U+ Altteul Mobile Launches Industry-First eSIM Self-Activation Service

Chatbot Consultation Service Launch

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] U+Altteul Mobile, operated by Medialog, announced that it will provide the first-ever eSIM self-activation service among budget phone operators starting from the 27th.

Since the introduction of the eSIM service on the 1st, budget phone operators have been offering a simple eSIM subscription service through phone consultations due to system development schedules.

Self-activation allows easy subscription by following the guidance procedures. On the U+Altteul Mobile Direct Mall, users can click the ‘Subscribe to eSIM’ menu and enter information such as the device’s unique identification number (IMEI), eSIM identifier (EID), verify their identity, provide financial information for payment, and apply by entering the last 4 digits of the desired phone number.

By scanning the activation QR code available on the Direct Mall and downloading the profile containing the rate information, activation is completed. Once activated, users can select the number to use for calls and the number to use for cellular data, with the main cellular line displayed at the top of the screen. All subscription procedures are completed without connecting to a customer service representative.

Medialog operates a professional counseling system by providing pre-training to customer center counselors in anticipation of frequent inquiries from early eSIM users. Additionally, by analyzing counseling scenarios and reflecting them in the chatbot, artificial intelligence (AI) counseling is also available.

When using eSIM, dual SIM functionality allows one smartphone to separate personal and work use, and users can combine rate plans (from the three major carriers and budget phones), expanding user choice. In particular, the combination of ‘Unlocked phone + budget phone eSIM’ offers the advantage of combining affordable LTE plans with 5G data plans. Cost-saving effects are also expected. USIM cards cost 7,700 KRW, while eSIMs are available for 2,750 KRW. As of September, 18 phone models support eSIM, including 16 iPhone models and 2 Android models.

Jo Yong-min, head of Medialog’s MVNO business, said, "With the eSIM self-activation service, users can enjoy convenience in activation and separate uses with a single device, enhancing user choice and reducing device costs. There is high expectation for the activation of budget phones as users are likely to consider budget phones with affordable plans as a second number."

Meanwhile, to celebrate the launch of the eSIM service, the ‘eSIM Jeonsim Event’ is being held, offering benefits up to 200,000 KRW and allowing customers who subscribe by the end of this month to download the initial eSIM once for free. New subscribers in September can receive retroactive benefits.