Latest news with #eSIM
The Journal
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Gaza's blackouts: 'You might be killed for trying to have internet access at public points'
Hana Salah Palestinian journalist GAZA HAS BEEN offline completely for days at a time over the past month. Between 12 and 14 June, there was a full blackout across the the Strip. It takes me back to October 2023 when Israel's bombardment began and I vanished from the digital world because of the targeting of the main lines providing Gaza telecommunication companies with the internet. In the face of repeated communication blackouts in Gaza, eSIM cards have become the only lifeline for many. On 12 June, the Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority confirmed that all internet and landline services had been cut across Gaza following Israeli strikes on telecom infrastructure — part of what it described as a 'systematic targeting' that has digitally isolated the territory. With traditional networks down, digital SIM cards — often purchased abroad and activated by scanning a QR code — allowed some residents to connect to foreign networks, mainly Israeli or Egyptian. These fragile connections became critical for staying in touch with relatives or reporting the war's realities to the outside world. Back to October 2023, the network collapsed within days. I could no longer check in with my UN manager to say I was still alive — part of a daily headcount we'd become accustomed to. I couldn't even share my GPS location as my family and I fled from one strike zone to the next, obeying shifting evacuation orders or sudden strikes. Each move cut us off from what little protection systems we had. At one point, my manager offered me a satellite phone. But in Gaza, carrying one could get you killed. At hospitals and checkpoints, such devices are seen with suspicion especially by Hamas agents or militants — because they are often assumed to be used by spies. I refused to hold it. Instead, I relied on an eSIM — a digital SIM card — my American friend Aideen had given me. It worked, sometimes. I'd climb rooftops or stairwells, searching for the faintest signal. Occasionally, I could send a message, file a report, or simply say: 'We are still here, alive or just send them a funny emoji amid the hell.' (The editor of The Journal was also a frequent receiver of these messages, gifs and emojis.) But the risk never went away. During blackouts, even holding a phone in the wrong place could invite suspicion — or worse. To access the internet in Rafah, before it was evacuated, a mobile phone equipped with an eSIM was placed on top of a wooden pole outside a tent. The phone's signal was shared via hotspot to connect the displaced family living nearby. Aideen Byrne, 29, an international law expert based in the United States and a close friend, has been part of a volunteer initiative called Crips for eSIMs for Gaza. The group has distributed hundreds of eSIMs to journalists and civilians across Gaza — a quiet but vital effort to keep people connected in the darkest of times. We moved to new shelter in Deir al-Balah in November 2023, where my family sheltered in the middle of the Strip and the internet was even more unstable. The higher you went, the better the chance of catching a signal using the Israeli eSIM. But our building's rooftop was locked. Advertisement One neighbour kindly shared access to their connection — an act of quiet generosity in a war defined by loss. Weeks later, that rooftop was hit. Two rockets tore through it and our neighbour who provided me with the internet line was killed with his family while my family survived. I had just returned from searching for food. As I walked back toward the building, I heard the blast. Smoke rose from where my family had been sheltering. For a moment, I collapsed. My knees buckled under the fear that they were gone. Seconds later, I ran inside — alongside others — to help pull out the wounded. Somehow, my family survived. The strike appeared to target the telecommunications and internet relay equipment on the rooftop — a setup similar to many across Gaza in the early days of the war. These makeshift signal poles were often assumed to be linked to Hamas infrastructure, and as a result, rooftop communication devices became. In Gaza, for every story I reported, there were others I couldn't get to. Others I couldn't write. Not because they weren't happening — but because we were buried beneath silence. Fears around Internet cafés My colleague, the veteran journalist in Gaza Fathi Sabbah, 65, and his family were able to get eSIMs from the same project. He said internet connectivity when the blackout is forced by Israel is not the only reason for using the eSIMs. He also uses them to access the internet in public places as other access points pose a risk. Sabbah told me, 'Some public internet access points or cafés may themselves become targets to the Israeli drones. You might be killed for trying to have internet access there. 'Even going to a café carries real risk to our lives,' he explains. 'Even if there's internet in public cafes, we often avoid these places because they could be targeted — either because someone wanted by Israel might be inside, or simply nearby. Many people have lost their lives just by being there, even though they were civilians. 'We have seen massacres in an internet connection point were people gather around each other to be connected online. No one knows who is with you, so better to get your own internet point in the new displacement area/Tent.' Ashraf Amra, 38, who is currently reporting from Al-Jazeera has been able to send some voice notes over WhatsApp. 'The situation is very difficult as we are disconnected from the world, and it is very risky to go higher buildings to get better connection for the eSIM,' he said. Drones are watching us and could doubt our use and target us.' Other non-journalist civilians developed the use of the eSIMs too – like my friend AlMaza, 29, who was living in a tent near the Philadelphi Corridor, close to the Egyptian border in Rafah. With no stable internet access, her family improvised. They mounted a phone containing an eSIM on a tall wooden pole outside their shelter to catch even the faintest signal. Using the phone's hotspot connected to a basic router, they were able to distribute a fragile but essential internet connection throughout the tent. The setup gave them a few hours of connectivity at a time. When the battery drained, they'd lower the phone to recharge it — sometimes using a power bank, sometimes swapping devices. It was a lifeline not just to the outside world, but to hope. Salah is a Palestinian journalist and war survivor who reports on economics, conflict and development. Displaced during the Israeli assault on Gaza, she is now based in the UK. Her work has appeared in the LA Times, Al Jazeera, Al-Monitor, Channel 4 and other international outlets. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
