Cupertino based giant, Apple and Tech giant Samsung with the GSM Association (GSMA) to develop an electronic SIM (e-SIM). What this means is that the physical SIM might soon be relegated to the relics of history.
According to Financial Times, these two giants are in advanced talks with GSMA to start using electronic SIM cards in their smartphones, allowing users more mobility in switching between carriers.
The GSMA told the Financial Times that it is finalising plans, and anticipates delivering its SIM solution for consumer devices by 2016. In its words; “With the majority of operators on board, the plan is to finalise 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.”
These e-SIM cards would be standardized among both smartphone makers and come embedded in their devices, creating a “common architecture.” Unlike physical SIM cards, e-SIM cards offer more flexibility to users. Electronic SIM cards would allow for users to instant switch networks, eliminating the need to insert specific SIM cards from mobile network operators.
Mobile providers currently included in the talks are said to include AT&T, T-Mobile US parent company Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, Hutchison Whampoa, and Telefónica.
Last year, Apple launched Apple SIM to give customers the ability to switch telcos without having to go through the hassle of changing SIMs.
