The eSIM and the Data Bundle that allows data consumption from the network are two separate items. The eSIM is a profile on the device hardware that configures it for use on a data network. The Data Bundle is the allowance that eSIM has for access to using data on the network. Data Bundle have different rules for validity periods and expiry. These different rules are detailed in the sections below.
Data Bundle Validity and Expiry
A Data Bundle is valid for up to 12 months after initial purchase. This is to align with the validity period of an eSIM.
After 12 months of inactivity the eSIM and queued Data Bundle will be recycled.
For example
An eSIM is purchased with a data bundle for 1GB 7 day for a region. It is never used. There is no usage for the eSIM after initial purchase for 12 months and will be recycled.
This would mean the eSIM is the customers for 12 months total.
If data consumption starts on a Data Bundle, a timer starts for how long that bundle can be used before it is then expired and can no longer be used to access data services. This is typically the 7 day or 30 day expiry period advertised with the Data Bundle.
For example
An eSIM is purchased with a data bundle for 3GB 30 day for a region. 2GB are used. There is no further usage. At the point the Data Bundle was started a 30 day timer started.
At the end of the 30 day timer the bundle will be removed from the eSIM.
Alternatively a bundle will expire if all of the data allowance for the purchased bundle is used.
For example
An eSIM is purchased with a data bundle for 5GB 30 day for a region. 5GB are used within 14 days. No further usage can occur as the data has reached the limit.
The data bundle will be removed from the eSIM as all the data is used.
Top-up an eSIM with Data Bundles
After the bundle expires a new bundle would need to be added to the eSIM through the top-up process.