Analysis – Skype to eSIMs: one door closes but another opens to Global Connectivity

Skype officially retired a month ago— a quiet ending to what was once the loudest voice in international calling.

Hamish White, CEO at telecom software provider Mobilise, explains how eSIMs are rising from Skype’s ashes.

As one communication era fades, another begins. The rise of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology marks the next wave in connectivity, removing infrastructure barriers and enabling seamless, borderless communication. Here, 

If you grew up in the 90s, calling loved ones abroad could cost more than dinner. A quick check-in was a costly affair. But everything changed in 2003 with the launch of Skype.

Using only an internet connection, Skype offered a free alternative to expensive calls, democratising international voice communication and bringing together family, friends and colleagues. By 2010, 13 per cent of the world’s international calls were made over Skype, and the phrase “Skype me” was as ubiquitous as “Google it.”

However, even giants can fall. When Microsoft acquired Skype in 2011, it had approximately 150 million monthly active users. But misaligned updates and Microsoft’s growth of its Teams unified comms platform — along with the rise of Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic — led to a steady decline in Skype’s user base, and ultimately, its sunset.

While Skype’s decline reminds us that even the most successful platforms can falter, its departure opens the door for the next generation of global communication technology.

An Infrastructure-Free Future

Skype reinvented international communication by removing the cost barriers of traditional calling. eSIM technology takes this a step further by eliminating the infrastructure barriers that have historically tied users to specific networks and regions.

Instead of relying on physical SIM cards, an eSIM chip is embedded directly into a device, allowing users to switch seamlessly between networks without swapping cards.

This capability offers significant value across user groups. For frequent travellers, eSIMs simplify the process of connecting to local networks. Users can download a data plan directly to their device, enjoying reliable, affordable connectivity without hefty roaming fees. That means no more wasting valuable travel time searching for SIM cards or navigating confusing kiosks.

For global businesses, eSIMs simplify mobile connectivity across regions. Companies can offer employees seamless access without the logistical headache of juggling multiple SIMs or carrier contracts. This flexibility is crucial for organisations that depend on mobile communication and remote work, enabling smoother, more efficient global operations.

Just as Skype once made it easier to stay in touch across borders, eSIM technology is now expanding that freedom — giving individuals more control over how and where they connect. The infrastructure powering this experience may not be immediately visible, but it’s what makes seamless global communication possible.

Powering Global Connectivity

As a telecom software provider, Mobilise enables Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and digital brands to offer eSIM services without owning or managing traditional telecom infrastructure.

Built on its HERO= platform, Mobilise’s White Label eSIM and V-eSIM apps builds on what Skype began: enabling communication beyond traditional phone lines. But instead of a single platform continuing Skype’s legacy in a broader, infrastructure-free form.

Although Skype’s era has ended, its legacy of breaking down communication barriers lives on through the evolution of eSIM technology. eSIM represents the future — offering flexibility for both businesses and consumers. By simplifying communication and improving global access, eSIM helps ensure staying connected remains seamless in a mobile-first world.