Apple and Samsung have teamed up up to potentially rid the world of the traditional SIM card. Samsung and Apple are very close to reaching an agreement with the GSMA to produce a standardized SIM cards that are embedded, also known as e-SIMS for mobile devices. Today, smartphones contain pieces of plastic that are known as SIM cards. Currently, every cell phone provider has their own version of the SIM card that cannot be carried between network carriers. There is increased talk of an electronic SIM card that will allow mobility between carriers.
THE E-SIM WILL CHANGE THE WAY CELL PHONES NETWORKS OPERATE
This e-SIM will be like none other traditional SIM card. It will allow smartphones, tablets and smartwatch users to avoid putting themselves with one single operator and allow them to switch freely between networks. E-Sims are quite similar in technology to the SIM that Apple launched last year. This is available in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. The Apple SIM gives iPad users the ability to go between networks without having to change SIM cards.
E-SIMS SHOULD BE OUT NEXT YEAR
The GSMA, a company that represents mobile operators, confirmed its plan to newspapers but the new SIM is not going to arrive on the market in new products until around 2016. Many operators are on board with the new e-SIM, but the plan finalization is still under works. This development will result in end to end remote SIM cards.
The operators that are on board are Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Hutchinson Whampoa, Orange, Telefonica, Vodafone and AT&T. Along with these carriers, Apple is also in support of this initiative.
CONSUMER SATISFACTION, MORE COMPETITION FOR NETWORKS
Once this e-SIM makes it to the market, the standardized SIM could potentially change the way consumers purchase mobile phones. Consumers wouldn’t be trapped in two year contracts because the ability to switch networks at any time will be readily available. This system would put network carriers in even more competition to satisfy customers since it will be even easier to switch carriers. The delivery for this e-SIM shouldn’t be expected until next year.
