Operators and the FSB opposed the technology that allows you to call by phone without a physical SIM card

MTS, Megafon and Beeline, at a meeting in the government, opposed the introduction of ESIM technology in Russia, which is used in the latest models of Apple and Samsung devices to connect to cellular communication without the use of physical SIM card. About this writes RBC with reference to three sources. Two of them also reported that the operators were supported by the representative of the FSB.

ESIM (Embeded SIM, built-in SIM card) is an integrated at the stage of production into a smartphone, a tablet, a “smart” clock or another microcircuit device, which stores all the information necessary to connect to the cellular network. To obtain a phone number and a tariff plan, the user of the device is enough to download the application of the selected telecom operator or scan its QR code, after which the settings for using the cellular network will be recorded on ESIM. The technology is already used on the iPhone models XS, XS Max and XR, Google Pixel smartphones, Apple and Microsoft Surface tablets, as well as in the “smart” watches of Apple, Samsung and Huawei. The service works so far in only 24 countries. ESIM makes it possible to have several telephone numbers from different communication operators on one smartphone and easily switch between them, as well as use the services of local communication operators during trips abroad.

Russian operators are afraid of exacerbations of competition and reducing revenue, while they need to invest in the development of new technologies, as well as create infrastructure for the Yarovaya Law and other state initiatives. The representative of the FSB opposed the use of ESIM due to difficulties using domestic cryptography. According to RBC, the FSB is working on the concept of trusted SIM cards with domestic encryption. If the bill of the Ministry of Communications, on which the SIM cards should contain Russian cryptographic algorithms will be adopted, the subscriber will receive a SIM card with Russian cryptography when buying a new or replacing the old.