Kuala lumpur: Holafly, the global leader in travel eSIMs, launched the Holafly Global eSIM Index 2026, a study assessing commercial readiness for eSIM adoption across 50 markets and 168 mobile network operators worldwide.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the index, developed with TeleSemana.com, evaluates factors including market readiness, activation systems, competition, regulatory frameworks, and user experience through a zero-to-100 scoring model. In a statement, Holafly said the findings indicate that eSIM technology has moved beyond the development stage into broad commercial deployment, with adoption now shaped mainly by regulatory conditions, device availability, and service accessibility.

Holafly Vice President of Carriers and Operations, Chris Hills, noted that future eSIM adoption would depend on how effectively markets enable seamless digital access and user experiences. The index revealed that the United States ranked first globally with a score of 90.2, followed by Estonia and the United Kingdom.

The study also identified structural and regulatory barriers limiting adoption in markets including Sudan, India, and Liberia. Holafly mentioned that the index includes a penalty mechanism for markets restricting access to international eSIM providers, aiming to reflect actual consumer accessibility alongside operator capability. The company highlighted the growing demand for flexible and borderless mobile connectivity, which is accelerating the transition from physical SIM cards toward digital activation systems for international travelers.