Latest news with #eSIMs
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Inside Idemia's Noida nerve centre
Photo/TNN Typical global capability centres (GCCs) focus on delivering services to support global operations. Here's one with a difference. French identity and security solutions provider Idemia's India operations not only support services, but also manufactures payment and connectivity products including payment cards, subscriber identity module (SIM) cards for smartphones, and chips that go into security and payment devices globally. These are chips embedded on credit, debit and other payment cards, and even driving licences. The GCC supports internal operations such as HR and finance, it plays a crucial role in R&D, and delivers comprehensive support to global customers across banking, fintech, telecom, utilities, public services, security agencies, and more. Matthew Foxton, regional president at Idemia, says they established the GCC at Noida in 2004, when there were no similar centres focused on chip card development. 'We created an indigenous operating system for SIM cards, driving licenses and vehicle registration certificates. This has now matured and India is a global hub for us for services, R&D and manufacturing,' he says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo There are around 5,000 employees in India, and the centre is the company's largest hub outside Europe. Around 1,500 of the employees are in three manufacturing units in Noida, located at the Noida Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Idemia also has a service centre in Mumbai. Within the Noida SEZ, three facilities churn out SIM cards, chips embedded in payment cards, biometric devices and handheld scanners that are used across global markets – by global telcos, airports, banks, fintech companies and even gover nment agencies. Customers include the likes of Westpac Banking Corporation, Amex, HSBC, Boeing, SK Telecom, Deutsche Telecom, and KT Corporation. Noida also has a unit that's into packaging chips directly from wafers. Quantum cryptography research The GCC is also a global research hub, driving innovation in post-quantum cryptography or PQC, facial recognition, eSIMs, and more. PQC is the development of cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. In 2024, Idemia entered into a collaboration with IIT Hyderabad to develop solutions to future-proof digital security against quantum-enabled cyber threats. 'Post-quantum cryptography is about developing encryption standards that can withstand quantum computing attacks. And India is at the centre of this effort,' says Foxton. The team here is also working to perfect AI-driven security solutions like face recognition algorithms. The effort is to recognise faces even if the person is wearing a mask. This ability to integrate both high-tech research and handson production has made Idemia India indispensable to the company's global ambitions. The India GCC, Foxton says, plays a strategic role in powering global innovation and product roadmap. 'Our India centre contributes across our entire product portfolio – from mobile SIMs and green payment cards (ecofriendly, made from recycled materials) to biometric access devices and border control systems,' he says. At least 10 innovators from the India team have been granted patents for their work in security and identity domains. Foxton says that as AI and quantum computing reshape digital security, the India team is expected to play a pivotal role in defining what's next in security. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
SKT resumes eSIM sign-ups after 40-day suspension
Korea's largest mobile carrier SK Telecom resumed new subscriber sign-ups using eSIM technology on Monday, marking the end of a 40-day suspension prompted by a recent cybersecurity incident. SK Telecom began offering new eSIM subscriptions at over 2,600 offline retail stores nationwide, according to industry sources on Monday. Unlike traditional physical USIM cards that must be inserted into devices, eSIMs are embedded directly into smartphones, eliminating concerns over inventory shortages. The resumption comes after the telecom carrier halted new subscriptions and mobile number portability on April 18, following a cyberattack that led to the leakage of subscriber information related to USIM cards. Although SK Telecom offered free USIM replacements for affected customers, supply constraints hindered timely replacements, prompting intervention from the Ministry of Science and ICT. On May 1, the ministry issued administrative guidance instructing SK Telecom to suspend new mobile sign-ups and number portability until the USIM shortage was resolved. The ministry had indicated that new business could resume once replacement requests from existing customers were largely fulfilled. The mobile carrier has since been providing daily reports on USIM inventory and replacement progress to the ministry. The decision to resume eSIM services reflects the company's assessment that it can fulfill most outstanding replacement reservations by Friday. SK Telecom expects to secure 1.9 million USIM cards in the second week of this month and 1.6 million in the third week, ensuring a combined supply of 3.5 million units. With sufficient inventory to accommodate additional replacement requests, SK Telecom is also expected to restart new subscriptions using physical USIM cards later this month. To support retail operations, the company plans to dispatch some 3,200 employees from its headquarters and subsidiaries to stores requiring on-site assistance. 'We will make every effort with the utmost priority on USIM replacement to restore customer trust across all distribution channels,' an SK Telecom official said. As of Sunday, the cumulative number of customers who have replaced their USIM cards with SK Telecom reached 8.07 million. The number of remaining customers with reservations stands at 1.82 million.
