Truecaller expands into eSIM services to diversify revenue sources

Caller identification platform Truecaller has introduced eSIM services for travellers, marking its latest effort to diversify revenue streams and strengthen its financial position amid declining advertising income.

The company announced that its travel eSIM plans will offer data packages ranging from 1 GB valid for seven days to 20 GB available for 30 days. At launch, the service will be accessible across 29 countries.

The initial rollout covers Italy, Sweden, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Austria, Finland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.

Notably absent from the launch list is India, which remains Truecaller's largest market. The omission is likely linked to the country's strict telecommunications regulations. In the past, Indian authorities have taken action against international eSIM providers such as Airalo and Holafly due to concerns about potential fraud.

To power the new service, Truecaller said it is collaborating with global cellular connectivity provider Telna and telecom software company Telness Tech, which will support the eSIM platform's operations.

The market for travel eSIMs is already competitive, with established providers including Airalo, Holafly, Roamless, and Saily. However, Truecaller believes its extensive existing user base provides a significant advantage when attracting customers to the new offering.

"The starting point is different from other players in the category. They have had to build their audiences from zero. We are offering travel eSIM inside our app that over 500 million people already use and trust every month," Truecaller Chief Operating Officer Fredrik Kjell said.

Kjell added that the company benefits from long-standing relationships with users who have relied on Truecaller for years, creating advantages in both distribution and pricing compared with newer entrants to the market.

According to Kjell, the move is also strategically important because it expands the utility of the Truecaller app beyond its traditional caller identification services. The launch comes at a challenging period for the company's business performance.

Last week, Truecaller reduced its workforce by approximately 70 employees across multiple departments. The company also reported weaker-than-expected results for the first quarter of 2026. Net sales fell 27% to 362 million Swedish kronor (approximately $39.34 million), while advertising revenue declined by 44%.

To reduce dependence on advertising income, Truecaller has increasingly focused on growing subscription-based revenue streams through offerings such as its AI Assistant and Family Protection services. As advertising markets remain uncertain, adding eSIM services could provide another source of recurring revenue for the company.

The broader eSIM market continues to gain momentum as adoption increases, driven by rising travel demand and greater device compatibility. Investor interest in the sector has also remained strong. Over the past year, companies including Airalo, Roamless, Kolet, eSIMo, and Truley have collectively secured millions of dollars in funding, highlighting growing confidence in the expanding digital connectivity market.