Powering Safer Global eSIM Connections

eSIM Partner x PureVPN: Travel Connectivity With Built-In Security

Industry: Telecomunication, eSIM

Highlights: SDK and APIs, Smart Bundling, Subscription Model

“We built our platform to simplify global connectivity, but it was PureVPN that helped us evolve into a security-driven ecosystem. Their white-label VPN infrastructure plugged directly into our environment without slowing down development. Overnight, we turned one-time eSIM activations into a recurring subscription engine, and the uplift in ARPU has been undeniable. It’s rare to find a partner who ships fast, scales globally, and protects brand ownership. PureVPN did all three.”

Co-Founder, eSIM

Introduction

Our eSIM partner is the world’s largest eSIM platform , empowering over 20M+ travelers across 190+ countries to stay connected without roaming fees.

Its easy-to-use platform combines global reach, affordability, and instant activation, making it a household name for modern travelers. Beyond connectivity, strong partnerships with airlines, fintech, and travel platforms have extended its reach and credibility.

A growing base of repeat users highlights its success in converting one-time travelers into loyal, returning customers. As mobile data demand surges, the company continues to set the standard for secure, seamless global connectivity.

  • Global reach: 190+ countries
  • User base: 20M+ travelers
  • Product promise: Affordable, instant mobile connectivity

Challenges & Objectives 

One-time eSIM revenue only

Purchases surged during travel periods but revenue vanished once users returned home. Without a long-term value layer or post-trip usage incentive, growth depended solely on new customer acquisition rather than recurring income from existing users.

High churn after first activation

Most subscribers activated their eSIM once, used it for a single journey, and never re-engaged with the product again. With no continuous utility beyond connectivity, retention dropped and customer lifetime value (LTV) remained low. 

No sticky subscription feature

Without a built-in subscription-driven add-on like VPN, customers had little reason to return. There was no recurring service, no upgrade path, and no habit-forming feature that encouraged long-term subscription behavior or predictable monthly revenue.

Traveler security gap

Users regularly accessed public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and cafés, creating exposure to data theft, session hijacking, and fraud risk. Without a protection layer, connectivity alone wasn’t enough, security became the missing value differentiator.

Innovative Solution

Before scaling, the team stepped in to audit the activation flow, revenue leakage patterns, and user churn behavior. They identified where engagement dropped, where value perception stalled, and where security could convert into recurring ARPU. The solution was not a plugin, it was a framework built around monetization, onboarding, and ongoing utility.

Turning Every eSIM into a Subscription Machine

PureVPN worked with a globally recognized eSIM partner to reimagine the travel experience. Instead of seeing VPN as “just another feature,” it became the engine of a recurring revenue model and a true differentiator in the competitive travel-tech space.

Smart Bundling
By packaging VPN as an add-on to eSIM plans, the company instantly unlocked a subscription revenue stream. What was once a one-time purchase became a sticky service that users could justify keeping, even after their trip ended.

One-Click Onboarding
Seamless integration ensured that VPN was provisioned automatically with eSIM activation. No extra setup, no friction, users were secured in one tap, eliminating the biggest barrier to adoption.

Content Access Anywhere
From streaming their favorite shows abroad to logging into their home banking apps, users discovered new reasons to value the partner’s app. VPN removed geo-restrictions, improved safety on Wi-Fi, and created a sense of trust that kept travelers coming back.

In short, our partner went from being a connectivity marketplace to a complete travel security companion, distinguishing itself from competitors and strengthening user loyalty.

Early Access Build

Our early access build demonstrates:

  • Full integration delivery in a live working environment

  • Seamless eSIM activation with instant provisioning

  • One-tap VPN enablement embedded into the onboarding flow

  • Frictionless experience replicating exactly how end-users will engage post-launch

GIF

Result and Impact

The integration of PureVPN’s technology delivered clear, measurable improvements across the eSIM partner’s operations and end-user experience. 

Phase 1 – Pilot

  • SDK integration on iOS and Android enabled seamless in-app VPN activation.
  • Test launches in key travel hubs (EU, US, Asia) allowed early validation with high-travel-volume users.
  • Early KPIs: Activation rate and ARPU uplift were tracked to ensure the bundle created immediate value.

Impact: Early pilots confirmed that one-tap onboarding reduced drop-off, and VPN subscriptions began generating recurring revenue from existing eSIM buyers.

Phase 2 – Growth Acceleration

  • Bundled promotions (eSIM + VPN packs) encouraged upgrades and repeat usage.
  • Continuous A/B testing optimized pricing and messaging for conversion.

Impact: These initiatives boosted retention, increased ARPU, and provided data-driven insights for scaling.

Phase 3 – Scale & Monetize

  • Global rollout extended the integration to all eSIM markets.
  • B2B expansion into corporate travel bundles opened new high-value revenue streams.
  • Cross-sell into fintech and insurance add-ons positioned eSIM Partner as a comprehensive travel platform.

Impact: The phased approach ensured that growth was sustainable, recurring revenue was maximized, and eSIM Partner positioned itself as a trusted, secure travel super app.

 

Phase 4 – Optimize & Expand Through Continuous Iteration

  • Subscription flows refined based on user behavior trends and adoption patterns.

  • New bundle tiers launched for travelers with varying durations and security needs.

  • Pricing and onboarding messaging fine-tuned for higher conversion.

    Impact:     Growth became ongoing, not one-time , with room to attach future revenue-generating services.

Turning One-Time eSIM Sales into Recurring Security Revenue

The integration between our eSIM partner and PureVPN marked a pivotal shift transforming what was once a one-time connectivity product into a recurring security-driven business model. By embedding VPN infrastructure directly into the eSIM activation journey, the partner expanded beyond basic data access and stepped into the realm of full digital travel protection.

The combined offering introduced predictable subscription revenue, reduced post-trip churn, and positioned the brand not just as a connectivity provider, but as a security-first travel companion users relied on every time they crossed borders or connected to public networks.

Start Your Journey