Yomiuri Shimbun
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Humanitarian Workers Killed in Gaza Ambush Blamed on Hamas; Internet Cut in Territory
Reuters A Palestinian attempts to access the internet using eSIMs, after the Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced on Thursday that internet and fixed-line communications services have been cut off, amid the Israeli offensive, at the seaport of Gaza City, June 12, 2025. JERUSALEM/CAIRO, June 12 (Reuters) – At least eight Palestinians who worked for the U.S-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation died in an ambush, the GHF said on Thursday, blaming Hamas militants for the killings that rocked the troubled food distribution operation. A bus carrying about two dozen GHF workers was raked with gunfire on Wednesday night as it headed to an aid centre in southern Gaza, the foundation said, adding that many of its staff were injured and some might have been kidnapped. Separately, the local health authority said 103 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire and 400 wounded in the past 24 hours across the battered enclave – including 21 people killed this morning near GHF sites. Locals said the internet was down across much of the Gaza Strip, adding to the chaos and confusion. The United Nations said the blackout was probably caused by Israel military activity damaging the last cable into the enclave. 'Lifelines to emergency services, humanitarian coordination, and critical information for civilians have all been cut. There is a full internet blackout, and mobile networks are barely functioning,' deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq said. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. GHF's interim director, John Acree, said his organisation had considered closing its centres on Thursday because of the bus ambush, but in the end, opted to remain open. 'We decided that the best response to Hamas' cowardly murderers was to keep delivering food for the people of Gaza who are counting on us,' he said in a statement. Hamas declined to comment on the shootings. Social media channels in Gaza said Hamas had targeted the bus because it was allegedly carrying GHF workers tied to Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of a large clan that has challenged Hamas's supremacy in the enclave and is being armed by Israel. Abu Shabab released a statement on his Facebook page denouncing images posted on social media showing Gazans allegedly killed by Hamas and as it seeks to safeguard its 18-year rule in the war-smashed territory. 'Rumours of executions and killings are being spread by the corrupt, mercenaries, and criminals of Hamas in an attempt to sow fear in the hearts of those who seek change and liberation from terrorism, oppression, and its unjust rule,' he said. MASS EVACUATIONS The Israeli military said it was continuing to target Hamas fighters in Gaza, killing three militants who fired an anti-tank missile towards its soldiers, and hitting a building near a medical centre that it said was being used to make weapons. It also said it had arrested several Hamas members in Syria overnight, accusing them of planning to attack Israelis. The military ordered residents of several neighbourhoods in central Gaza to evacuate and head to western Gaza City. 'The IDF is operating with great force in the areas where you are located,' IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X. He later issued a similar warning for residents in the city centre of Khan Younis, to the south, and nearby blocks. The Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) association called for the protection of the city's Nasser Hospital and the hundreds of patients and healthcare workers inside, as Israeli attacks threatened to shut down the facility. Israel has fought for more than 20 months to eliminate Hamas after it launched deadly attacks October 7, 2023 that ignited the war. All efforts to end the conflict through negotiations have failed. Despite the bus attack, GHF said it handed out 2.6 million meals on Thursday – a daily record since it started operations in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of food distribution that the United Nations says is deeply flawed. 'This model will not address the deepening hunger. The dystopian 'Hunger Games' cannot become the new reality,' Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), wrote on X. 'The UN including @UNRWA has the knowledge, expertise & community trust to provide dignified & safe assistance. Just let the humanitarians do their jobs,' he added. Israel has repeatedly called for UNRWA to be disbanded, accusing it of having ties with Hamas. UNRWA has denied this. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 180 people have been killed by Israeli fire near the aid centres over the past three weeks, as the aid effort repeatedly degenerated into chaos and terror with locals scrabbling for limited supplies. Israel has contested the death tally, accusing Hamas of causing much of the mayhem. Besides the GHF distribution effort, Israel is also letting into Gaza trucks carrying flour for the handful of bakeries that are still operating. For the first time in months, Israel allowed humanitarian trucks to enter northern Gaza directly overnight – with 56 lorries carrying supplies from the U.N.'s World Food Programme crossing into the largely devastated region.
