SIM Cards Explained

What is a SIM card?

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. It's a a small memory chip that is inserted into a mobile phone handset and is required for the phone to talk to the network operator (e.g. Vodafone, o2, etc).

The SIM chip contains a unique ID (known as an IMSI) that your network operator uses to identify you and your handset to the network. There's also storage space for SMS text messages and address book information.

Basic SIM cards can store between 16k and 64k worth of data.

Where do I get a SIM card?

Many of the UK mobile phone networks will sell you a Pay-As-You-Go SIM card for a few pounds if you visit one of their stores.

Some mobile operators are currently offering free SIM cards, as they're keen to get their cards into as many mobiles as possible. Here are some of the current freebies on offer:

	3: Get 2 free SIM cards from 3 that include free Skype-to-Skype and free Windows Live Messenger - no need to top up. If you do top up, there's free texts, free Internet, free 3-to-3 calls and free voicemail. Two per household only. Full details: 3 SIM Offer details
	o2: o2 is offering up to two free SIM cards. Each SIM comes with unlimited text messages when you top up just £5 a month. To get your free SIM cards, go to freesimo2.o2.co.uk
	T-Mobile: You can get two free PAYG SIM cards from T-Mobile. Free texts for life if you top up £10 a month Details at t-mobilesimgiveaway.co.uk.

International Calls SIM

Travelling abroad? Don't get stung by huge roaming charges. Go SIM is an International SIM card that can save you up to 85% on calls from 175 countries around the world.

Go Sim are the world's leading supplier of global SIM cards. With this card, your incoming voice calls are free in over 75 countries, and you won't get charged for any texts you receive either. When you top up your Go SIM card, that credit never expires.

The Go SIM is available from I want one of those

SIM Card Backups

Want to back up data from your SIM card or transfer data to a different card? Consider a SIM card backup keyring:

What is a Micro SIM card?

Newer mobile phones, including the new iPhone 4, make use of smaller SIM cards, known as Micro SIM cards. Here's a picture of a Micro SIM card from UK provider o2 - Here, you'll see the Micro SIM card inside a standard SIM card - you press out the Micro card if your phone requires it.

If you need a Micro SIM card, contact your network operator.

UK SIM Card F.A.Q

• My SIM Card is locked! - Help with PUK codes and PUK unlocking

Other Links

• UK Mobile FAQ - Help and advice with mobile phone questions
• UK APN settings - Settings for GPRS and 3G mobile Internet in the UK
• Mobile Internet - Help with getting online from your mobile in the UK

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