(Mobile Phones News) Orange and O2 have placed bulk order for micro SIM card for latest Apple iPad. Tablet PC iPad is to offer its 3G connectivity via a “micro SIM” card isn’t some necessary hardware requirement.
For using an iPad needs different kind of SIM, called the micro SIM. Micro SIMs are 12×15mm, while normal SIM cards pork out at 15×25mm.
It does give a clue as to who’s going to carry the 3G iPad tariffs in the UK. Gemalto, a micro SIM manufacturer, today claims that O2 and Orange have been buying up the diminutive cards in their masses.
However the use of micro-SIMs means that, even if the iPad arrives unlocked in the UK, users will be forced to buy the cards from specific mobile operators to ensure 3G connectivity for their device – even though Apple boss Steve Jobs specifically bragged that the iPad will be sold unlocked.
Unlocked it maybe, but the micro SIM option means consumers aren’t going to be able to get their iPad online with any old SIM and cheap data deal, but will be forced to opt for whatever micro SIM contracts operators offer.
T-Mobile is also said to have to placed an order in recent times, though the company will likely be unable to carry the iPad in the US.