In a press statement today, Malaysia’s largest telco Maxis, has announced that it is the first in the country to introduce the new nano-SIM for iPhone 5. So for those who have obtained unlocked iPhone 5 from overseas or via grey imports, you can purchase a nano-SIM for RM25 beginning 24 September 2012.
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This is an unprecedented move by Maxis and should spur sales of the iPhone 5 locally, prior to its official launch, expected some time end October (rumoured).
The nano-SIM (or 4FF, for fourth form factor) design proposed by Apple as the new standard to replace the micro-SIM was approved by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in July this year. The ETSI chose Apple’s nano-SIM over submissions from Nokia, Motorola and RIM.
The nano-SIM has the same contact area as its predecessor, current micro-SIM or 3FF but is 40 percent smaller and 15 percent thinner (12.3 millimeters by 8.8 mm by 0.67 mm) than the smallest micro-SIM design. The smaller form factor gives mobile phone manufacturers advantage of optimising space for additional memory, larger batteries and develop even thinner, smaller devices.
While it is possible to cut a micro-SIM into a nano-SIM, some quarters have found that further hacking needed to be done to reduce thickness of the new SIM.
Selected Maxis Centres in the Klang Valley specifically KLCC, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Sunway Pyramid and The Gardens as well as in Queensbay Mall in Penang and Danga Bay in Johor Bahru. It will be made available at other Maxis Centres nationwide by late September.
Maxis joins some major telcos all around the world in offering the nano-SIM ahead of the availability of the iPhone 5.
Great news for iPhone 5 owners and would-be-buyers!
For more information on the Nano SIM from Maxis, please visit www.maxis.com.my or call 1800 82 1123.
