SIM Cards Might be a Thing of the Past if Apple Gets Their Way

Whenever you purchase a new smartphone or data enabled tablet you normally have to take the SIM card out of your old device and insert it into the new one. This process might be a thing of the past if Apple and Samsung get their way. The two companies are talking with the GSMA (GSM Association) to start embedding electronic SIM cards in smartphones and connected devices as early as 2016, according to a report from the Financial Times. These e-SIMs would stay embedded in the phone so they aren't user replaceable, but would allow users to switch between carriers with ease. In addition, the  removal of SIM card slots might free up some extra space to pack in more useful hardware technology. Apple already tried the no-sim feature with the iPad Air 2, which allows customers in the US to be able to switch carriers on the fly via the settings menu. This is totally beneficial because you are not locked into an exclusive contract and can take advantage of limited promotions or deals that offer a ton of data. Not only are hardware companies trying to make SIM cards a thing of the past, but telecom carriers are also on-board.  AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Hutchison Whampoa, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone all want to make this happen as soon as possible.

URL: http://goodereader.com/blog/tablet-slates/sim-cards-might-be-a-thing-of-the-past-if-apple-gets-their-way