AT&T eSim Update!
TL;DR Version: I got an AT&T authorized retailer to give me an eSim.
So, I live in the middle of nowhere, and my closest "big town" is 45 miles from me. They have 2 corporate stores, and 2 authorized retailers. I went on Wed, Oct 30, the day after iOS 12.1 GM dropped to try to get a card. 1 authorized retailer store told me that that wasn't such thing and that I was wrong that they ever would exist. The other authorized retailer seemed knowledgeable-knew what it was, but politely told me that they hadn't received any yet, but expected a shipment in a few weeks. The 2 corporate stores were staunch in their decision that I couldn't have a card, even though they told me that had them in stock, from the moment I walked in the door. In fact, the first corporate store manager called the other second corporate store manager as soon as I left to make sure he didn't give me one at the other store. I left, somewhat defeated, (but slightly happy because I set off the alarm things on the demo phones before I left), and just figured I'd have to wait for a few months. But then, on a whim today, I thought "Why not call that one authorized retailer and see if they got their shipment in, and maybe didn't get the "no-sell" memo. I called them, and the girl that answered seemed like she knew exactly what I was talking about. I wanted to make sure she didn't think I meant a regular sim before I drove all the way over. I described the card: "Is it a blue credit card sized card with a QR code on it?". She replied "It sure is! You'll be the first one I sell, but I can save one for you if you'd like!" I told her yes, and practically ran out the door to get to the store before the closed. I worried if I waited another day, they'd get the no sell memo. Got to the store about 2 hours ago, she had the eSim waiting. Verified my identity, got my IEMI, picked my number, and BAM! I had service! Painless as that. Maybe took 5 minutes total. I don't know why the corporate stores were such jerks...maybe they were scared they'd lose their jobs. ANYWAY, I have 2 active AT&T plans on my phone now, both are working perfect. No issues with visual voicemail what soever. I am running a beta of 12.1.1 though, so maybe they fixed any issues with that? I don't know for sure, but I do know that I have both lines running, and I'm happy!
So, the take away. Authorized retail stores don't get memos, or just don't care about them. They also seem to have better training (or maybe a brain in general) than the phone and chat support. Also, corporate store managers are evil.
So, maybe, if you still need an AT&T eSim...call your authorized retail stores. Just have them go look in the drawer where the normal sims are for the eSim. You might have to describe it, but they probably have it.
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