Micro-SIM (3FF)

What is a Micro SIM?

Micro-SIM is also known as 3FF ("Third Form Factor") SIM-card, and in fact it is a shrunk version of the common SIM standard, and expected to be used in quite a number of cell phones soon. The dimensions of the Micro-SIM are 12x15mm, which is more than twice more compact than the common SIM-card. This means it will not fit into your current mobile.

The SIM of the first generation was of a size of a credit card. Then current standard-sized card appeared, and now the World is ready to perceive the SIM of the third generation - the 3FF, Mini-UICC or Micro SIM. Although it is much smaller in size, its contact area remains the same. In fact, there are not many producers and mobile service providers using this type of SIM yet.

The first device expected to try it out was iPad, followed by U.S. network carriers T-Mobile and AT&T, alongside with European Orange, O2 and Vodafone joining the team soon. As for German Simyo, for example, it is already offering its users to reserve the Micro-SIM-sized cards. Other providers like A1 and Bob from Austria promise to have them available online soon as well.

However, a big question remains concerning the reason for Apple to use new micro SIM card in iPad, which is at least twice bigger in size than iPhone 3G/3GS. Saving space did not seem to be the correct answer, so Apple announced Apple 4 using Micro-SIM as well. And maybe the built-in modems for the new Mac Book Pro with MicroSIM ports will soon appear.

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