[LINK] Numbering/identification systems

[Adrian Chadd]

On Sat, Oct 30, 2010, Ivan Trundle wrote:
> 
> > Don't we already have SIMS that can work in different devices?
> 
> I suspect Apple (and other mobile device manufacturers) would like to remove the SIM card altogether, which frees up space in the device, avoids the mechanical complications of a SIM slot or carrier cradle, and offers true portability and flexibility.
> 
> Personally, if all it takes is a call to a carrier to use their network, I'd rather do this than carry SIMs for each country that I travel to, and if I was able to use multiple carriers and use the best option for the time and distance, then I'd be a very happy chappy. Especially since my portable device uses a micro-SIM.

I'd rather not have to call a carrier to tell them I'm about turn on a new/different phone.

> For countries where an increasing number of portable devices offer double and triple SIM slots (yes, triple), this makes sense.
> 
> Indeed, if you think about it, the whole SIM card business is antiquated and inflexible. Maybe that's the point...

Except that it's flexible enough to let you play handset swapsies. Helpful if
your handset doesn't do the right band when you're travelling, or when it runs
flat ("Can I borrow your phone for a tick? Oh it's an iPhone? Never mind."), etc.



Adrian