BARCELONA—Having to switch between SIM cards is an irritation at the best of times. Having to do it while traveling quickly becomes a frustrating experience, especially when you can't account for compatibility with international SIMs. KnowRoaming aims to change that by removing SIM cards from the equation entirely.
The company is already known for its Global SIM stickers, which attach to your existing SIM card and give you international roaming when you go abroad. The new Soft SIM Platform is similar, except on a virtual level. It allows hardware-free global roaming—meaning no SIM card—so users in foreign countries can automatically connect to networks and monitor account usage through the app.
KnowRoaming is launching the Soft SIM Platform in partnership with TCL Communications (known better for the Alcatel brand).
"The Soft SIM Platform is a natural evolution for KnowRoaming. First, we took the standard SIM technology and created the ultra-thin SIM Sticker. Next, we removed the hardware component completely," said Gregory Gundelfinger, KnowRoaming CEO. "With the flexible delivery mechanisms, the operation of a mobile network, and commercial agreements with networks worldwide, KnowRoaming has a unique vertically integrated solution and the applications are seemingly endless. We're a one-stop shop for global connectivity."
It's important to note that Soft SIM will only work for select Alcatel handsets. KnowRoaming says the integration of the Soft SIM platform is seamless, but has not yet revealed which Alcatel devices will play nice with the Soft SIM Platform.
This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.