Dual-use eSIMs: Streamlining business and personal connectivity on a single device

Workstyles have evolved, and so have mobile needs.

With hybrid, remote, and globally dispersed teams now the norm, employees are relying on their smartphones for both personal and professional use. Managing multiple handsets or swapping SIM cards is not only inconvenient but also costly and inefficient.

That’s where dual-use eSIMs come in. Cellhire’s smart eSIM solution allows two mobile profiles to run on a single device, one for work and the other for personal, giving organisations control over business connectivity while empowering staff to use the phones they already own. The result? Simplified device management, reduced costs, and seamless support for flexible working.

What is a dual-use eSIM?

A dual-use eSIM allows users to operate two mobile subscriptions, typically one for business and one for personal use, on the same device. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which require physical insertion, eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are digital and can be downloaded directly onto compatible smartphones.

With this approach:

• The employee retains their personal number and data plan
• The business provides a separate eSIM profile for corporate use
• Both profiles coexist on a single device, each with independent functionality

This allows businesses to maintain control over corporate mobile usage while giving employees the freedom to continue using their personal phones, with no need to carry multiple handsets.

Why dual-use eSIM is gaining traction

As eSIM adoption grows and more smartphones offer dual SIM support, the case for dual-use business eSIMs becomes stronger. From cost efficiency to simplified provisioning, organisations are unlocking real benefits:

1. Reduce device costs and simplify logistics

Providing every employee with a second phone is not only expensive but also adds unnecessary complexity. With dual-use eSIMs, businesses can issue a managed mobile line without purchasing new hardware or posting SIM cards.

2. Maintain control of corporate lines

Through Cellhire’s eSIM management platform, IT teams can remotely activate, suspend, or revoke eSIM profiles without ever handling the physical device - ideal for managing contractors, remote workers, or temporary assignments.

3. Support BYOD policies securely

In Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments, eSIM makes it easy to layer a secure business line onto an employee-owned handset. The business profile can be configured with its own data usage rules and is easily removed when no longer needed.

4. Enhance user experience and privacy

Employees benefit from clear separation between personal and work calls, data, and billing, all while using the smartphone they're most comfortable with. Notifications and usage are clearly split, reducing confusion and preserving work-life balance.

Key use cases for business eSIM dual use

Dual-use eSIMs are ideal for a wide range of industries and deployment models:

Field teams & remote contractors

Issue business numbers quickly and remotely to dispersed teams. eSIMs can be revoked or reassigned without physical interaction, making them perfect for short-term projects.

International travel

Load a Cellhire eSIM with a local or global data plan to avoid expensive roaming charges while abroad. Staff can stay connected on the same device wherever they go.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

Let employees keep their personal phones while providing full business connectivity on the same handset. Ideal for consultants, freelancers, or part-time staff.

Hardware consolidation

Reduce mobile fleet management overhead by removing the need for second phones. One device, two lines - streamlined, secure, and easy to support.

How Cellhire’s dual-use eSIM works

Deploying a dual-use eSIM through Cellhire is simple:

1. Select a plan – Choose from local, multi-network, or global eSIM plans tailored for voice and data.
2. Remote provisioning – Send the eSIM via email or QR code directly to the employee’s device.
3. Activate and manage – Use Cellhire’s secure platform to manage the eSIM lifecycle: activate, monitor usage, suspend, or reassign as needed.

Cellhire supports both consumer eSIM and M2M/IoT eSIM provisioning, giving businesses greater flexibility depending on their device type and use case.

Why choose Cellhire for eSIM dual use?

With more than 30 years of experience delivering mobile connectivity across 190+ countries, Cellhire is trusted by global enterprises, public sector organisations, and channel partners. Our eSIM proposition includes:

• Multi-network UK & global coverage
• Full eSIM lifecycle management portal
• Flexible plans: short-term, long-term, or travel-specific
• Dedicated account support
• No hardware shipping delays or restrictions

Explore our eSIM for business services to learn more or request a tailored quote.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I use both lines at the same time?

Yes, dual-SIM devices allow both the personal SIM and the business eSIM to be active simultaneously. You can choose which line to use for calls, messages, and data.

Is the business eSIM secure?

Yes. Business eSIM profiles are provisioned and managed remotely, with access controls and the ability to suspend or delete instantly, reducing security risks if a device is lost or stolen.

What phones are compatible with eSIM?

Most newer smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and others support eSIM.

Here’s a clear, well-organised table of eSIM-compatible devices broken down by manufacturer and series, with a focus on widely-used, business-relevant models. This list is based on the latest known UK-compatible devices as of mid-2025.

Notes:

• Dual SIM (eSIM + physical SIM) support varies by region and carrier. Always check with the device manufacturer or your Cellhire account manager.
• Devices must be unlocked and support SM-DP+ remote provisioning to use Cellhire eSIMs.
• Some lower-end or older models may not support eSIM at all.

Empower your team with flexible eSIM connectivity

Dual-use eSIMs represent a modern, efficient approach to business mobility. Whether you're managing remote teams, reducing hardware costs, or enabling BYOD securely, Cellhire’s eSIM platform delivers the flexibility and control you need.

Contact us today to discuss your dual-use eSIM needs.

Wholesale white-label eSIM opportunities: Offer dual-use eSIMs under your brand

Cellhire’s dual-use eSIM proposition is also available to wholesale and channel partners seeking to expand their mobile offering without the overhead of building infrastructure.

Whether you're a telecom reseller, systems integrator, or IT service provider, partnering with Cellhire enables you to deliver flexible eSIM connectivity solutions to your customers under your own brand.

Key wholesale benefits:

• White-label ready – Offer dual-use eSIMs with your branding and pricing model
• Rapid provisioning – Deploy eSIMs instantly to customer devices across the UK and globally
• Multi-network coverage – Provide reliable business connectivity through Tier 1 mobile operators
• Portal access – Use our self-service or co-branded eSIM management platform for provisioning and support
• Dedicated account management – Work with a UK-based team that understands your channel needs

Who it’s ideal for:

• Mobile service providers
• Value-added resellers (VARs)
• Managed service providers (MSPs)
• Enterprise IT consultancies
• Device and MDM solution providers

Cellhire’s wholesale eSIM model helps you stay competitive, win new customers, and diversify your revenue, all without investing in your own network.

Become a partner or speak to our team about integrating dual-use eSIMs into your portfolio.