Vodafone NZ releases eSIM capability

One New Zealand, the new brand announced by Vodafone due to launch in early 2023, continues their ambition to unlock the magic of technology in Aotearoa, releasing the first stage of their eSIM product offering. eSIM is available to Vodafone customers from today.

eSIM is a SIM that is embedded into your mobile device, instead of being a separate card that needs to be swapped in and out. This allows enhanced possibilities for how customers use their devices making travel and managing multiple numbers much easier.

Joe Goddard, incoming Experience and Commercial Director at One NZ, is proud to release eSIM, saying, “We have listened to overwhelming consumer demand for eSIMs, and with our upcoming transformation to One New Zealand, there’s no better time to meet this need.”

At initial release, eSIMs are available for compatible phones and tablets. Phones supported include: Apple iPhone XR, XS and later; Samsung Galaxy Fold, Z Flip, Galaxy S20 (FE series excluded) and later; and Oppo Find X3 and later. For tablets, eSIM is available for Apple iPad Pro (11-inch) and later; iPad Pro (3rd gen, 12.9-inch) and later; iPad Air (3rd gen) and later; iPad (7th gen) and later; and iPad Mini (5th gen) and later.

To maintain privacy and security, existing Pay Monthly customers will need to visit their local Vodafone store to perform a SIM swap. New Pay Monthly Vodafone customers will be able to select eSIM with the purchase of select phones and plans online or in store. Existing Prepay customers will be able to SIM swap soon.

This development will greatly benefit business customers, who will enjoy the extra flexibility and connectivity of having the option to hold separate business and personal mobile numbers on their one phone. As international travel increases for our Kiwi customers, another benefit of eSIMs is increased connectivity between international networks when travelling.

eSIMs will connect to 4G or 5G where available, which we continue to roll out across Aotearoa.

Joe Goddard continued “This is a great step forward for us today, and we know the next step is eSIMs for wearables. Our team are hard at work making that happen, and we’re set to launch next year.”