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Melissa Goh · · 4 min read

The eSIM playbook is being rewritten

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In focus


Hello reader,

I don’t know about you, but though eSIMs brought a convenience that wins against physical SIM cards hands down, loading an eSIM onto my phone each time I travel remains a big pain point.

That’s why more firms on the market are offering a universal eSIM solution – one eSIM that works globally, taking out the need to scan a QR code each time.

Firsty, an eSIM startup founded by ex-Adyen executives, is going a step further. Rather than buying and reselling data bundles from telcos or intermediaries, the firm uses a network that plugs directly into telecom infrastructure.

It’s also able to embed connectivity directly onto apps. Because of this, consumers don’t lose connectivity to essential services like banking or transport when they need them the most.

Will this threaten the traditional data reselling model? Possibly, though if it takes off, smaller operators will likely be the hardest hit.

The travel theme continues in our second featured story. BeMyGuest, a Singapore-based travel tech firm that helps tour operators manage bookings, extended a revenue run into its 2025 financial year, my colleague Miguel writes.

While ticketing is its bread and butter, BeMyGuest is hoping that investments made into its SaaS platform could take the firm to profit next year.

Both stories point to the same shift: travel is moving toward less friction.

Melissa Goh, senior editor


Top Stories

1️⃣ Firsty puts pressure on eSIM rivals with a different approach

Image credit: Timmy Loen


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Melissa Goh

Journalist at Tech in Asia. Got a news tip? Email me: melissa@techinasia.com