Surface devices have been at the forefront of innovation for over a decade, with their flagship products such as Surface Pro and Surface Go redefining productivity on the go with the 2-in-1 detachable form factor. Currently, another groundbreaking technology—eSIM (embedded SIM)—is being integrated into these devices, including Surface Pro 9 with 5G, Surface Pro 8 with LTE, and Surface Go 3 with LTE.
Unlike conventional SIM cards, eSIMs are digital and can be remotely activated and managed by your mobile operator or organization. This feature allows users to connect to cellular data virtually anywhere, without the need for a physical SIM card, offering the potential for both work and personal profiles on the same device.
As an individual customer, the Mobile Plans app lets you sign up for a data plan and acquire an eSIM. However, the real game-changer is the new integration facilitated by Surface, Windows, and Intune Teams for organizations requiring large-scale eSIM deployment and management.
These teams have come together to streamline the process of eSIM deployment, minimizing friction, time, and costs for users and IT admins alike, and keeping productivity high no matter where users are located. This initiative builds upon our early commitment to eSIM technology made back in 2019, which aimed to offer connectivity out of the box in more than 100 countries.
Why should organizations embrace eSIM? The benefits are multifaceted:
- Simplified device management: eSIMs allow IT departments to remotely activate or change carrier profiles via Microsoft Intune, mitigating the need for physical access.
- Cost savings: By eliminating physical SIM cards and associated expenses, companies can save on inventory, logistics, and handling costs. Plus, easy carrier switching can lead to competitive pricing.
- Streamlined device deployment: IT departments can quickly deploy new devices without waiting for physical SIM cards, accelerating the onboarding process.
- Greater flexibility: eSIM technology allows seamless switching between carriers or adding a plan, enabling companies to adapt to changing business needs with minimal disruption.
- Enhanced security: eSIMs are less susceptible to theft, tampering, or cloning, and can’t be resold to third parties. IT departments can remotely manage and update eSIM profiles via Intune, ensuring devices remain secure and compliant.
Currently, eSIM is supported on the Surface Pro 9 with 5G, Surface Pro 8 with LTE, and Surface Go 3 with LTE. For availability, check with your regional wireless operator or refer to the Windows Mobile Plans app. More devices and carriers will be added in the future.
The future of eSIM technology looks promising, with Surface devices pioneering a seamless transition to this digital solution. The collaboration between Surface, Windows, and Intune Teams has set a new standard in device management and connectivity, creating an environment that truly enables productivity anywhere, anytime.
To learn more, see eSIM bulk activation via download server.
