Farewell Skype, hello eSIM: the future of global connectivity

On 5 May, 2025, Skype officially retired — a quiet ending to what was once the loudest voice in international calling. But as one communication era fades, another begins. The rise of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology marks the next wave in connectivity, eliminating infrastructure barriers and creating seamless, borderless communication experiences.

If you grew up in the 90s, calling abroad was a costly affair. A quick check-in with travelling loved ones could cost more than dinner. But this all 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 term “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, alongside the rise of Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to a steady decline in Skype’s user base, and eventually, its end.

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 traditionally 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 for a range of users. For frequent travellers, eSIMs simplify the process of switching to local networks. Travellers can download a data plan directly to their device, enjoying reliable, affordable connectivity without hefty roaming fees. This means no more wasting valuable travel time searching for SIM cards or navigating confusing kiosks.

For global businesses, eSIMs simplify connectivity across multiple regions. Companies can offer employees seamless mobile access, eliminating the logistical challenges of managing multiple SIM cards and contracts with different carriers. This flexibility is crucial for businesses reliant on mobile communication and remote work, creating a smoother, more efficient global operation.

Just as Skype once made it easier to stay in touch across borders, eSIM technology is now expanding that freedom, providing individuals with even greater control over how and where they connect. The infrastructure powering this experience may not always be immediately obvious, but it’s what makes seamless global connectivity 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 needing to own or manage traditional telecom infrastructure.

Built on its HERO® platform, Mobilise’s White Label eSIM and V-eSIM apps give businesses the tools to launch their own branded connectivity services. With the White Label eSIM App, users can browse, purchase and activate mobile data plans instantly, without the need to visit a store or swap a SIM.

Taking this a step further, the the V-eSIM app integrates mobile data, voice calling, and IP messaging into a single, digital-first space. It offers a single, digital-first space for users to manage everything from browsing to calling, without relying on physical networks.

This decentralised model builds on what Skype started: enabling communication beyond traditional phone lines. Instead of relying on a single platform, it allows many businesses — and not just telcos — to embed the same functionality into their own services. By expanding access to eSIM and VoIP, it increases choice, reduces barriers and supports a shift toward more mobile-native, flexible communication — continuing Skype’s legacy in a broader, infrastructure-free form.

Although Skype’s era has ended, its legacy of breaking down communication barriers continues through the evolution of eSIM technology. eSIM represents the future, offering flexibility for both businesses and consumers. By simplifying communication and providing more efficient global access, eSIM ensures that staying connected remains seamless in an increasingly mobile world.

 

To explore how Mobilise is shaping the future of global communication through eSIM technology, visit our insights page.