Travel eSIM usage is rising as more people buy digital SIMs for trips, potentially reducing demand for traditional mobile roaming plans. Financial Times reports that eSIM usage is set to increase by roughly a third this year as travellers seek lower-cost ways to access mobile data abroad.

The change affects the economics of international roaming, a long-standing source of revenue for mobile operators. As consumers choose eSIM options instead of paying roaming charges through their home mobile networks, operators may face pressure on roaming “cash cow” earnings. The outlet frames the shift primarily as a business impact on the mobile industry, tied to pricing incentives for travellers.

Across the coverage provided, the central points align: eSIMs are becoming more widely used for travel, growth is expected to be significant in the near term, and the key implication is reduced reliance on conventional roaming services due to cheaper alternatives. No other differing claims are presented in the provided sources.