International travellers: Kaspersky launches new connectivity solution
ISLAMABAD: A global cybersecurity company on Thursday introduced a new connectivity solution for international travellers including Pakistanis traveling aboard, empowers users with easy internet access across 150 countries and regions. Kaspersky eSIM Store is a new connectivity solution for international travel. Designed to make it easier for leisure and business travellers to stay online globally, it empowers users with easy internet access across 150+ countries and regions, with a choice of over 2,000 affordable data plans and transparent conditions without any roaming fees. The production of eSIM-compatible devices has increased tenfold in the last five years according to the GSMA. By 2028, it is expected that half of all mobile connections worldwide will use eSIM technology. This rise in popularity is driven by eSIM's convenience and ease of use – eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and enabling a hassle-free experience wherever you go. To meet this growing trend, Kaspersky eSIM Store provides access to eSIM plans from local telecom operators all over the world with an easy interface and simple management. While traveling, an eSIM can help users avoid high roaming costs on a primary SIM, remove the need to search for a local SIM kiosk and share personal data with them, as well as avoiding the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Kaspersky eSIM Store features a user-friendly interface for plan selection, purchase, top-ups, and data usage management. Travellers can choose their preferred activation date, allowing them to set up their eSIM in advance and be connected the moment their trip begins all in just a few taps. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Sturgeon Community Hospital unveils $1M high-tech simulation room for ‘better patient outcomes'
Nurses at the Sturgeon Community Hospital are demonstrating the new simulation centre, a space for health practitioners to hone their medical skills, on June 19, 2025. (Cam Wiebe/CTV News Edmonton) Nurses and doctors at the Sturgeon Community Hospital have unveiled an on-site simulation centre to help them prepare for any medical scenario. The simulation room, which was paid for by the Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation, is a technologically-integrated space that can mimic several hospital settings, such as an operating room and the emergency department. In the room, health staff can run any type of scenario, including cardiac arrest, delivering a baby, and emergency trauma, with any patient population they desire. • The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App The request to fundraise for the space came after the hospital bought an $87,000 simulation mannequin that can replicate human functions like breathing, sweating, bleeding or even communicating with their caretaker. 'We really took the needs of the hospital and learnings from other facilities across the province to create one of the most efficient simulation spaces,' said Ken Brisbin, the simulation lead for eSIM, the company that designed the room. 'This space will give healthcare practitioners at the Sturgeon the opportunity to practise realistic scenarios through guided facilitation and work together to achieve the best patient outcomes,' he added. Krista Nunes, a clinical nurse educator at the Sturgeon Community Hospital, told CTV News Edmonton the need to practice medical procedures that won't put a patient's safety at risk is great. 'We've worked really hard to try to put together an education spot for training, for nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists here at the hospital … promoting best practices, safe care and better patient outcomes is absolutely key, and we get that through education,' Nunes said on Thursday. 'Simulation is always kind of a little bit hard and nerve wracking for people … the great thing about the centre is we've tried to make it look as much like a regular hospital room, a little more comfortable-in-our-normal-workplace type of environment,' she added. The area also serves as a storage space for equipment and supplies, and also comes with two spare rooms that can be used for debriefing or host smaller education sessions. The simulation room cost about $1 million.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vislink Launches Industry-First eSIM Support Across 5G Bonded Cellular Devices
Mt Olive, New Jersey, USA, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vislink Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VISL), a global technology leader in the capture, delivery, and management of high-quality live video and associated data across defense, public safety, and broadcast sectors, today announced it has become the first provider to fully integrate eSIM technology across its 5G/LTE bonded cellular product line. This advancement eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and enables remote SIM provisioning directly through LinkMatrix, Vislink's cloud-based live video control and management platform. The new eSIM capabilities dramatically streamline how broadcasters connect to mobile networks – giving broadcasters, content creators and first responders instant network flexibility and rapid connectivity control, without physical SIM card handling. 'Vislink is leading the industry in eSIM innovation for live video,' said Mickey Miller, CEO of Vislink. 