Libor Kubín The SIM card from Apple aroused the displeasure of mobile operators
The idea of Apple to create own integrated SIM card aroused the enthusiasm of customers for Europe. The operators are taken aback by this step, they do not share the joy of their customers and they visit Cupertino in large numbers.
An integrated SIM card would sideline mobile network operators. They would thus find themselves in the role of mere providers of voice and data services. The customer could very easily switch to another operator and activate their services according to their own needs. The introduction of an integrated SIM could help Apple become a virtual mobile network operator. CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood said Apple's intended SIM changes could lead to customers on contracts lasting just 30 days. This would increase their tendency to switch operators.
The largest European mobile operators, such as the British Vodafone, the French France Telecom and the Spanish Telefónica, are furious and have put pressure on Apple. They threatened to cancel iPhone subsidies. Without these subsidies, phone sales would have fallen by up to 12%. But the providers are not completely united in their action against the integrated SIM card from Apple, for example Deutsche Telekom wants to learn more about the idea. Nevertheless, they managed to achieve their goal. Apple gave way to operators. An integrated SIM card will not be in the next iPhone 5. One of the executives of the European mobile operator commented on the victory by saying: “Apple has long been trying to build closer and closer relationships with customers and cut out carriers. This time, however, they were sent back to the drawing board with their tails tucked between their legs.'
But the joy in the camp of mobile operators did not last long. 17th November the GSMA Association announced creation of a working group whose goal will be the creation of an integrated SIM card. The aim is to provide a high level of security and portability for consumers and offer additional functions such as an electronic wallet, NFC applications or remote activation.
It's clear that one partial failure won't stop Apple. Behind-the-scenes information suggests that an integrated SIM could appear around Christmas or early next year in the upcoming revision of the iPad. Here, carriers have no leverage to force Apple to make concessions. The popular tablet is not subsidized by mobile operators.
Sources: www.telegraph.co.uk a www.9to5mac.com
Just another evolution and quite understandable. For example, it makes the most sense to me on the iPad. With one click, one could change the mobile internet provider according to the current need, coverage, promotions...etc.
It would be a great step, although I understand that the operators don't like it, but if Apple comes up with it and the novelty proves itself, then other manufacturers will also come up with it and the operators will slide. Although I have no idea how it is tied to other HW, but at least in the idea I see another advantage, regarding the issue of phone theft. What good would a phone be if you couldn't put a SIM in it. Although I understand that many people who have been robbed go to report the theft to the Police and they will then block the phone according to the IMEI, but only with us. This would solve the problem worldwide. A nice idea and it is very likely that Apple will follow up with some paid services such as the already mentioned wallet etc...
It's a shame, if it had gone through, Apple could have established a virtual iNet operator :-D and negotiated a better tariff for itelephone users. It would especially help us. For example, free iP iP calls after 2 minutes, etc...
This SIM card would be a really great move... the operators would certainly complain, but they would have no choice but to accept the SIM card, as they would also lose considerable profits ;-) ... and what am I talking about, they are only intermediaries of voice and data services, or am I wrong?? 8-)
Somehow I don't understand what you are talking about. I don't really care what SIM card I have and how many I have at home and shuffle them around in my phones. The operator should only be a provider of voice and data services, nothing more. If they don't get it, it's their fault. Stupid sim card for a few pennies... well, I don't see what kind of miracle you see in it. Kor, if you give a free SIM card today to perhaps all prepaid cards.
It's an amazingly profitable business. For a discount on the price of the phone in the amount of a few hundred to a thousand crowns, you will get a client paying month after month for two years.
A combination of both would be ideal, i.e. a built-in SIM card and the possibility of having a second removable one. For someone who has been in the area for a long time, the possibility of having their phone with a replacement card is quite useful, it would be perfect to have one hard and to be able to buy the other one locally for local calls - but that would make the operators even worse :)
What would you use a second SIM card for? You cross the border, you choose the local operator X and that's it. Will you come to a place where operator X has no signal? You will switch to operator Y or Z via software. However, you should keep your number.