To summarize, Nokia is saying that in 2010, they could be including dual SIM functionality in their Series 40 phones. This is an important development because although Nokia does not dominate handset sales in North America, they are the #1 selling phone brand worldwide and according to Nokia, the Series 40 is “the world’s most widely used mobile device platform.”
This is not the first instance of a dual SIM phone either. Samsung is currently offering a few models that have dual SIM capability and there are a growing number of aftermarket options for dual SIM iPhones.
What this means for travelers
This is an important development for travelers as it gives them the ability to have a phone with two SIM cards in it. This means that travelers could have a domestic carrier SIM and a roaming SIM in the same phone. The convenience would come from the fact that you wouldn’t have to manually swap out your SIM or carry a separate phone with a roaming SIM in it. When you need to leave your home country, simply select the roaming SIM and your phone is ready for use. Demonstrations I have seen on how this is done involve a simple menu selection, so the process is not difficult.
What this means for the industry
At Roam Mobility, we believe that this is a signal that device manufacturers are getting serious about making phones that suit the lifestyle of the frequent traveler. Dual SIM phones will prove to be popular with Europeans, who have for years been swapping SIMs when they travel. In North America, where SIM swapping is still in its infancy, this device could prove to be an important first step in helping consumers understand that from a hardware perspective, they have options when it comes to a device that will help them stay connected on the road. And being able to switch to a roaming SIM with a touch of a button would make this easy for non-tech savvy travelers.
Regardless of how this develops, you can be sure that we at Roam are really interested to see if and when a dual SIM phone arrives in North America. If you see or hear anything, please let us know.
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