'We're proud to be the first provider to offer a bonded cellular ecosystem where users can manage connectivity without physical SIMs. This gives broadcasters and public safety teams faster deployment, better network control, and real-time adaptability – all from a single platform.' Game-Changing Benefits for Broadcasters and Public Safety Teams By integrating eSIM functionality directly into its 5G/LTE bonded cellular solutions, Vislink enables customers to: Remotely activate and manage eSIM profiles without needing to swap SIM cards in the field Switch between multiple network providers instantly, depending on coverage, cost, or location Top up data or purchase new eSIMs on demand through a centralized, cloud-based interface Ensure operational continuity, especially in time-critical live broadcasts or emergency response scenarios This means crews on the move can stay connected without delays – vital in dynamic live environments such as news reporting, sports broadcasting, public safety missions, and disaster The Control Center for Smart Connectivity At the core of this innovation is LinkMatrix, Vislink's cloud-native platform that offers end-to-end management of devices, connections, and data. With LinkMatrix, users can: Provision and manage bonded cellular units remotely Monitor bandwidth, signal quality, and eSIM usage in real time Access a marketplace of Vislink eSIM profiles and data plans Scale operations with centralized, always-available control Live Now Across Vislink's Bonded Cellular Line The new eSIM support is now available across Vislink's range of bonded cellular live video transmission solutions, including DragonFly V 5G, HCAM5, INCAM-GV 5G, LiveLink, UltraLink Air and its air-to-ground transmitter, Aero5. About Vislink Technologies, Inc. Vislink Technologies is a global technology leader in capturing, delivering, and managing high-quality live video and associated data. With a renowned heritage in video communications encompassing over 50 years, Vislink has revolutionized live video communications by delivering the highest-quality video from the scene, even in the most challenging transmission conditions, enabling broadcasters, defense and public safety agencies to capture and share live video seamlessly and securely. Vislink provides live streaming solutions using RF, bonded cellular, 5G, and AI-driven technologies. Vislink's shares of common stock are publicly traded on the OTCQB Capital Market under the ticker symbol 'VISL.' For more information, visit . Investor Relations Contact:investors@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Jetpac Writes a New Chapter for Travel eSIMs—with Industry-First Offerings
Jetpac reshapes how travelers stay connected—offering unmatched coverage through dual networks, and keeping WhatsApp and Google Maps working even when your data runs out. New York, United States, June 19, 2025 -- For too long, travel connectivity has been stuck in the past—driven by telco legacy, filled with fine print, patchy coverage, and apps that fail at the moments they're needed most. Jetpac is here to change that. Jetpac is transforming the core travel eSIM experience from the ground up. This is a complete rethink of what travel connectivity should feel like today: seamless, intuitive, and designed for the unpredictable moments that define real journeys. 'We're not just adding functionality—we're reimagining the experience,' said Aditya Goyal, CEO at Jetpac. 'We're transforming the travel eSIM experience. Jetpac now offers unmatched reliability and convenience — free essential apps (WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber), and dual networks in most places —so travelers stay connected every time, everywhere!' In an industry that's become increasingly commoditized, most travel eSIM providers are locked in a race to the bottom—competing on price points, data bundles, and minor plan tweaks. Brands like Saily, Holafly, and Airalo may offer competitive deals, but they still operate within a framework that hasn't evolved: one built around telecom economics, not human needs. Jetpac is moving in the opposite direction. One focused on design, empathy, and support over data bundles and gimmicks, signaling a pivotal shift in the global mobility category.. A Human-Centered eSIM, Not Just a Data Package Jetpac's updated core offering is intentionally simple, yet deeply thoughtful. Two key shifts define this launch: Instead of asking travelers to upgrade to a bigger plan, Jetpac is upgrading the experience itself. 'Legacy roaming was designed around telecom convenience. Jetpac is designed around real human needs,' said Pearlyn Yeo, Head of Marketing at Jetpac. 'In today's always-on world, the answer isn't always a bigger plan—it's a better customer experience.' Rewiring Expectations—Designing for What Travelers Actually Need Jetpac's transformation is not just about offering more—it's about offering what matters when it matters. While most travel eSIMs still treat connectivity as a check in the box, Jetpac treats it as an opportunity to enhance the travel experience for the customer. This is the first eSIM experience to embed a safety net at its core—from Google Maps and WhatsApp access when data runs out, to dual-network switching when signal drops. Jetpac anticipates problems before travelers even notice them. Whether traveling for the first time or the fiftieth, Jetpac ensures travelers are not just connected, they're covered. Jetpac's Full Suite: A Travel Experience, Not Just a SIM The newly transformed Jetpac core integrates with its already traveler-loved suite of benefits, making it one of the most complete eSIM experiences available: Together, these features go beyond specs and data—they offer emotional security, practical simplicity, and confidence when travelers need it most. Jetpac is made to support every kind of traveler—by removing uncertainty and replacing it with confidence, clarity, and ease. About the company: Powered by Circles, Jetpac was launched in 2022 as a premium travel eSIM service provider geared to redefine the way travelers roam. Jetpac's travel tech platform instantly connects travelers globally to reliable roaming in 200+ destinations through the simple activation of 1 eSIM. Jetpac is focused on delivering a hyper-convenient way for customers to roam, providing them with data freedom and a bill-shock-free travel experience. More than a travel eSIM, Jetpac also provides value-added innovative services that go beyond traditional data connectivity, making it the ideal travel partner for all. To learn more, visit Contact Info: Name: Pearlyn Yeo Email: Send Email Organization: Jetpac Global Website: Release ID: 89162652 Should there be any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arising from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is central to our commitment.
