Turkey restricts access to more than 35 foreign e-SIM service providers.
In a move aimed at enforcing data sovereignty, national security, and telecom infrastructure control, Turkey has blocked access to over 35 foreign eSIM service providers, effective July 2025 [1][3]. The Turkish telecommunications authority (BTK) implemented new regulations requiring eSIM providers to partner with local mobile operators, store all SIM profile data domestically, and restrict long-term roaming on foreign networks [1].
The blocked providers include well-known international brands like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and others, as well as companies like CMLink, a subsidiary of China's state-owned China Mobile [1]. The move is aimed at safeguarding the position of domestic telecommunications providers and protecting local carriers' market share [1].
The potential implications for the global eSIM market are significant. Restricted connectivity for travelers and digital nomads entering Turkey who previously relied on global eSIM providers to avoid expensive roaming charges is now a reality, forcing them to switch to local Turkish providers [1][3]. Additionally, IoT devices dependent on continuous eSIM connectivity may face non-compliance penalties if they don't use locally approved profiles [1].
This move highlights an emerging trend where countries enforce national control over telecom data and infrastructure, which could lead to further market fragmentation as eSIM providers adapt to country-specific legal frameworks [1]. Global eSIM companies may face increased operational complexity and costs due to the need for local partnerships and data localization, which can slow international adoption and innovation [1].
Turkey's decision to block foreign eSIM providers has been met with criticism from law scholars, such as Professor Yaman Akdeniz of Istanbul Bilgi University, who has questioned the lack of political response to the blocks [2]. Akdeniz has publicly questioned the authorities' motives, stating that they appear to be systematically targeting the providers without facing public opposition [2].
However, Turkey is not alone in its efforts to localize telecom services. In 2020, the country developed its own domestic eSIM infrastructure, with local mobile providers already supporting the technology [4]. This move underscores growing regulatory pressures on global telecom services to localize data and cooperate with domestic operators, potentially reshaping how eSIM services are deployed worldwide and limiting seamless global connectivity [1][3].
The global e-SIM market was valued at $1.22 billion in 2023 and is projected to rise from $1.46 billion in 2024 to $6.29 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 20.0% [5]. Despite the challenges posed by Turkey's decision, the market's long-term prospects remain promising, with an estimated 20-25% of global mobile devices supporting eSIM technology as of 2025 [6].
Sources: [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/turkey/turkey-blocks-over-35-foreign-e-sim-providers-2025-07-01/ [2] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-blocks-over-35-foreign-e-sim-providers-professor-yaman-akdeniz-questions-lack-of-political-response-167747 [3] https://www.arabnews.com/node/1940611/business-economy [4] https://www.telecoms.com/639017/turkey-develops-domestic-e-sim-infrastructure/ [5] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-e-sim-market-to-reach-usd-6-29-billion-by-2032-growing-at-a-cagr-of-20-0-from-2024-to-2032-301616706.html [6] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112020/global-e-sim-market-size/
- The Turkish government has blocked access to over 35 foreign eSIM service providers, including Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and others, as well as CMLink, a subsidiary of China's state-owned China Mobile, effective July 2025.
- The move by the Turkish government is aimed at safeguarding the position of domestic telecommunications providers and protecting local carriers' market share.
- This decision has resulted in potential implications for the global eSIM market, as travelers and digital nomads entering Turkey who previously relied on global eSIM providers are now forced to switch to local Turkish providers.
- Turkey's efforts to localize telecom services are part of a growing trend among countries to enforce national control over telecom data and infrastructure, potentially reshaping how eSIM services are deployed worldwide and limiting seamless global connectivity.
