Mini SIM availability worldwide--Nexus 7
 

Google's Nexus 7 with an unlocked HSPA+ data option ships tomorrow. I find myself wondering, though, how useful this will really be for data roaming worldwide. How many carriers are selling (at stores, kiosks, airports...not by mail) pay-as-you-go data *Micro-SIM* cards?

I realize there may be some overlap with the master thread on data, but this question to the Flyertalk collective is specific to Micro SIM...

I'd appreciate it if folks from different locations could report here about Micro SIM availability...

Thanks!

NETWORK
Unlocked GSM/UMTS/HSPA+
GSM/EDGE/GPRS (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
3G (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz)
HSPA+ 21

If I read this correctly (above are specs from Google), 3G frequencies cover both TMO (US) and ATT. If so, that's pretty unusual for a device and would make this very attractive. I've been in the market for a 7" Android with 3G - looks like something to get.

exactly. If, as a roaming traveler, one can actually procure *micro* SIM cards with ease. I'm hoping some folks will start to chime in here...:)

I'm pretty sure the Nexus 7 uses a micro SIM, same as the Iphone and many other newer phones. I'm not sure why mobile providers are being so reticent to provide the micro SIMs, but it is easy enough to cut the common SIM down to a micro using scissors and the existing micro SIM in your phone as a template. Barring that, SIM cutters are fairly cheap.

I think you should make sure you know which SIM you are referring to.

The SIM commonly used for many years is the MINI-SIM. The micro-SIM was introduced a couple of years ago and is used in iPhone 4 and 4S. Nano-SIMs are used in the iPhone 5. There is also the SIM that is the same size as a credit card which was used in first generation GSM handsets.

This link shows the different formats/sizes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subscr...Module#Formats

Gah. Thanks for pointing out the need to recheck. Even after double checking earlier before posting, I still had the wrong SIM type. oops

I corrected the original post to reflect the Nexus 7 has a Micro-SIM. Google's own documentation hadn't shown that. Hopefully they'll update their site...

So, anyone game for playing...Looking for providers using Micro-SIM... :)

http://support.google.com/nexus/bin/...answer=2802869

To use your tablet with mobile network data, you must first insert and activate a micro SIM card. If no card is installed, the message “No SIM card” appears on the tablet’s lock screen.

Tons of micro SIM cutters on Ebay.

I saw micro-SIMs in a vending machine right in LHR a couple years ago, so odds are good you could get one there. I happened to notice because I had just bought an iPad 2 right before the trip, which also uses the micro-SIM. I had done the research on taking it, but figured it would be too much trouble to find the proper SIM. Apparently not! They were labeled "for use with iPad 2" right on the package.

Yes, I know, but as a traveler the last thing I want to do is lug one of those around with me. Not even sure it would get through TSA (anyone try that?)

and fwoomp...Thanks for the feedback. that's exactly what I'm looking for. Sadly no one else has chimed in yet...

I'm not so concerned at finding a SIM and cutting it down to size if necessary. Plenty of flyertalks carry a micro sim cutter through security. It looks kind of like a larger hole punch. As for availability, even Softbank sim rental carries micro sims and I'd consider Japan to be one of the tougher countries to get a sim for. Plenty of carriers have an iPad sim or data plan.

But how does one get around the carriers which require sms to activate certain data subscriptions without carrying a spare phone? Some carriers still require you to sms a code to a number to get a data plan instead of signing up on a website. Is there a sms spoof app you can sideload that will spoof the sim's phone number?

Go to any independent cell phone shop anywhere in the world and they'll happily "cut" a SIM to a micro-SIM for you.