iPhone FAQs about Dual SIM/eSIM

[RogersTim]

What is ‘Dual SIM Dual Standby’ (DSDS)?

• 'Dual SIM Dual Standby' allows you to have two phone numbers on a single iPhone to make and receive voice calls, and to send and receive SMS and MMS. This means you can have two local numbers or use the second line when travelling internationally.
• On iPhone XR, Xs and iPhone Xs Max 'Dual SIM Dual Standby' is a combination of a physical SIM card and an eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

The eSIM is embedded into the device without the need to insert a physical SIM card.

Can I activate my iPhone with eSIM on a contract?

• Unfortunately, no, at this time eSIM is only available through No Tab / Bring Your Own Device plans.
• If you wish to have a contract to lower the upfront cost of the device, you must activate with a physical SIM card.

Can I activate a non-iPhone eSIM device?

• Yes! We currently support the Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL. Please see, Activate eSIM on a Dual SIM Google Device for more details!
• If you are attempting to activate an eSIM on a non-certified device (device we don’t support) we can’t guarantee the following:
  • Comprehensive technical support
  • That all your features will work as intended
  • That we would have specific plans for your device, and leveraging current plans may result in unexpected billing or functionality issues (e.g. no voice feature, no PPU voice rates, etc.)

How can I tell which phone number I’m using?

• Each line has a default name “Primary” and “Secondary”.
• Calls
  • For any outgoing calls, a Primary or Secondary will display on your iPhone.
  • For any incoming calls, the first letter of each label (“P” or “S”) will display on your iPhone as an indicator so you can identify each line.
• Messages
  • For outgoing messages, you can choose between Primary and Secondary number
  • For incoming messages, it is a single inbox and there is no “P” or “S’ label 
• In the Cellular Settings of your iPhone, you can create your own labels for each line. For example, you can name your lines “Work”, “Personal”, or something else.

If I have data on both lines, which data bucket will I use and be billed for?

• Both lines can support data services; however, you can only access one line’s data bucket at a time. You can set and change the default data bucket through your iPhone’s “Cellular Settings”
• Your data usage will come out of the data feature you have defaulted to in your iPhone’s “Cellular Settings”.
• For example, during work hours, you can use the data from your “Work” line, and after work , you can switch to your “Personal” line. For more details, please see the Apple support page.
• You will continue to receive data usage notifications from Rogers when using a Rogers line.

Can I use data while on a call?

• You can only use data while on a call made or received on the same line that you have selected for your data usage. For example: if you are on a call on Line 1 and your data is set to Line 1 as well, you can use data while you’re on the call. However, if you are on a call on Line 1 and your data is set to Line 2, you cannot use data while you’re on the call.
• You can access Wi-Fi on either line regardless of which line you have selected for your data usage.

How will I be billed for voice and messaging?

Voice and messaging are calculated according to the rate plan of the line used for each activity. With Dual SIM, you have the choice of which phone number to use for each call and text.

Are both lines connected to the network at the same time?

• Yes, both lines are connected to the network at all times. However, when you are on a call on one line (Line 1), the other line (Line 2) automatically goes on standby mode. This means, if someone tries to call you on Line 2 when you are on a call on Line 1, you will not receive a call waiting notification for the incoming call. Instead, that call will be directed to your “Line 2” voicemail if setup.
• This has implications for 9-1-1 calls. If you call 9-1-1 from Line 1 or Line 2, and the call has either ended or abruptly disconnected, do not use the other line until the 9-1-1 operator calls you back.

What happens when I roam?

• Just as you can choose which line to call, message or use data from while in Canada, you can do the same while you roam.
• You will continue to receive roaming notifications for each of your individual lines; however, they will appear in the same messaging app. It’s important to pay attention to the line indicator (i.e. Primary or Secondary) in the message app so you can tell which line you are using for roaming, especially if you have different roaming features on each line.
• If you’ve been using only 1 of your 2 lines to roam (calls, messages, data, etc.), you will be charged roaming on that line. If you answer a call, text or if you use data on the other line, you will also be charged roaming charges on that line. All roaming rates are charged as per the individual rate plan on each line.

Will E9-1-1 and T9-1-1 work on both lines?

Both lines have the capability to dial 9-1-1. Where E9-1-1 is available, the caller’s number and approximate location will be provided, regardless of the line used.

Are Business / Enterprise accounts eligible? If so, how are they be billed?

• If you have an enterprise or corporate cellular service plan, check with your company's telecom administrator to see if they authorize the activation of a new line using an eSIM on the corporate account to be used on the Dual Sim device.
• The billing of the lines on Dual Sim compatible devices is dependent on the plans selected on each respective line and they will appear on the invoice of the account used for the activation.
• Currently, on Consumer accounts at Rogers, you can only activate a Dual Sim compatible device at a participating Rogers store. Please see our Blog post, here to find the nearest location to you!