Time Business News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Reimagining Travel Connectivity: eSIM Solutions for the Modern Globetrotter
In an era of boundless travel, staying connected has become integral—not optional. Whether you're navigating bustling street markets, collaborating with remote colleagues, or managing last‑minute itinerary changes, seamless mobile access is vital. For today's globetrotters—from business travelers to digital nomads—the shift to eSIM technology is revolutionizing how we stay online abroad. In this post, we explore how eSIMs are reshaping connectivity across destinations like Asia, Europe, and beyond while highlighting real-world examples like esim vietnam right here in Southeast Asia. Traditional SIM cards rely on physical cards that you purchase, insert, swap, or discard with every trip. eSIMs, on the other hand, are embedded chips within your device. They allow you to: Download and activate mobile plans instantly Switch between operators without changing hardware Eliminate the hassle of lost or tiny plastic SIM cards This technology has matured rapidly—enabled by wider carrier adoption and increased device compatibility (most smartphones, tablets, and even laptops made since 2019 support eSIMs). With ease and flexibility at their core, eSIMs empower users to connect in minutes, not hours. No more finding shops or waiting for delivery. With eSIM, you pick a plan, scan a QR code, and you're live—in minutes. Many eSIM providers bundle coverage across regions. Ideal for multi-stop itineraries. No lost SIMs, no adapters, no mess. eSIM is paperless and worry-free. Add or replace plans from anywhere—your sofa, a café, or even mid-flight (with Wi‑Fi). Travelers can maintain their home and travel numbers simultaneously—a game‑changer for continuity. eSIM market development differs by region: Asia : eSIM takes off rapidly—countries like Vietnam prioritize digital rollout. : eSIM takes off rapidly—countries like Vietnam prioritize digital rollout. Europe : Widespread, established, and competitive. : Widespread, established, and competitive. Americas: Mixed; urban hubs generally covered, while remote areas still lag. Let's explore three standout destinations where eSIMs are making waves: Vietnam epitomizes fast‑paced digital transformation. Major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City boast reliable 4G/5G networks, with rapidly growing tourism demanding easy connectivity. That's where esim vietnam plans shine—designed for travelers and expats with flexible, short‑term options, and robust local bandwidth. A remote consultant visiting Ho Chi Minh City on a 2‑week project. Installs home-office apps, joins Zoom sessions, uploads reports—all securely on local eSIM data. No need to juggle SIM swap or hunt down stores once on the ground. Local providers offer competitive regional pricing, while global eSIM companies bridge coverage into other ASEAN markets. Turkey is a microcosm of eSIM success—bridging Asia and Europe, it's a travel hotspot. Whether you're soaking in Istanbul's historic charm or trekking Cappadocia's landscape, consistent mobile access is key. That's why savvy travelers opt for esim turkey plans: flexible short‑dash data and local voice/SMS options without physical card logistics. Benefits include: Easy activation at home before departure. before departure. Smooth handoff from Turkey to neighboring regions using multi-country bundles. using multi-country bundles. Stable LTE/5G performance, even in rural hotspots. Plus, managing travel budgets becomes simpler: fixed upfront costs, no unexpected roaming fees, and full transparency. For digital nomads, Italy offers a dreamy work‑and‑play environment—from Florence's cozy cafés to Sicily's coastal retreats. Enter esim italy plans: monthly data bundles, solid LTE/5G support, and a variety of options from local and global eSIM providers. Ideal setups include: A 2‑month digital-nomad trip, hopping between Rome, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast. Installing a 15‑30 GB plan mid‑trip. Working from co‑working spaces, using maps, and uploading large files—all on Italian data. With dual‑SIM support, you can keep your home number active while maintaining local internet access—a must for freelancers, remote workers, and creators. Follow this 7‑step checklist to pick the perfect eSIM: Verify device compatibility – eSIM must be supported/enabled. Check coverage in destinations – Urban vs. rural. Estimate your needs – Light browsing vs. video conferencing vs. high‑quality uploads. Pick duration – Short‑term tourist needs vs. longer digital‑nomad stays. Compare pricing – Look at price per GB and total 30‑day cost. Look for flexible renewals – Top‑ups and extensions. Evaluate activation process – QR vs. app‑based vs. email‑based delivery. Also factor in: Customer support availability Plan restrictions (e.g., hotspot/data tethering) Potential for auto‑renewal or manual renewal Here's a general walkthrough: Check device readiness:iPhone (XS/XS Max/XR onward) or Android (Pixel 3 and newer) commonly support eSIM. Acquire plan:From provider website or app. Receive QR or SM‑SIM code Install on your device: iOS : Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR. : Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR. Android: Mobile networks → Download SIM → Scan QR. Label and configure (e.g., 'Vietnam Trip' or 'Italia Data'). Enable data: Set eSIM data line as active during trip. Switch off roaming for your home SIM (optional but recommended). In most cases, you're online within minutes of touchdown. No signal after arrival? Check provider's local coverage maps. Check provider's local coverage maps. QR won't scan? Use manual code entry option included in activation email. Use manual code entry option included in activation email. Auto‑select issues? Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection > disable automatic, pick local carrier manually. Go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection > disable automatic, pick local carrier manually. Tethering restrictions? Confirm plan includes hotspot; some block tethering by default. Confirm plan includes hotspot; some block tethering by default. Switching plans mid-trip? Deactivate old eSIM and install a new one via QR, no new hardware needed. Bonus tip: Use offline map apps like or store Google Maps areas on-device to reduce roaming data consumption. Anna, a management consultant, used a two‑week eSIM in Ho Chi Minh City. She handled remote calls, large‑file transfers, and local travel itineraries—all calmly, without hunt‑and‑grab SIM stress at local kiosks. Carlos explored Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya—all on one multiday eSIM plan. No local SIM swapping, no random fees—just consistent connectivity from arrival to departure. Jasmine spent three months in Rome and Florence. She subscribed to a 30‑day data plan and renewed it twice (online) without leaving her workspace. She maintained her home SIM for WhatsApp voice verification while working entirely off her local Italian eSIM. No plastic SIMs to dispose of, no shipping waste. Remote work, last‑minute business itineraries, extended digital‑nomad stays—all supported seamlessly. Local carriers, eSIM specialists, and global providers all pushing better pricing and coverage. Connected cars, smart wearables, and city-wide sensors—all built on the eSIM foundation. Start by listing your destinations —single or multi-tiered. —single or multi-tiered. Define your usage needs —streaming vs. emails vs. team meetings. —streaming vs. emails vs. team meetings. Use the 7‑step checklist (device, coverage, duration, pricing, flexibility). (device, coverage, duration, pricing, flexibility). Install eSIM before departure —no awkward SIM store hunts at 2 AM. —no awkward SIM store hunts at 2 AM. Manage multiple lines on-device for seamless switching. As eSIM adoption spreads—from destinations like [esim turkey] and [esim italy] to emerging markets—the freedom to travel and connect only grows. Connectivity is no longer ancillary—it's essential. eSIM represents the cutting edge of travel convenience, blending technology with lifestyle. Whether your next stop is Hanoi, Istanbul, Rome, or beyond, eSIM lets you walk through customs and launch into life—online, aligned, and on‑track. The next time you plan a trip, skip the plastic SIM, go digital, and embrace hassle‑free connectivity. Welcome to the future of travel. Travel well—stay connected, stay inspired. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CairoScene
23-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Pilgrims Can Now Activate eSIM Cards Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom can activate eSIMs instantly through local telecom apps, bypassing in-person service centres. Pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah can now digitally activate eSIM cards upon arrival, thanks to a new initiative launched by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and licensed telecom providers. The system allows pilgrims to request eSIMs from local operators and verify their identity using biometric data through the Absher platform, enabling activation without the need to visit a store or wait until reaching their accommodation. The move aims to simplify access to mobile services, ensuring pilgrims are connected from the moment they enter the Kingdom. It forms part of CST's wider strategy to enhance digital services for pilgrims in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
