MTN and Cell C have both confirmed they are importing micro Sim cards to cater for devices like Apple’s new 3G iPad that use the new, smaller form factor Sims.
They join Vodacom, which told TechCentral earlier this week that it had imported about 10 000 micro Sims to cater for anticipated demand from SA consumers. The Sims, which are smaller than current-generation mini Sims, will be available in Vodacom stores by the end of the month.
Now MTN SA MD Karel Pienaar (pictured) says MTN has also imported 10 000 of the new micro Sim cards specifically to cater for early adopters of the 3G iPad. It’s not known when the Apple device, which went on sale in the US earlier this week, will be available through SA channels.
Pienaar says MTN is “testing and validating the security” of the micro Sims, which will be available at MTN Y’ello stores from early to mid-June.
Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt says his company is also importing a number of micro Sims to cater for 3G iPad users.
It’s not known why Apple decided to adopt micro Sims instead of the more commonly used mini Sims. Though a micro Sim holds the same amount of information as regular mini Sims, it’s smaller (15×12mm versus 25×15mm) and so is not physically compatible.
Micro Sims, also known as “third form factor” Sims offer security features and functionality not found in mini Sims. — Staff reporter, TechCentral
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