Surely you ever wondered what the difference between SIM, MiniSim, and Nanosim MicroSIM cards will all serve the same purpose? Why are there so many? Today we will resolve these doubts and also will discuss a bit about the future of these cards.
A SIM card or Subscriber Identity Module is a small plastic card that has a chip, you've probably had one in your hand after you open your cell. This card stores your phone number and passwords a user regardless of the company that provides telephone service.
The SIM cards allow data authentication of a user and also used to store other information; one of the advantages of the SIM is that you can move your data from one phone to another without difficulty.
In 2003 the MicroSIM was developed by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). With her, it was possible to expand the memory and improve system security. Another key development was the size of it, which was reduced to a measurement of 12 × 15 mm. The truth is that this format of the SIM was not well received at first, but it was thanks to the iPad that reached much popularity as Apple's tablet works with this MicroSim.
A key point in the development of the SIM, is that with the creation of smaller smartphones, will also be looking to do the same with the creation of these cards; so are developing smaller SIM formats so you have more space available within the phone. Currently there are various proposals on the market, such as the creation of Nanosim.
The current problem with creating new formats of this type, are the interests of business. For example, Apple has a proposal to succeed the MicroSIM. De reached concrete would create a new standard for the entire industry; course, Apple's proposal is not viewed favorably by the competition. Apple proposes to completely eliminate plastic which have the MicroSIM, argue that making this devices can be compatible with old SIM cards via a system of adapters. Its drawback is that to accomplish this trays on the devices would be needed.
The competition, Nokia and RIM have in mind another proposal for the future of these cards. They want to create a new version that would be compatible with the current SIM but would be very similar to the MicroSD cards, seeking to integrate new technology into these systems to offer different user experiences.
So far everything seems quiet among all involved but the situation is not so simple, as large companies seek to impose their idea to decide what the future of the SIM.
Nokia has said:
We think Apple is misusing the standardization process, seeking to impose its proprietary industry solution, using ETSI to simply approve the proposal, instead follow the principles and practices establecidos.Instamos ETSI members to to resist this behavior, which is not the best interests of the industry, and what is more important for the consumer.
Nokia is the company that has spoken out against the proposal to Apple, and expressed multiple times that its proposal meets the requirements of ETSI standard that handles also supported RIM and Motorola.
The situation has become more complicated than planned, so no one knows what the future of the SIM cards. That is if imposed as proposed by Nokia or Apple, in fact ETSI has had to call for a vote to set the new standard, all this because of the controversy explained on top.
What do you think has to be the future of SIM cards? What proposal seems best, Nokia or Apple? Feel free to leave your comments.