eSIM for mobile data, regular SIM for calls question

[ChrisCornwall19]

I have recently bought an EE SIM to replace another network where we get really poor mobile data. The EE SIM is great, 5G, good speeds etc. Unfortunately my mobile number is tied to the other network on a 24 month contact (too late to cancel, was ok until the 3G switch off), and I can't request a PAC code to bring my number to EE without very high early termination fees from the other network.

Would this work on an iPhone with dual SIM support:

• Convert the EE-SIM to an eSIM, configure this for mobile data?
• Use the physical SIM from the other network for calling, thus "keeping" my number

Do you foresee any problems with this combination? I used a Nomad eSIM whilst on holiday in Turkey this summer with the above combination, and it worked, but is this a workable long term solution? Any unexpected behaviours I need to be aware of, e.g. no mobile data whilst on a call? Thanks for your advice.

[XRaySpeX · Accepted solution]

@ChrisCornwall19 : It should work fine.

[ChrisCornwall19]

Just to add, I've actually set this up today as described above and it all looks to be working well. I put the EE SIM into the phone and then used the EE app to request a free instant replacement eSIM. Did all the verification and got that enabled, then removed the EE SIM and put the other network physical SIM back in. Result - fast mobile data from EE and can still use my contract tied mobile number from the other network. Noticed iPhone has a "use which ever network has the best signal" toggle for mobile data as well which is nice.

[bristolian]

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@ChrisCornwall19 wrote:

Noticed iPhone has a "use which ever network has the best signal" toggle for mobile data as well which is nice.

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It would be very interesting to know what the criteria is for this. There's a popular misconception that "more bars" are better, where the reality is "more spectrum" is closer to the truth.

[chistery]

I generally set an unconditional divert to my main SIM, which if you have inclusive calls on the plan you are forwarding from, then there's no cost, and calls come through on my main number. Also means the other SIM doesn't need to be active to receive calls to it.

[ChrisCornwall19]

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@chistery wrote:

I generally set an unconditional divert to my main SIM, which if you have inclusive calls on the plan you are forwarding from, then there's no cost, and calls come through on my main number. Also means the other SIM doesn't need to be active to receive calls to it.

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Is an unconditional divert something you setup with the carrier, rather than a setting on the phone?

[bristolian]

Call diverts are always set using your phone's menu options.

[chistery]

It's a setting on the phone, maybe called Call Forwarding. It sets a network divert so it forwards it. You pay for the forwarded call. which is to a UK number is usually inclusive so no cost, but worth checking.

[ChrisCornwall19]

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@bristolian wrote:

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@ChrisCornwall19 wrote:

Noticed iPhone has a "use which ever network has the best signal" toggle for mobile data as well which is nice.

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It would be very interesting to know what the criteria is for this. There's a popular misconception that "more bars" are better, where the reality is "more spectrum" is closer to the truth.

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I've actually noticed it making odd choices that might reflect this - with this mode enabled the speed is 1/4 of what I'm getting with just the EE eSIM selected for mobile data, so I can only assume it's deciding the other network SIM should be used for some reason. So I've turned that off for now.