS Insight estimates that approximately 134 million eSIMs will be used worldwide this year, up from 101.8 million the previous year.

Data from provider Holafly indicates that consumer adoption rose from 19 percent in 2025 to 28.1 percent in 2026. The trend is particularly pronounced among European travelers, where eSIM uptake reaches 44.8 percent when traveling outside the European Union. Major market players include Airalo, Saily (developed by NordVPN), Sim Local, and Holafly.

This shift toward digital connectivity is reshaping the telecommunications industry. Companies like Kwetu Company are entering the market with platforms offering data access in over 190 countries. These services allow users to purchase data packages via QR codes or activation codes, integrating with local payment systems like Airtel Money. Experts note that eSIM technology allows compatible smartphones to store multiple profiles, enabling easier switching between network services without the need for physical SIM cards.

Entities

Airalo · Holafly · Kwetu Company · NordVPN · Saily

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Consumer adoption of eSIMs increased from 19 percent in 2025 to 28.1 percent in 2026. worldstockmarket.net
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Global eSIM usage rose from 101.8 million in the previous year. worldstockmarket.net
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] eSIM uptake among European travelers reaches 44.8 percent when traveling outside the European Union. worldstockmarket.net
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] eSIM technology allows compatible devices to store multiple SIM profiles and switch between network services without physical replacement. dailynews.co.tz
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 134 million eSIMs are projected to be used globally this year. worldstockmarket.net
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Kwetu Company offers mobile data access in more than 190 countries via its eSIM platform. dailynews.co.tz

Sources

Ways Budget Travelers Gain From an Affordable Travel eSIM [www.kannammacooks.com]
Travel eSIM usage projected to jump by a third this year [worldstockmarket.net]
eSIMs reshape business of international mobile connectivity [dailynews.co.tz]