Apple and Samsung are working together with the GSMA to launch the e-SIM cards. The normal SIM card locks in the user to a particular network, but the e-SIM cards will be embedded into the phone and will not be tied to any particular mobile operator.
What did GSMA say about the launch of the e-SIM cards?
The Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), which is a group that represents mobile operators, told the Financial Times “With the majority of operators on board, the plan is to finalize the technical architecture that will be used in the development of an end-to-end remote SIM solution for consumer devices, with delivery anticipated by 2016.”
Reportedly the mobile operators which have agreed to the plans of Apple and Samsung to include e-SIM cards are T-Mobile owner Deutsche Telekom, AT&T, Telefonica, Orange and Vodafone as well as some other international mobile operators.
Last year, Apple unleashed Apple SIM to give its customers the power to switch mobile operators without having to go through the hassle of changing SIMs. However, it was initially available to users in the United States and UK only, now Apple has announced the availability of Apple SIM in Australia also.
To offer roaming services on the Apple SIM in more than 90 countries, Apple has signed a global roaming agreement with GigSky. The countries which were recently included in the roaming service are France, Italy, Germany, Turkey, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland and Canada.
Who will be benefited with the plans of Apple and Samsung?
Apple and Samsung working together to remove the traditional SIM card slots will definitely help phone manufacturers. The phone manufacturers in the world will have the ability to make their devices a bit thinner if they get rid of the SIM card tray, if not also the SIM card itself. While the difference in size might be minimal due to e-SIM cards, but it will definitely be helpful for users who can switch to other carriers without the hassle of changing the SIM cards.