Rest easy, iPad roamers: O2 and Orange have micro SIM orders, too

An anonymous tipster has informed Engadget that there are actually a couple of international mobile carriers will soon be using the same microSIM card used by the iPad. Apparently SIM card supplier Gemalto has revealed both O2 and Orange have micro SIM orders in the pipeline. While that doesn't necessarily mean that Apple is going to be partners with them, at least users can opt to use their microSIM cards since the built-in modem is unlocked.

Apple iPad's 'Micro SIM' explained

From Engadget -

One of the surprises of the iPad is its use of a microSIM card card instead of the more common SIM. The SIM card is a special type of Smart Card, 15 x 25mm in size, that is used to hold both account info and sometimes contact info and messages in GSM handsets.  The newer microSIM, aka 3FF SIM, is smaller at 12 x 15mm, about 52% smaller. Obviously it's not physically compatible with current phones as it is intended for even smaller units.

The iPad is not exactly tiny so it is quite difficult to understand why Apple chose the newer format since every new phone carriers offer it at this time and neither is there an aggressive push for conversion. So unless you are the type who knows how to format SIM cards and transfer data from one to another (i.e. standard SIM to microSIM), the move to the smaller format has almost the same effect as locking the 3G modem to AT&T only. Thankfully though T-Mobile has announced it will make the microSIM available in the US this year. At least it expands the available choices for carriers.

Apple Announces iPad with $30 a month no-contract unlimited 3G

Per Wireless Info the Apple iPad will be available with GSM 3G connectivity at $15 a month for 250MB, or $30 a month for unlimited use, with no long-term contract. The innovation, of course, is in the no long-term contract. Unlike typical 3G bundle plans that usually require 2-year contracts, the iPad allows users to buy data in one month blocks from AT&T. The pre-paid plans also include unlimited use of AT&T WiFi hot spots.

In addition, the 3G modem is unlocked, so it will work with any GSM network that supports the 850, 1900 and 2100 Mhz frequencies, anywhere in the world. However, it uses the new micro SIM cards, which is not widely used yet. These microSIM cards are smaller than existing SIMs, so you won't be able to just remove the SIM from your iPhone or other phone and use it in an iPad.