This webinar will explore the transition to eSIM technology in the UK and related markets, examining its implications for consumers, telecom providers, and national cyber security. With the UK government currently consulting on updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, this is a timely opportunity to assess how policy, market dynamics, and technology intersect.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital alternative to the traditional physical SIM card. Built directly into devices, eSIMs allow users to activate and switch mobile plans remotely, without needing to insert or replace a physical card. This innovation is reshaping the mobile connectivity landscape by offering greater flexibility, reducing environmental waste, and enabling new models for international roaming and customer mobility.
The benefits of eSIM technology extend well beyond end users, offering significant advantages across sectors such as retail, logistics, and manufacturing. By enabling and simplifying the management of millions of connected devices, eSIMs play a crucial role in supporting IoT applications. They also provide secure, flexible connectivity for enterprises deploying private 5G networks, and facilitate seamless cross-border cellular access across multiple providers with minimal complexity. When combined with AI and cloud infrastructure, eSIMs have the potential to evolve even further, unlocking new possibilities for innovation and efficiency.
The importance of eSIMs lies in their potential to empower consumers, streamline mobile operations, and enhance device security. However, they also introduce new challenges, particularly around remote provisioning, fraud prevention, and regulatory oversight. As eSIM adoption accelerates globally and in the UK, traditional market structures are being disrupted, with device manufacturers, MVNOs, and digital-first operators gaining influence, while legacy providers face pressure to adapt.
This webinar will bring together experts from across the telecoms, cybersecurity, and policy sectors to explore how the UK can navigate this transition — ensuring innovation is matched by robust consumer protections and regulatory clarity.
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techUK brings together government, the regulator, telecom companies and stakeholders to help the UK maximise the benefits of adopting advanced communications services. We ensure our members have a clear understanding of market developments, customer requirements, and government priorities. Visit the programme page here.
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Meet the team
Sophie Greaves
Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK
Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 0207 331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/
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Phil Reid
Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Phil is acting Head of Telecoms and Spectrum policy at techUK, where he leads the Communications, Infrastructure and Services Programme. This focuses on promoting the benefits and innovations of connectivity and tackles the barriers of digital infrsatructre rollout.
Phil's background lies in public affairs and policy, supporting numerous organisations to navigate their policy landscape, build their political profile and engage on key issues with impact. His previous roles were predominantly in consultancy but he has also had extensive experience in establishing and manging both trade bodies and campaign groupings; leading their secretariat functions as well as their public affairs and communications activities.
Telecoms has been an ever-constant sector focus during his career, covering an array of issues such as IP-migration, broadband rollout, net neutrality, telecoms fraud, network resilience and security. He has a strong understanding of the sector ecosytem, its major policy issues and has had plenty of interaction with its key stakeholders.
Outside of work, if he's not enjoying family time with his wife and two daughters, he'll be either playing or watching some form of sport.
- Email:
- [email protected]
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Tales Gaspar
Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
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Josh Turpin
Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.
Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/
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