ETSI Names Nano-SIM Format, Not Stated Whose Format Was Chosen, But It Was Apple’s Proposal

Posted on Jun 1 2012 - 12:09pm by Editorial Staff

The future is here: The nano-SIM card designs finally get its wing as ETSI chooses Apple’s proposal for new 4FF nano-SIM standard. The fourth form factor (4FF) card will be 40% smaller than the current smallest SIM card design, at 12.3mm wide by 8.8mm high, and 0.67mm thick. It can be packaged and distributed in a way that is backwards compatible with existing SIM card designs.

ETSI explains when how it will be adopted: The new form factor was adopted by industry with the involvement of major mobile network operators, smart card suppliers and mobile device manufacturers. The new design will be published in due course in ETSI’s TS 102 221 specification, freely available like all ETSI standards from the ETSI website.

The Verge spoke to the ETSI and asked question which format was successful and the company said the following: “We don’t communicate the specific details of how the decision was arrived at or which proposal was chosen. We now have an ETSI standardized format for 4FF. It’s no longer a question of one company or another, the industry has collectively made a decision.”

The new design will offer the same functionality as all current SIM cards. Although ETSI does not stated directly that Apple was a winner but folks at The Verge earlier worked pretty well, knowing that the measurements of the new card matches those of the Cupertino-based giant.

(Image Source: Amazon)

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