South America eSim Market Outlook, 2030

The e-Sim market in South America is accelerating, with Brazil, Chile, and Argentina at the forefront through early adoption in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial IoT. This market aims to facilitate secure, remote provisioning of mobile profiles across various devices smartphones, wearables, vehicles, and sensors while its reach links users in Latin America to networks and roaming options. e-Sims were introduced in the area by international smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, whose premium devices encouraged mobile network operators MNOs such as Claro, Vivo, and Entel to provide support for e-Sim activation and management.

These implementations cover consumer e-Sims for voice and data as well as M2M/IoT e-Sims for sectors like logistics, agriculture, and energy. From a technical perspective, e-Sims assist in addressing connectivity challenges in South America’s diverse landscapes ranging from the Amazon basin to the Andes by facilitating multi-IMSI switching, remote profile modifications, and network fallback without the need for physical SIM changes. This functionality is crucial for logistics fleets, smart meters, and agricultural sensors that operate in rural and cross-border regions. The mining sector in Chile and agritech initiatives in Argentina utilize e-Sims to ensure real-time telemetry and asset tracking in isolated locations.

Local operators are channeling resources into research and development for e-Sim orchestration platforms, secure element provisioning, and compliance evaluations. The telecommunications regulator in Brazil, ANATEL, plays a central role by certifying devices equipped with e-Sims and adhering to GSMA standards like SGP.22, ensuring both interoperability and consumer confidence. These certifications encourage growth by aligning local implementations with standards. As Latin America gears up for an extensive rollout of 5G, e-Sims present a scalable, secure, and durable connectivity solution establishing Brazil, Chile, and Argentina as leading figures in embedded mobile technology.

According to the report, the South America e-Sim market is expected to reach a market size of USD 1.44 Billion by 2030. The e-Sim progress in the region is primarily fueled by Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, where providers such as Claro, Telefónica Movistar, and TIM Brasil are implementing e-Sim support for smartphones, wearable devices, and M2M modules. Recently, there have been updates involving the use of e-Sims in fintech wearables especially within Brazil’s digital banking domain facilitating secure, contactless payments and biometric verification.

Connected vehicle systems in Argentina and Chile are incorporating e-Sims for real-time diagnostic checks, compliance with eCall regulations, and remote updates, particularly within logistics and fleet management sectors. These initiatives are bolstered by GSMA-approved provisioning solutions and monitoring from agencies like ANATEL in Brazil, which guarantees device authentication and the protection of consumer information. Providers present e-Sim packages featuring remote activation, support for dual profiles, and international roaming essential for a region characterized by vast landscapes and mobile workforces.

There are significant possibilities in providing internet access to rural areas, as e-Sims facilitate low-energy IoT devices to function in isolated agricultural fields, mining routes, and logistics pathways through the rainforest. Multi-IMSI e-Sims enable smooth transitions between domestic networks, minimizing downtime and enhancing service reliability in regions with inconsistent coverage. Collaborations for cross-border roaming particularly among Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay are beginning to form to enhance regional commerce and travel through integrated e-Sim solutions.

With the growth of 5G networks and the development of digital identity systems, South America’s e-Sim market is set for ongoing expansion. Its combination of diverse geography, innovative mobile-first approaches, and regulatory harmony positions it as a vibrant opportunity for embedded connectivity across consumer, automotive, and industrial sectors.

Market Drivers

• Integration by Global OEMs and Readiness of OperatorsThe growth of e-Sims in South America is significantly driven by manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi launching smartphones and wearables that support e-Sim technology in countries like Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. These product releases have urged local service providers Claro, TIM Brasil, Telefónica Movistar to enhance their infrastructure for provisioning and offer services for remote activation. Consequently, a user-friendly e-Sim environment has emerged, reflecting international benchmarks while accommodating regional market conditions.
• Growth of IoT in Logistics, Agriculture, and Energye-Sim technology is being increasingly integrated into industrial IoT applications throughout South America's diverse landscapes. In the agritech industry of Argentina, e-Sim-based sensors are utilized to track soil health and crop status in isolated areas. In Chile's mining sector, e-Sims facilitate the immediate monitoring of equipment conditions, while in Brazil, logistics companies utilize multi-IMSI e-Sims for reliable communication across different states.

Market Challenges

• Fragmented Regulations and Certification IssuesAlthough Brazil’s ANATEL mandates GSMA-compliant certification for e-Sim devices, other nations lack a cohesive regulatory approach. This disparity creates difficulties for cross-country implementations and hampers regional interoperability. In the absence of uniform standards, OEMs and MNOs encounter setbacks in device approval processes and compliance with provisioning requirements.
• Limited Consumer Knowledge and Device ResistanceDespite increased availability, a significant number of consumers in South America are still unaware of the advantages that e-Sim’s offer. The predominance of prepaid plans and older devices particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged regions impedes widespread adoption. Service providers need to focus on education, incentives, and compatible provisioning options to close this gap.

