Analysis from TechRadar argues the telecom industry is heading for real disruption as travel eSIMs surge and a wave of smaller, app-first providers undercut traditional carriers on price.

The pressure point is international roaming — long one of the most profitable lines for mobile operators. As travellers increasingly buy a cheap eSIM instead of paying roaming rates, that revenue is being squeezed. The report suggests networks are responding by flooding the market with their own eSIM offers to defend against nimbler rivals.

For travellers, the upshot is more choice and keener pricing — exactly the trend that has made travel eSIMs a mainstream purchase rather than a techie's trick.

Key points

Skip the roaming bill entirely — see our mega list of eSIM providers and how to choose an eSIM for Asia.

Summarised by eSIMs.asia from analysis published by TechRadar. Facts and figures belong to the original source.