JStew:
Just keep in mind to use an eSIM, a SIM swap needs to be done (changing the SIM number from your physical SIM card to the eSIM). All of those stories you read both nationally and internationally of people having thousands of dollars stolen from their bank account due to banks using SMS for 2FA (don't get me started on that ...) affects eSIMs too. What's to say some crim doesn't get an eSIM QR code and asks for you phone number to be put on that eSIM. These crooks are clever and cunning and will find any angle possible to gain access to your 2FA methods. So while it seems like telcos operate in the dark ages by asking people to go to stores for an eSIM, just keep in mind the overhead that generates for them and they wouldn't be doing it without good reason - that reason being the SIM swap fraud mentioned above. Super annoying but a sad reality.
AU has passed laws that make telcos have set authentication requirements for set actions by telcos, which hopefully our govt will copy for here to sort out some of the issues with porting fraud happening. Only way they will learn is to get some very heavy penalties for failing to keep peoples numbers within their control.