Market Trends

• Wearables in Fintech and Mobile IdentityThe surge in digital banking in Brazil is fueling the integration of e-Sims into smartwatches and biometric devices. These gadgets facilitate secure, contactless transactions and verification of identity using mobile technology, in line with regional privacy standards, broadening e-Sim applications beyond just telecommunications.
• Seamless Roaming and Trade NetworksTelecom operators in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay are forming roaming agreements to facilitate smooth e-Sim transitions along Mercosur trade pathways. This development supports sectors such as logistics, tourism, and mobile professionals, positioning e-Sim technology as a crucial factor in enhancing regional economic collaboration.

Consumer electronics are at the forefront of South America’s e-Sim market as they cater to the largest audience, offer the quickest upgrade processes, and feature direct connections with OEM frameworks.

The expansion of e-Sim in South America primarily relies on the consumer electronics sector, which encompasses smartphones, tablets, wearables, and laptops. This category leads due to its wide-reaching appeal, quick device replacement, and the prompt e-Sim adoption by major manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. Countries like Brazil, Chile, and Argentina show significant mobile usage, with city dwellers increasingly opting for e-Sim-compatible devices for ease of use, environmental benefits, and cross-border travel. Companies like Claro, TIM Brasil, and Telefónica Movistar facilitate e-Sim activation for both prepaid and postpaid services, allowing for remote setup and simultaneous use across smartphones and wearables.

Wearable technology, particularly smartwatches and fitness devices, is becoming more popular in Brazil's finance and health technology industries, where e-Sim’s support secure transactions, biometric verification, and mobile identity checks. e-Sim-enabled tablets and laptops are utilized for remote learning, fieldwork, and business travel, especially in urban areas of Argentina and Chile. These gadgets enjoy uninterrupted connectivity without the hassle of physical SIM cards, reflecting South America’s shift toward mobile-first digital solutions. Furthermore, consumer electronics provide the most adaptable way for adopting e-Sim technology.

In contrast to industrial or automotive sectors, they necessitate minimal changes to infrastructure and are backed by firmware updates and GSMA regulations. This sector also aligns with regional goals for sustainability by cutting down on plastic SIM waste and packaging while enabling roaming across diverse regions in Latin America. As 5G technology rolls out and manufacturers decrease physical SIM tray production, consumer electronics will remain central to the e-Sim development in South America, delivering speed, growth potential, and regulatory compatibility in urban and semi-urban areas.

Smartphones and tablets lead the e-Sim landscape in South America due to their extensive reach, quick upgrade patterns, and strong support from service providers for remote activation.

In South America, the smartphone and tablet category take the lead in e-Sim usage because of its broad appeal to the general public, emphasis on mobile solutions, and early adoption by international manufacturers. In nations like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, mobile usage rates surpass 90% in cities, with customers increasingly opting for devices compatible with e-Sim from major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. These gadgets facilitate remote activation, support dual profiles, and provide seamless connectivity while traveling attributes that align well with the region's mobile workers and those frequently crossing borders.

Service providers such as Claro, TIM Brasil, and Telefónica Movistar have enhanced e-Sim availability for both prepaid and postpaid offers, allowing users to set up their devices online without needing physical SIM cards. e-Sim-equipped tablets are becoming popular in sectors like education, corporate mobility, and operational fields, particularly within Argentina’s agritech industry and Chile’s mining areas. These implementations benefit from reliable, continuous connectivity across various landscapes, adhering to GSMA’s SGP.22 regulations and local compliance standards. Furthermore, smartphones and tablets feature the quickest refresh rates amongst device types, making them well-suited for fast e-Sim adoption.

Their prevalence and users’ familiarity decrease obstacles to onboarding, while their integration with fintech, health tech, and digital identification platforms broadens applications beyond telecommunications. For example, Brazil’s digital banking industry utilizes e-Sim-capable tablets and wearable devices for biometric verification and mobile-centric transactions.

With the growth of 5G networks and manufacturers discontinuing physical SIM slots, smartphones and tablets will continue to play a central role in the expansion of e-Sim usage in South America. Their combination of technological readiness, market demand, and regulatory alignment positions them as the most scalable and commercially effective application area in the region.

Voice, SMS, and Data e-Sims hold a significant portion of South America’s market as they represent mobile-first consumer actions and are promoted by operator-driven service bundles across the area.

In South America, the Voice, SMS, and Data category takes the lead in the e-Sim sector thanks to its extensive consumer relevance, compliance with regulations, and strategies driven by operators for bundling services. Nations like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile exhibit high mobile device usage, with individuals heavily depending on their smartphones for communication, banking, and entertainment needs. e-Sims that provide voice, SMS, and data capabilities enable straightforward activation, switching between dual profiles, and roaming functions that appeal to mobile-centric lifestyles and the need for cross-border travel within the region.

