If you have decided to use your local (home country) eSIM while traveling or for home country use, chances are you have activated a 5G data plan to enjoy a super-fast connection. However, you may find yourself browsing at slower speeds, such as 4G or even 3G. You are not alone in this frustrating experience. In this article, we will explore the main causes that limit the speed of local eSIMs while traveling, despite the availability of 5G technology.
Roaming agreements limit your experience
One of the main reasons why you may not get the expected 5G speeds is related to the international roaming agreements that eSIM providers have. These agreements often come with specific restrictions that can significantly impact your connection experience.
When international eSIM providers negotiate with local operators, it is common for network access to be limited. In many cases, roaming agreements only allow access to 4G or 3G networks, even if 5G is available locally. This is a trade-off that providers must make, balancing the costs associated with network access with the needs of users.
Priority goes to local users
Another key factor to consider is how operators prioritize data traffic. Generally, roaming users receive lower priority than local customers. This means that even if 5G is available in your area, you may still experience slower speeds.
Network operators often implement policies that favor their direct customers, especially in high congestion situations. This approach allows them to guarantee optimal performance for their subscribers, at the expense of the quality of service for roaming users.
The Role of Physical Infrastructure: Not All 5G Is Equal
Another thing to keep in mind is the actual availability of 5G infrastructure in the places you visit. Even if your device shows the 5G icon, it does not necessarily guarantee a connection at that speed.
Connections to hybrid infrastructures
You may be connected to a network that uses technologies like Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), which allows the same frequency spectrum to be used for 4G and 5G. This means that even if you see the 5G icon on your phone, you are actually using a network that can be shared with 4G.
Additionally, you may be on a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) network, which relies on 4G infrastructure for control and signaling, while 5G is only used for data transfer. Finally, there are also 4G antennas that display the 5G icon just for marketing purposes, without actually delivering the promised performance.
5G coverage uneven
The distribution of 5G antennas varies greatly from place to place. In urban areas, coverage may be good, but in remote or rural areas, antennas may be absent. This disparity means that you may not have access to the local 5G network when you are in certain areas during your trip.
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Technical limitations of eSIMs
The technical specifications of the eSIMs themselves can affect the performance of your data connection. A critical aspect is the compatibility with local frequency bands.
Compatibility with local frequencies
Different countries may adopt different frequency bands for 5G. eSIMs tend to support only the most common bands, which can significantly limit performance. Additionally, millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, which offer the fastest 5G speeds, are rarely included in international use.
Throttling and Cost Management
Service providers, when you go abroad with a local eSIM, can also adopt speed limiting policies (throttling) to control the wholesale costs paid to local operators. This practice is used to ensure a fair distribution of bandwidth among all customers and to prevent excessive usage that could generate unexpected costs.
Advantages of international eSIM over local
An international eSIM has the advantage of being able to connect to the most optimal local operator available in the area you are in. This means that it can take advantage of the best networks to ensure a fast and stable connection. This is particularly useful in situations where the coverage of a local operator may be limited or of poor quality.
On the other hand, a local eSIM used as during your travels, connects with the local operator, which may not have an equally performing or widespread network in the areas where you are. Therefore, the choice between an international eSIM and a local one depends very much on your specific needs and the quality of the network at the destination.
If your priority is to have the best possible connected experience while traveling, it may be worth considering using an international eSIM, which offers more flexibility and potentially better network options. This should be taken into account when planning your trip and choosing your connectivity solutions.
How to get the best possible performance
If you want to maximize your data speed while traveling, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind. First, check whether your eSIM provider explicitly offers 5G support at your destination.
Additionally, it may be helpful to choose eSIMs from international operators, such as BLIVALE , which have better roaming agreements.
Finally, consider purchasing an International eSIM for the country or region you are going to, to avoid incurring exorbitant roaming and data costs.
Conclusion
The speed limitations of local eSIMs for international use are caused by a combination of commercial, technical and infrastructure factors. Understanding these dynamics can help you choose the solution that best suits your connectivity needs when traveling abroad.
The next time you notice a slower than expected connection during your international travel, remember that there may be complex roaming agreements and local infrastructure that can impact your experience. Don't let these factors ruin your trip; educate yourself and prepare to get the most out of your online experience on the go.
Glossary of acronyms
eSIM : Virtual SIM integrated into the device that can be programmed remotely.
5G : Fifth generation of cellular technology, with speeds significantly faster than 4G.
4G/LTE : Fourth Generation/Long Term Evolution - mobile connection standard preceding 5G.
3G : Third generation of cellular technology, much slower than 4G and 5G.
DSS : Dynamic Spectrum Sharing - technology for the simultaneous use of the frequency spectrum between 4G and 5G.
NSA : Non-Standalone - 5G implementation that relies on 4G infrastructure.
mmWave : Millimeter wave frequencies (24-100 GHz) that offer faster 5G speeds but with limited coverage.
This guide will help you better navigate the world of international eSIMs, maximizing your connectivity opportunities while traveling.
