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Plan Activation Mechanisms & Product Classification
eSIM Access · Platform Update & Policy
1Billing Start Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Billing Trigger | Flexibility | Best For | Example | API Parameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Network Connection | Timer starts only when the user arrives at the destination and the eSIM successfully connects to a local network | Highest | Purchasing well ahead of the trip | ~90% of plans e.g. Canada 1GB 7Days | activeType=2 |
| Upon Installation | Timer starts as soon as the eSIM profile is downloaded and installed, regardless of network connection | Moderate | Installing in advance, using on arrival | A few plans e.g. all 100MB plans, e.g. Canada 100MB 7Days | activeType=1 |
| Immediately After Purchase NEW | Timer and lifecycle trigger instantly upon successful transaction via API or portal | None — instant | Purchasing right before/upon arrival at destination, for immediate installation and use | A few plans e.g. Canada 75GB 30Days | activeType=3 |
⚠️ Mechanism 3 — the bigger concern isn’t the no-refund policy, it’s visibility
These plans are essentially carrier prepaid plans. The upside is local network resources — fast speeds and low latency. The real trade-off is that eSIM Status, SM-DP+ Status, and data usage are frequently unqueryable and untraceable via API — this lack of visibility is a bigger operational concern than the non-refundable term itself, since partners can’t monitor or verify these plans the way they can with Traditional esim plans.
2Product Classification: Prepaid esim vs. Traditional esim
| Dimension | Prepaid esim plan | Traditional esim plan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Activation Trigger | After Purchase NEW | First Network Connection / Installation |
| Network Routing & Latency | Local routing — ultra-low latency, maximum bandwidth priority, local IP address | International roaming — traffic backhauled through home-country gateway, higher latency |
| Voice & SMS | Yes | No — eSIM Access plans are data-only |
| API Observability (Usage / Status) | Limited / Untraceable — eSIM Status, SM-DP+ Status and real-time Data Usage are frequently unqueryable | Full — real-time data tracking and SM-DP+ state monitoring |
| Refund Flexibility | Non-refundable — non-cancelable once purchased | Flexible — standard refund eligible pre-activation |
| Underlying Architecture | Direct local mobile operator plans (e.g. local profiles from tier-1 MNOs in the destination country) | Plans built on international roaming agreements (formerly “Data Store Roaming Plans”) |
| Best For | Immediate activation, heavy data usage, low-latency requirements | Advance purchases, flexible trip planning |
3Reseller Guidance
Because Prepaid esim plans carry immediate activation and strict non-refundable terms, we strongly advise all API partners and resellers to implement the following safeguards in your storefronts:
⚠️ Best Practices for Resellers
- Clear on-screen warnings — display explicit notice at checkout informing end-users that the plan activates immediately upon order submission
- Recommend same-day purchase — advise end-users to buy these plans on their day of travel or upon arrival at their destination, for immediate installation and use
- Flag limited visibility — let end-users and support teams know that eSIM status, SM-DP+ status, and usage data may not be queryable or trackable for this plan type, so troubleshooting options will be limited
- Set customer expectations — make sure end-users understand that refunds cannot be granted once the order is submitted
For further technical documentation or API integration assistance regarding plan billing types, please contact the eSIM Access support team or refer to the developer dashboard.
