SIM

MasterCard has unveiled its plans to test Gemalto miniature card that is supposed to be inserted into mobile phone SIMs that will let handsets be turned into contactless payments devices. This system represents the first of its kind conforming to the Single Wire Protocol as endorsed by the GSMA.

Japan plans to allow users of one mobile carrier to use SIM cards of other operators on their mobile phones. At present time three main carriers in Japan ban customers from swapping SIM cards.

In regards to the governments’ plans to change the policy of the SIM lock system NTT DoCoMo, Japan's largest mobile carrier, responded frigidly, saying "careful discussions" would be needed. A NTT DoCoMo spokes person stressed that their “unique” services are dependent on their “unique” handsets.

 Poor people in India will be able to share one mobile phone and make calls while paying separate bills. Comviva Technologies, an Indian vendor of technology for value-added services, introduces its "Virtual SIM" technology to target customers in India, Africa and other developing markets who cannot afford buying a handset the cost of which could work out to about six months of their disposable income.