SIM Server

Facing opposition from smartphone vendors, the European Telecommunications Standardization Institute likely won’t make a ruling on new standards for the nano SIM until June 1 when the group meets in Osaka, Japan.

At its 54th meeting in late March, the ETSI (News - Alert) was scheduled to issue a decision on the fourth form factor (4FF) for the UICC or SIM card, however, the committee said it decided to delay any vote on the matter “in the interest of trying to achieve a broad industry consensus, which is in keeping with the preferred decision making process at ETSI,” according to a statement issued by the ETSI.

The ETSI is facing arguments between smartphone vendors over a proposed standard for nano-SIM cards – with smartphone giant Apple on its own side of the fence.

“Opposing proposals have been tabled by a consortium consisting of Nokia (News - Alert), Motorola Mobility and Research In Motion on the one hand, and Apple on the other. The skirmishing has become down and dirty, with Apple’s rivals leveling accusations against it claiming it's not quite playing by the rules,” TechNewsWorld reported.

The new standard would implement an SIM card much smaller than what is currently in circulation, allowing manufacturers to make room for other hardware and components within their devices. With all the miniature technology available today, device manufacturers can benefit from even the slightest reduction in size of one component to include others.

Apple (News - Alert) currently offers licenses for the nano-SIM standard in order to advance its agenda to better streamline its standard in other devices. At the moment, Apple faces competition from Nokia, which is also advancing its own nano-SIM proposal.

Nokia claims Apple’s nano-SIM cards will conflict with devices using micro SIM because of its unique dimensions. Some users might therefore try to force the nano card into their devices, damaging the device and/or the card.

ETSI officials said a meeting could potentially be called before May 31 by the chairman of TC SCP to deal with the matter, but doing so would require a minimum of 30 days notice to ETSI members.