Providers like Claro, TIM Brasil, and Telefónica Movistar have introduced e-Sim offerings that reflect conventional SIM services, including prepaid and postpaid options that come with voice minutes, SMS limits, and data plans. These services gain particular popularity in metropolitan areas such as São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, where users seek convenience, digital onboarding experiences, and connectivity for multiple devices. e-Sims also facilitate dual-profile usage, permitting users to keep distinct personal and professional numbers or alternate between local and international service providers without needing to physically swap SIM cards.

Voice and SMS communication play a crucial role in adhering to regulations, such as two-factor authentication for online banking and emergency response in connected vehicles. Data e-Sim’s support data-intensive applications on tablets, wearables, and laptops, enhancing capabilities for remote work, learning, and mobile commerce. The industry also benefits from compliance with GSMA SGP.22 standards and certification from ANATEL in Brazil, guaranteeing safe provisioning and interoperability.

As 5G technology proliferates and manufacturers discontinue the use of physical SIM trays, voice, SMS, and data e-Sims will continue to serve as the cornerstone of connected services in South America. Their adaptability, appeal to a broad market, and compatibility with operator systems make them the most commercially successful and scalable type of e-Sim available in the region.

The hardware sector is the driving force behind South America's e-Sim industry, as embedded chipsets are vital for reliable, secure connectivity in consumer electronics, vehicles, and industrial equipment.

The expansion of e-Sim technology in South America is primarily fueled by hardware, comprising embedded secure elements, integrated chipsets, and soldered modules found in smartphones, wearable devices, automobiles, and Internet of Things gadgets. This leading position arises from the region's necessity for robust, tamper-proof, and remotely manageable connections across various landscapes - from Brazil's Amazon rainforest to the mining areas of Chile and the agricultural regions of Argentina. e-Sims that are hardware-based deliver cryptographic protection, adhere to GSMA SGP.22 standards, and support lifecycle management, rendering them crucial for regulated industries such as automotive, energy, and logistics.

Major brands are providing e-Sim-compatible devices equipped with built-in hardware modules, which encourages operators such as Claro, TIM Brasil, and Telefónica Movistar to enhance their remote provisioning systems. These chipsets facilitate dual-profile activation, roaming options, and secure boot processes essential features for mobile-centric users and business vehicle fleets navigating diverse terrains. In Brazil, e-Sim technology finds application in fintech wearables and smartwatches for biometric verification and contactless transactions, while the agricultural technology sector in Argentina uses e-Sim-enabled sensors for immediate monitoring of soil conditions and crops.

Hardware-based e-Sims are favored for industrial Internet of Things applications due to their durability in demanding situations and their capability to sustain connectivity without needing manual SIM replacements. The mining and energy industries in Chile depend on these modules for telemetry data and predictive maintenance solutions. Regional research and development initiatives particularly in Brazil are enhancing secure element management and orchestration platforms, backed by ANATEL certification and GSMA standards that promote trust and interoperability. As 5G technology becomes more widespread and manufacturers phase out traditional SIM trays, hardware e-Sims are set to remain essential to South America's embedded connectivity. Their security features, scalability options, and adaptability to different terrains position them as the quickest growing and most commercially viable solution in the area.

Brazil leads South America’s e-Sim market due to its advanced telecom infrastructure, proactive regulatory environment, and early adoption across consumer and industrial verticals.

Brazil stands at the forefront of the South American e-Sim sector, rooted in its strong mobile framework, forward-thinking regulations, and early uptake by manufacturers and local providers. With more than 250 million mobile connections and a very high smartphone adoption rate in Latin America, Brazil presents an ideal environment for the growth of e-Sim technology. Key providers such as Claro, TIM Brasil, and Vivo Telefónica Brasil were among the pioneers in the region to embrace e-Sim activation for smartphones, tablets, wearables, and M2M devices complying with GSMA’s SGP.22 guidelines and facilitating remote setup, dual-profile transitions, and safe roaming.

Brazil’s telecom authority ANATEL is crucial as it approves e-Sim-compatible devices and ensures they meet international standards, building consumer confidence and compatibility. This regulatory framework has sped up e-Sim incorporation in fintech wearables, connected automobiles, and industrial IoT initiatives. For instance, in Brazil’s digital banking scene, e-Sim-enabled smartwatches are utilized for biometric authentication and mobile transactions, while logistics operations depend on e-Sims for real-time visibility over extensive and diverse areas from city centers to Amazonian routes. The nation’s industrial fields agriculture, energy, and smart city projects also gain from e-Sim-supported sensors and telemetry gadgets that function in distant areas with unreliable service. Multi-IMSI e-Sims facilitate smooth network transitions, minimizing downtime and enhancing operational productivity. Brazil’s commitment to 5G network development further boosts e-Sim possibilities, allowing high-speed, low-latency solutions across both consumer and business sectors.

This product will be delivered within 2 business days.