Australian Telcos will Stock Micro SIMs for the Apple iPad
More details are emerging about the Apple iPad that were glossed over in the launch or at least the impact of which wasn’t fully realised at the time.
Recent discussion has been on the new form factor for the SIM card which goes into the iPad. It’s quite a bit smaller than the SIM cards currently used in mobile phones. Telstra, Optus and VHA have all confirmed that they will stock the micro SIMS so that they can sell the 3G version of the iPad.
This is all very well but it means that consumers won’t be able to switch between an iPhone and an iPad by using the same SIM card and the therefore same data plan. It is thought that there will be quite a bit of resistance to purchasing another monthly plan for a device like the iPad by those who already have an existing mobile broadband plan.
The manufacturer of the micro SIM has said that the difference between the existing SIM standard and the new micro form is the amount of plastic surrounding the card’s chip. It is envisaged that people will have a go cutting SIMs down to the required size to fit in the iPad. Apparently punches to accomplish this very task are already being manufactured in China.
There is quite a bit of cynicism around as to why Apple chose to go with the micro SIM instead of the standard size. The Apple iPad will be sold unlocked but the choice of carrier will nevertheless be restricted to those who stock the micro-SIM. In Australia, all main providers have said that they will do this. Initially in the US, only Apple’s telco partner AT&T will be ready with the new SIM form, hence the cynicism. It might all be a non issue in a few months however as all carriers and handset makers are apparently switching to this standard. Apple are just getting in early.
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