Vodacom nano-SIMs now in SA

The nano-SIM has only recently been designed and approved and the iPhone 5 is the first handset to use it.

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It has been confirmed that nano-SIMs are now available in certain South African stores, on the Vodacom network only.

Nano-SIMs are required for use in the new iPhone 5, and have only recently been designed and approved. The new form of SIM card is 40% smaller than micro-SIMs, measuring 12.3mm wide, 8.8mm long and 0.67mm thick.

Following the unveiling of the iPhone 5, SA's mobile operators were not very forthcoming with information about the local availability of nano-SIMs, leading to speculation that a lack of supply of the SIM cards could impact the local release of the iPhone 5.

Both Cell C and 8ta have said they will launch nano-SIMs in due course without offering definite time-frames, while MTN is currently not commenting on any iPhone-related queries.

Vodacom also previously said it had "no details" on the local availability of nano-SIMs. Last week, however, Vodacom received a shipment of nano-SIMs and these have been sent to select local stores. The nano-SIMs retail for R105 each and can be used by contract and prepaid subscribers.

Cellucity also confirmed last week that the majority of its outlets had received Vodacom nano-SIMs. Vodacom has now also provided a full list of its outlets which currently stock nano-SIMs. The new SIMs have a recommended retail price of R105.

Apple is yet to confirm when the iPhone 5 will be released in SA, but analysts anticipate that, based on Apple's release cycle for previous iPhones, it could arrive in late October or early November. Vodacom CEO Shameel Aziz-Joosub has said the operator expects to launch the iPhone 5 in SA before year-end.