What is a business eSIM, and how does it work?
A business eSIM is a digital SIM that lets companies manage employee mobile connectivity remotely. Learn how it works, why it saves costs, and how it simplifies global travel management.
Corporate travel connectivity just got smarter. Business eSIMs give you complete control over your team’s mobile data from one platform, with predictable costs and no surprises.
A business eSIM is a digital, centrally managed connectivity solution designed for companies that require reliable data connectivity for teams on the move.
Instead of managing physical SIM cards or unpredictable roaming fees, businesses can assign and manage mobile data plans from a single platform. The result is improved cost control, scalable deployment for any team size, and consistent global coverage.
For modern corporate travel management, a business eSIM is a far more efficient and predictable way to keep employees connected wherever they go.
What is eSIM for business?
A business eSIM is a digital SIM developed for companies that need to keep employees connected without the need to swap physical cards. It works as both a product and a service.
The product is a corporate-grade embedded SIM that provides employees with global connectivity in over 160 destinations. It can be added to a device in minutes and doesn’t require shipping, swapping, or installing any hardware.
The service layer provides centralized management through an admin platform (similar to our Holafly Business Center) where IT teams can assign, activate, or change business eSIM plans instantly. This makes it easy to manage multiple travelers simultaneously, track usage, and keep every device ready for work.
What sets a business eSIM apart is the ability to control costs.
Many solutions, including premium options like Holafly, offer predictable pricing and even unlimited data, providing companies with a stable and reliable way to support their teams wherever they go.
How does a business eSIM work?
Business eSIM implementation follows a straightforward three-component model: subscription, centralized billing, and flexible management.
Subscription and billing
- Companies often opt for a monthly or yearly plan instead of purchasing individual eSIMs for each trip.
- All usage is consolidated on one invoice, eliminating the need for employees to submit international roaming receipts.
- Finance teams find it advantageous to have stable costs and a lighter administrative workload.
- Many providers offer prorated billing or flexible terms, allowing companies to pay only for what they use.
Management
- Admins assign eSIMs to employees through a central dashboard.
- Data plans can be added, upgraded, or paused at any time, even while the employee is abroad.
At its core, this system is designed for simplicity: one platform to handle user management, a single consolidated invoice, and the flexibility to adjust plans as travel requirements evolve.
Business eSIMs vs consumer eSIMs
Business eSIMs are designed for companies that require controlled, predictable, and secure connectivity for multiple employees. Consumer eSIMs are made for individual travelers who only need a single plan for personal use.
For travel managers and IT teams, business eSIMs offer four critical advantages over consumer options: centralized management, consolidated billing, enterprise-grade support, and enhanced security.
| Feature | Business eSIMs | Consumer eSIMs |
|---|---|---|
| Primary audience | Companies | Individual travelers |
| Management | Centralized dashboard to remotely activate, assign, and track all employee lines | Each user manages their own plan on their device |
| Billing | One consolidated monthly invoice with complete usage reporting | Individual purchases are charged per day or duration, often followed by expense claims if used on work trips |
| Scalability | Supports bulk deployment and volume discounts for large or temporary teams | One-off purchases with no scalable management options |
| Support | Dedicated 24/7 support for enterprise needs | 24/7 standard consumer support with shared queues |
| Security | Enhanced corporate security and safer network routing for sensitive data | Essential security protection |
| Cost control | Keep your spending predictable and within budget. Our tools help you enforce company policies and prevent unexpected roaming charges. | Pricing varies by plan |
While consumer eSIMs serve individual travelers adequately, organizations managing corporate travel at scale require the structure, oversight, and cost controls that only business eSIMs provide.
Benefits of eSIMs for business
Business eSIMs offer companies a more precise and controlled way to manage connectivity for traveling employees and should be viewed as an integral part of broader digital transformation initiatives.
The main advantages center on cost, safety, simplicity, and the ability to scale without additional effort.
Cost control and savings
With a business eSIM, companies can significantly lower their roaming expenses by providing a clear and predictable pricing structure over fluctuating charges. In fact, some businesses have managed to save as much as 85% compared to the old-school roaming methods. This allows finance teams to budget more effectively, dodge unexpected bills, and eliminate the headache of tracking down various expense claims from different employees.
Risk mitigation and duty of care
Having unlimited data for traveling employees is crucial. It serves as a safety net, making sure that important tools such as safety apps, communication platforms, and navigation are always operational, without the worry of using insecure public WiFi. With one eSIM that spans over 160 destinations, companies can effectively implement their duty of care policies globally.
Simplicity, trust, and flexibility
A centralized platform allows for seamless management of all users, plans, and invoices in one convenient location. This simplicity minimizes the operational burden for IT and travel teams who need quick deployment and clear visibility. Consequently, thousands of companies, with over 3,000 collaborating with Holafly, are already utilizing business eSIM solutions for their global travel. Moreover, employees have the freedom to adjust or upgrade their plans whenever they wish, without facing any additional costs or delays.
How to get an eSIM for your business
Setting up a business eSIM is a straightforward process.
- Review your travel needs. Consider the locations your teams travel to and the amount of data they use so that you can select the appropriate coverage and plan type.
- Compare eSIM providers. Focus on enterprise-critical features such as centralized dashboards, consolidated billing, security protocols, and 24/7 support.
- Check device compatibility. Confirm that your company phones, tablets, or laptops support eSIM activation.
- Request a demo. Most providers offer a walkthrough of their management platform, allowing you to see how provisioning, monitoring, and billing work.
- Start a pilot. Deploy a pilot program with a small group of frequent business travelers to validate performance across your most common routes.
- Deploy company-wide. Assign eSIMs digitally through the admin dashboard, allowing employees to activate them by scanning a QR code or using an app.
These steps help businesses choose the best solution and ensure the rollout is smooth, secure, and cost-effective.
Choose Holafly for Business
Holafly for Business provides companies with a straightforward way to manage global connectivity through a single platform.
Holafly for Business delivers three core capabilities: global coverage across 160+ destinations, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and a centralized dashboard for real-time plan assignment and usage tracking.
We’re trusted by more than 3,000 companies worldwide, ranging from small teams to large enterprises.
If your organization wants a cleaner, more controlled way to keep employees connected, now is the time to explore Holafly Plans for Business. Schedule a demo to see how Holafly’s platform integrates with your existing corporate travel infrastructure. Our enterprise team is available 24/7 to design a deployment plan tailored to your organization’s travel patterns and budget requirements.
No results found