French technology company Thales and Chinese smartphone brand Oppo have joined ranks to launch the first 5G standalone (SA)-compatible eSIM on its 5G smartphone, the Oppo Find X3 Pro in India.
“The 5G Standalone (SA) eSIM-based Oppo Find X3 Pro will provide users with the advanced 5G experience offered by 5G SA networks, as well as providing both users and mobile operators with the benefits of eSIM technology,” Oppo said in a statement.
According to the announcement, the two companies have jointly collaborated on eSIM server validation, device debugging, verification and function development. The new eSIM, unlike traditional SIMs that need to be physically inserted into devices, comes integrated with the device.
“We are honoured to continue our partnership with Oppo, for validating and commercializing the first 5G SA-Compatible eSIM on the Oppo Find X3 Pro,” Jerome Bendell, Vice President of Thales North Asia and CEO of Thales in China said.
In addition to smartphones and wearable devices, eSIMs are also increasingly finding their use in connected vehicles and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). As part of Oppo’s key eSIM solutions partner, Thales eSIM solutions have also been included in the Oppo Watch, the smartphone brand’s first watch with built-in cellular connectivity.
“Through our technical collaboration with Thales, we have made the Find X3 Pro one of the first devices in the world to be equipped with 5G SA-Compatible eSIM. As 5G SA networks are being deployed around the world, the addition of 5G SA-Compatible eSIM brings more possibilities for Find X3 Pro users worldwide,” Xia Yang, Senior Director of Carrier Product, Oppo said.
