Adoption of embedded subscriber identity module (ESIM) technology services by South African smartphone users for international roaming
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the intention to adopt ESIM (embedded SIM) technology for international roaming
services by South African smartphone users.
Currently, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a physical hardware with an integrated chipset that is inserted into mobile handsets. Physical SIM cards allow a single profile to be provisioned for users. The next evolution in SIM card technology, ESIM, have the capability to support multiple user profiles.
The development of services and new business models enabled through ESIM technology is dependent on the willingness of users to adopt these services. A theoretical model was developed using TAM as a basis with the additional
constructs of trust and risk to test the intention to adopt international roaming services. A cross-sectional, quantitative study using an online survey instrument was employed. A sample size of 142 was collected. The sampling method used was a non-probability, convenience sampling technique and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to examine the reliability and validity of the measures and the main conceptual model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM).
Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were identified as the most significant factors that influence the intention to adopt ESIM roaming services. Perceived usefulness was identified as significant mediating variable between perceived ease of use and intention to adopt. Perceived risk presented as statistically significant, direct influences on intention to adopt. The trust factor had an insignificant influence of the intention to adopt.
The study’s findings form a basis for future research on ESIM enabled services. These findings are relevant to mobile operators, technology platform owners and developers of services for ESIM enabled devices (smartphones, wearables and internet of things devices) with the intent to understand factors that drive users’ intention to adopt service
Description
A research project submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in the field of Digital Business Johannesburg, May 2023
Keywords
Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, TAM, Trust, Perceived risk, Smartphones, Mobile phones, Perceived ease of use, Perceived usefulness, technology adoption model, UCTD
Citation
Singh, Sharon. (2023). Adoption of embedded subscriber identity module (ESIM) technology services by South African smartphone users for international roaming [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/39932