Why Firsty and Proximus Lead in Affordable Roaming Solutions
Firsty, the fast-growing tech start-up specialising in mobile connectivity has partnered with Proximus Global to offer more affordable, seamless roaming solutions for businesses and international travellers.
Firsty powers its eSIM connectivity platform to deliver reliable connections at fixed, lower prices compared to traditional roaming costs. The partnership serves major clients, including Uber and Mastercard, providing corporate customers with predictable and cost-effective roaming across more than 170 countries.
Innovative eSIM solutions for enterprises and travellers
Firsty’s eSIM-based platform caters to service providers, international companies and individual travellers by simplifying global mobile connectivity.
The platform features unique service models, including the pioneering “first free global connectivity” for consumers. Organisations like Cartamundi use Firsty’s technology to keep mobile teams connected anywhere in the world, eliminating the complexity and cost associated with managing multiple physical SIM cards or fluctuating roaming fees.
Enhancing performance through strategic collaboration
By integrating its proprietary telecom stack and eSIM provisioning system with Proximus Global’s vast telecommunications infrastructure and operator relationships, Firsty accelerates its time-to-market while lowering operational expenses.
The combined capability also enables a smoother experience for end users.
Gauthier Thierens, co-founder of Firsty, explains: “Without the global networks of partners like Proximus, our mission would not be possible. Together, we are levelling the playing field, whether you are a bank, a traveller or a digital player.
"Our users no longer have to think about mobile connectivity while travelling, whether it be ‘eSIM swaps’ for each country or different international rates for roaming. They are simply connected, in more than 170 countries, for free or at a fixed low price.”
Solving the complexity of cross-border telecom
Cross-border telecommunications have long created obstacles for companies seeking to provide consistent connectivity to employees and customers abroad. While eSIM technology simplifies device activation and management, its effectiveness depends on global scale and strong partnerships with operators worldwide.
Jorn Vercamert, Chief Product Officer at Proximus Global, states: “Cross-border telecom has historically been complex. The arrival of eSIM has changed this. But for it to work well, global scale and collaborations with operators around the world are essential.
"This is precisely what Proximus Global can offer Firsty, to jointly enable players like Uber to be online worldwide.”
Implications for telecommunications providers
The Firsty-Proximus Global partnership highlights the growing need for telecommunications providers to offer scalable, cost-efficient roaming solutions tailored to multinational clients.
By combining advanced eSIM technologies with global network infrastructure, telcos can streamline the traditional complexity and expenses associated with cross-border mobility. The collaboration sets a new benchmark for enterprise connectivity, enabling businesses to keep staff and customers consistently online worldwide without the hassle of swapping SIM cards or managing fluctuating roaming charges.
A brief history of eSIM technology
The journey of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology began in 2010 with the GSMA’s initiative to replace traditional physical SIM cards with remotely programmable, software-based SIMs.
The innovation aimed to enhance flexibility by allowing mobile operators to provision services without requiring users to swap SIMs physically.
The first commercial use of eSIM appeared in 2016 on the Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G smartwatch. Shortly after, industry leaders accelerated the adoption of eSIM technology: Apple introduced eSIM on the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017, expanding support to iPhones and iPads in 2018. Google’s Pixel 2 and Microsoft’s Surface Pro also adopted eSIM around that time.
By 2022, Apple released iPhone 14 models in the US that eliminated physical SIM slots, relying solely on eSIM technology. Other manufacturers, such as Motorola, followed suit with eSIM-only devices.
Initially designed for industrial and IoT applications due to size and scalability benefits, eSIM quickly became transformative for smartphones. It enables users to switch carriers and manage multiple profiles digitally, a significant convenience for global travellers and international enterprises.
Today, more than 650 million devices are equipped with eSIM and projections estimate billions more – ranging from consumer electronics to IoT devices – by the mid-2020s.
The evolution of eSIM technology from niche industrial use to mainstream connectivity illustrates its critical role in simplifying global mobile access for businesses and consumers alike.
