Copy a SIM card?

Simon · Apr 27, 2010, 19:42:55

I have two mobiles, one of which is my main one (the BlackBerry), and the other is an HTC HD2, which I use at home on WiFi. Sometimes, though, I fancy a change, and swap the SIM card into the HTC, while at home. I can then still use the WiFi for data, and not incur additional charges. I was just wondering if it's possible, and legal, to have my SIM card cloned, so as to save keep swapping it from one phone to the other?

Glenn · Apr 27, 2010, 20:08:51

It's no doubt possible, but as to being legal

Simon · Apr 27, 2010, 21:35:27

Having now done some Googling, it seems it's probably illegal, and newer SIM cards have copy protection on them, so I guess that answers the question, but out of curiosity, I'll ring O2 tomorrow for confirmation.

Gary · Apr 28, 2010, 08:30:25

Talking of phones, have you seen the N8 Nokia simon, looks really good, 12mp Calr zeiss with xenon flash, capacitive touch screen, aluminium body HDMI out via an adaptor, very tempting except ovi has so few apps. http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/11449_Nokia_N8-content_creation_and_.php

pctech · Apr 28, 2010, 08:48:18

copying of data such as phone book entries and SMS messages is ok but card cloning is a big no no.

talos · Apr 28, 2010, 08:51:23

I think you may find having two phones with the same sim will cause problems, you would in effect have two phones with the same identity trying to acess the network at the same time, which could cause major problems so I can't see the providers allowing it, they would I think just disable both sims.

pctech · Apr 28, 2010, 09:32:48

Voda used to do a dual sim solution for business customers (my cousin used to use it) which would direct calls to the active phone but not sure whether they do it now. (he moved networks and got two phones instead(

Rik · Apr 28, 2010, 09:55:38

I tend to fall into the technically difficult, legally prohibited category, Simon. I don't think the networks would be at all happy with the idea.

talos · Apr 28, 2010, 10:04:15

Quote from: pctech on Apr 28, 2010, 09:32:48
Voda used to do a dual sim solution for business customers (my cousin used to use it) which would direct calls to the active phone but not sure whether they do it now. (he moved networks and got two phones instead(

Yes I used the same idea for a while, but the key word here is Dual, meaning two Sim's hence two identities different numbers, and the phone was switchable so there was no possibility of both Sim's being active at the same time, I found it very useful when the tariffs were so competitive, but not now.

Gary · Apr 28, 2010, 10:05:47

I have to say I think the same, having one number on two phones is technically a no no, and would cause network difficulties, having a pay as you go sim in one would be a better idea, or just have one phone.

Simon · Apr 28, 2010, 10:56:14

The two phones wouldn't have been on at the same time. Part of the reason for it is that, by the evening, the battery has virtually gone on the BlackBerry, having been on here and elsewhere most of the day, and it would have been convenient to have been able to simply switch to another phone to allow charging. I can see it's not going to happen, though.

Gary, I haven't seen the N8, but my interest is piqued.

Lance · Apr 28, 2010, 10:58:39

Why not get a spare battery for the BB?

Simon · Apr 28, 2010, 11:00:35

What a stupid idea, Lance. That's way too easy!

pctech · Apr 28, 2010, 11:06:15

Just did a search on Voda for the dual sim service and it appears they no longer offer it.

Gary · Apr 28, 2010, 11:13:19

Quote from: Simon on Apr 28, 2010, 10:56:14
Gary, I haven't seen the N8, but my interest is piqued.

It looks very sweet Simon, check it out and see what you think?

Glenn · Apr 28, 2010, 11:47:34

I hear there are 1 or 2 N8's for sale in Russia