Apple, Google remove foreign eSIM providers Airalo, Holafly: Report

# Apple, Google remove foreign eSIM providers Airalo, Holafly: Report

Apple and Google have removed the apps of two foreign eSIM providers, Airalo and Holafly, from their app stores in India, following the instructions from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), according to a report by Moneycontrol[^1^][1]. The DoT has also asked internet service providers and telecom operators to block the websites of the two apps, as they were selling or renting international roaming SIM cards without the required permissions.

## What are eSIMs and why are they regulated?

eSIMs are digital SIM cards that allow users to activate a mobile plan from a network provider without using a physical SIM card. eSIMs are convenient for travelers, as they can switch between different plans and providers without changing their SIM cards. eSIMs are also compatible with various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops.

However, eSIMs are also subject to regulations in India, as they can pose security and privacy risks. According to the DoT's policy that came into effect in January 2022, foreign eSIM providers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DoT to sell or rent international roaming SIM cards to customers in India. The policy also mandates that the providers must be registered as Indian companies, collect the necessary documents from the customers, and submit monthly reports to the security agencies.

## Which eSIM providers are affected and how?

Airalo and Holafly are two eSIM providers that offer eSIMs for multiple countries and regions. Airalo is based in Singapore and Holafly is based in Spain. Both apps claim to offer affordable and flexible eSIM plans for travelers, with features such as unlimited data, voice calls, and SMS.

However, neither of the apps have the NOC from the DoT to operate in India, and hence, they have been removed from the app stores by Apple and Google. Google has already blocked the downloads of the apps from the Google Play store, while Apple is yet to do so from the App Store. The DoT has also asked the internet service providers and telecom operators to block the websites of the apps, making them inaccessible for Indian users.

## What are the alternatives for eSIM users?

Indian users who want to use eSIMs for international roaming have limited options, as there are only 22 providers that have the NOC from the DoT as of September 30, 2023. Some of the popular and authorized eSIM providers are [Jio](https://www.gadgets360.com/telecom/news/google-restricts-holafly-airalo-download-esim-apps-dot-policy-report-4806561), [Airtel](https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/google-removes-foreign-esim-apps-holafly-airalo-amid-dot-crackdown-12004221.html), [Vodafone Idea](https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/google-removes-foreign-esim-apps-holafly-airalo-amid-dot-crackdown/story), [Matrix](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/google-removes-two-global-esim-apps-from-play-store/articleshow/106583052.cms), and [Clay]. These providers offer eSIMs for various countries and regions, with different plans and prices.

However, users should also be aware of the pros and cons of using eSIMs, and compare them with other options, such as physical SIM cards, Wi-Fi hotspots, or local SIM cards. eSIMs may offer convenience and flexibility, but they may also have drawbacks, such as compatibility issues, network coverage, customer support, and security risks.