[Reason077]

I was really thinking of being able to grab an eSIM directly for a local network, rather than one of the "global eSIM providers". You'd just grab your eSIM over WiFi when you land rather than seeking out a physical SIM from an airport vendor.

Obviously it's not the reality that these are easily available in all destinations, yet, but should become more so over time.

[Nextgrid]

There's frankly no reason for a local network to make it easy for foreigners to sign up when they can instead get paid 10x as much in roaming fees if the foreigner stays on their home network instead.

[Reason077]

Sure there is: competition. Why let your competitor network grab those 10x roaming fees when you can grab the 1x yourself? Last time I was in Thailand, vendors at the airport were practically falling over themselves to sell you their SIM card on their network!

Besides, I doubt roaming fees are all that lucrative considering all the "free global roaming" plans there are now days. Those networks that charge crazy per-MB roaming rates are, presumably, keeping most of it for themselves.

[Nextgrid]

Free global roaming is paid by the home carrier - it doesn't necessarily make it free at the visited carrier.

[Reason077]

I'm sure that network X would not be offering free roaming on network Y without an agreement in place between carriers that made it free (or, at least, very cheap) to do so.

[Nextgrid]

That very much depends on whether the traffic between the two networks is equal. If it's very asymmetric one side can take advantage of the situation. Also keep in mind that in some locations, free roaming is mandated by law so carriers have no choice but to offer it - in this case visited carriers can take advantage.

[vinay427]

It seems like they meant that the existence of free global roaming suggests that roaming fees may not be very lucrative for the visited carrier, and exorbitant roaming rates are mostly to the benefit of the home carrier.

[hooch]

Have you traveled? Mobile vendors at airports and also regular mobile carrier stores will happily sell you an eSIM, not a problem. Scan the QR code and it’s done.