This guide is designed to assist company administrators in effectively managing and allocating travel eSIMs, ensuring seamless connectivity for employees while controlling costs. Adhering to this guide will support compliance with company policies and maximise the benefits of travel eSIMs for business operations.
Responsibilities of eSIM Administrators
As an eSIM administrator, your responsibilities include:
1. Allocating travel eSIMs to employees travelling abroad.
2. Verifying device compatibility with eSIM technology.
3. Monitoring the status and usage of eSIMs via the admin portal.
4. Ensuring compliance with company travel and data usage policies.
1. Preparing eSIMs for Travellers
a. Assigning eSIMs to Users
- Log in to the eSIM admin portal.
- Navigate to the eSIM allocation section and select the appropriate plan based on the destination and expected duration of travel.
- Assign the eSIM to the traveller by entering their details (e.g., email address).
b. Verifying Device Compatibility
- Before assigning an eSIM, confirm that the employee's device supports eSIM functionality.
- Use the PiPcall eSIM Compatibility Checker.
c. Communicating Installation Steps
- Once assigned, the traveller will receive an email containing the eSIM QR code and installation instructions.
- Travellers can install the eSIM prior to departure but note:
- The eSIM will not activate until the traveller arrives at their destination unless the eSIM is set to a region that includes the traveller's current location.
- For example, if the eSIM is for a Europe region plan and installed in the UK, it will activate immediately since the UK is within the Europe region.
d. Plan Selection and Lifespan
- eSIMs have a 12-month lifespan from the date of purchase.
- You can purchase eSIMs up to 12 months before the travel date to ensure timely preparation.
- Ensure that the eSIM’s validity covers the entire travel period.
e. Disabling Roaming on Physical SIMs
- Advise travellers to turn off data roaming on their physical SIMs to prevent unnecessary costs.
2. Monitoring and Managing eSIMs
a. Status Overview
- Use the admin portal to track the status of all assigned eSIMs (e.g., installed, active, inactive).
- The portal provides a real-time view of the installation status, enabling you to confirm whether users have successfully installed their eSIMs.
b. Managing Data Limits
- Once a traveller reaches their eSIM data limit, the eSIM will stop functioning until additional data is purchased.
- Log into the portal to purchase and assign a new plan to the same user.
- Notify the traveller once the new plan is active, ensuring minimal disruption to their connectivity.
c. eSIMs Are Non-Redeployable
- Once an eSIM is installed on a specific device, it cannot be redeployed to another device.
- If the device is lost or replaced, a new eSIM will need to be purchased and assigned to the traveller.
d. Managing Expiry Dates
- eSIMs are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
- Monitor the validity period to ensure they remain operational for the planned travel dates.
- Deactivate eSIMs that are no longer needed to avoid confusion, though they cannot be reassigned.
3. Policies to Ensure Cost Control
a. Mandatory eSIM Use
All company travellers must use assigned eSIMs for mobile data abroad. Roaming on physical SIMs is prohibited unless pre-approved by management.
b. Appropriate Plan Selection
Always assign plans that align with the traveller’s destination and expected usage to minimise costs.
c. Prohibited Uses
Ensure employees are aware of restrictions, such as avoiding high-bandwidth activities like video streaming or large file uploads.
4. After the Trip
a. Deactivation of eSIMs
- Deactivate the eSIM in the portal after the trip if it is no longer required to ensure clarity in active vs inactive plans.
- Remember, eSIMs cannot be reassigned or redeployed to another traveller or device.
b. Review and Report
- Analyse usage and performance data from the portal to identify any irregularities or areas for improvement.
- Submit a summary report to management if required, detailing usage trends and cost savings.
5. Troubleshooting and Support
Connectivity Issues:
- If a traveller reports issues:
1. Check the eSIM status via the admin portal to confirm it is active.
2. Verify that the device's data settings are switched to the correct SIM (eSIM). This can usually be set in the device's "Mobile Data" or "Network" settings.
3. If the issue persists, contact support@pipcall for further assistance. Ensure you have the traveller's details and eSIM status ready for reference.
Lost or Uninstalled eSIMs:
- If the device is lost or the eSIM is uninstalled, a new eSIM must be purchased and assigned.
Effortless Travel Connectivity: Simplify, Control, and Manage eSIMs for Your Team
Effective management of travel eSIMs ensures seamless connectivity for your team, enhances cost control, and simplifies mobile administration. By leveraging the PiPcall admin portal, you can streamline every aspect of eSIM procurement, assignment, and monitoring—allowing you to focus on what matters most: keeping your team connected wherever business takes them.
If you need further assistance, our support team is always here to help at support@pipcall.com. Take control of your team’s travel connectivity today and experience the benefits of simplified mobile management.