What iPad means for Mobile Operators

Few companies in the world receive widespread free publicity whenever they have a new product launch, Apple does.   Thanks to both traditional (it was even on the Evening News) & new media , everyone knows iPad was launched last night.

An unexpected introduction:  Micro SIM

I’m not surprised that many people are starting to fall in love with this latest gadget from Apple.  What caught my attention was the decision to use a different SIM format in iPad.   The SIM format is  Micro SIM, or 3FF (third form factor).   With a dimension of 12 x 15mm, about 52% smaller than the kind of  SIM we all have, the iPad SIM can’t fit in your current GSM phone;  And your current SIM can’t fit into iPad’s SIM module.

For AT&T, iPad+3G data service provider, this uncommon SIM format could serve as a temporary  ‘hardware barrier’ to fence competing mobile carriers off from the data service opportunity created from iPad.  But if you’re not AT&T, this is a different story.

What if you’re not AT&T

Procuring and supporting a different kind of SIM is not a simple decision.   On the other hand, iPad is a good business opportunity to sell more data plan:  An iPad without data connectivity means no web browsing, no email checking,  no Appstore / iBook download … which could be quite frustrating.    Sure there is WiFi to the rescue, but for a lot of people, it’s neither fun nor productive to hunt for free WiFi coverage.

Some people observed that the electric contacts and circuitry of a Micro-SIM are identical to that of a larger SIM card, so one can perform a DIY – cut the plastic off and create your own Micro-SIM.   I’m not sure if I want to do that, I still need the SIM to work on my other phones

As the iPad has just been launched, many carriers would take the ‘wait and see’ approach, mainly depending on how well iPad is selling.   In any case, it’s definitely a smart move to look into the 3FF SIM format and become well informed before your competitors do.   For a good starter article, visit Engadget : Apple iPad ’s Micro SIM Explained .