The Future of SIM Cards

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ajobbins

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#109090 12-Sep-2012 13:28

Some of you may have seen a certain NZ carrier today release some info a little early about the new nanoSIM cards for the upcoming iPhone. A little while ago I saw some speculation that Apple was pushing for a SIM-less approach and it worries me we might see this on future devices.

Having now (well, soon) 3 different SIM cards sizes available must be a real pain for carriers as it is for consumers, but at least the smaller cards are compatible with adapters that allow you to use the SIM in other devices. Since the microSIM came out, I made a point of always getting a microSIM for any new SIM I got as I can always use an adapter to use it in a device which needs a larger SIM, but can't use a larger SIM in a device designed for a smaller SIM. I will be changing my SIMs to nano SIM as soon as I can, regardless of device for this reason.

Back to the point however about sim-less phones. I really, really hope that we don't go down this path. Firstly, I love that I have the ability to swap my SIM between phones on a whim. If my phone went flat, I can simply put my SIM in another phone which had battery and continue to use my services. Likewise, when overseas, I am able to swap the SIM over to a local SIM if I choose to save on roaming costs.

Even if the carriers allow you to move your sim-less services between devices easily, I still think this is a BAD idea. When I roam, I often take my local SIM out and put it in a dumb old Nokia I have. The Nokia has a fantastic battery life, and no data capabilities - so I have no need to worry about huge data bills, but can still have my local number roaming to make or receive calls or SMS as I need.

If I had a sim-less device, it would be impossible for me to do the above, as I may only be able to swap the number over to another SIM-less device. It also allows the carriers to have greater control of how and where I can use my number.

If I need to contact them to move my services between devices this will be very painful, even with self service options from the carrier.

I realise that SIM-less devices are speculation at the moment - but I am keen to hear others take on them.

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Behodar

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#684938 12-Sep-2012 13:33

When I first heard about Apple wanting to do this, Vodafone was the only official iPhone supplier in NZ. I didn't like the idea of a SIMless iPhone because I presumably wouldn't have been able to use it on Telecom. If today's "early announcement" is any indication then that won't be such a big issue in the future, but I still don't like the idea of being tied to what Apple wants.

ajobbins

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#684942 12-Sep-2012 13:38

Not necessarily just Apple either. No reason why other phone makes couldn't do it.

Depending on exactly how it works, it could also give more control back to the carriers. Just like the old CDMA network that Telecom just turned off - they would refuse to allow you to use phones purchased overseas on their CDMA network, even though they might be technically compatible with the network. And if you wanted to swap phones, that meant a call to the carrier and up to a four hour wait for the swap to happen. That could very easily be the case again.

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tardtasticx

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#684962 12-Sep-2012 14:08

Thats the thing, why would they do this? Unless they somehow make the switch instantanious or very simple (though itunes, phone app or website) then theres no point. Its just going back to the days of CDMA when you got a new phone you'd have to ring the carrier, quote a whole bunch of numbers and wait for your number to be effectively ported. Anything that restricts freedom of choice in any way should be no-no

NonprayingMantis

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#684964 12-Sep-2012 14:13

so CDMA was waaaaay ahead of it's time :P

ajobbins

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#684965 12-Sep-2012 14:14

I believe the 'motive' for a fixed SIM is to reduce the size of the device (And hence why we have gone Mini>Micro>Nano) but one couple speculate their is a hidden motive of introducing a barrier to you changing away from the platform or the device. This could be beneficial to both carriers and device manufacturers, but I see no real benefit to the user.

At least with different size SIM cards they are still pin-compatible and can therefore be used with an adapter. This changes when you go to a soft SIM or a dedicated hardware SIM.

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old3eyes

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#685150 12-Sep-2012 19:16

NonprayingMantis: so CDMA was waaaaay ahead of it's time :P

No . It started with AMPS. It was way ahead of CDMA in this matter..

I hope that this SIMless system goes no where but if Apple pushes it the fanbois will say it's "Cellphone Nirvana"

Regards,

Old3eyes

coffeebaron

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#685154 12-Sep-2012 19:24

Would this not open up a bunch of security issues. To go SIM less would mean all the carriers in the world would need to surrender their encryption keys to Apple? Isn't this part of the SIM card function?

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