- LATAM Airlines is making it easier for travelers to stay online when they’re on the move
- The Latin American airline is offering a new travel eSIM directly to consumers
- The whole thing is enabled by Gigs, which developed a super smart operating system that enables big brands to offer mobile services
LATAM Airlines is launching a travel eSIM that gives customers the chance to buy and use mobile data on the fly.
What’s so special about this? Bad puns aside, it’s not everyday that an airline launches an eSIM. In fact, we’re told that LATAM – the largest airline in Latin America – is the first airline in Latin America to offer its own branded travel eSIM. Plus, it’s providing travelers a pretty convenient package: no hefty roaming fees or hassle trying to find Wi-Fi.
The LATAM eSIM was created in partnership with Gigs, the “not-an-MVNE” operating system provider that looks like an mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) but it actually does a lot more. Call it a “super MVNE” if you will. Gigs struck coverage agreements with mobile network operators worldwide so that LATAM and other entities can offer their own branded eSIMs.
Not an MVNO
Don’t call LATAM an MVNO, either, tempting as it may be. "They are not," Rafa Plantier, Gigs’ Go-to-Market VP, told Fierce. "The beauty of our business is that we eliminate all regulatory and operational complexity, allowing our customers to focus on their core business while entering the connectivity space.”
Gigs takes care of all the behind-the-scenes technology integration and customer management so that its customers don't have to worry about all that. “Gigs does everything,” he said. “We have built the roaming profile based on our relationships in the industry. We've selected the [carrier] networks.”
The deal with LATAM is similar to what Gigs did with Nubank in Brazil and Wealthsimple in Canada. These brands are all dealing with large captive audiences adept at using digital services and engaging with their brands. Gigs’ operating system in particular resonates with high-tech platforms and tech businesses more so than, say, the celebrities that are launching MVNOs seemingly left and right.
Unlocking is key
To use the LATAM service, customers must have an unlocked, eSIM capable device. Once that’s established, they can choose from plans that range from 1 GB for $5 to 10 GB for $26, all valid for 30 days. Customers can pay through Apple Pay, Google Pay or use a major credit or debit card.
Once the customer installs the eSIM onto their phone, they should be ready to go. For a little added incentive, customers can earn LATAM Pass Miles with every purchase. (Because, of course.)
Tying an eSIM to a data plan through an airline makes a lot of sense — last year’s roaming outage proved how reliant travelers are becoming on mobile connectivity.
“Connectivity has really become an essential part of traveling,” Plantier said. “This gives people the opportunity for peace of mind to buy connectivity in conjunction with their flights.”