The number of users of multiple mobile SIM cards is increasing. Although this trend is partly driven by the increasing use of SIM cards in non-handset devices such as PCs, machines and tablets, the key driving factor is users seeking to decrease their service costs by optimizing their usage of different operator tariffs. This, in turn, is driving demand for handsets capable of supporting two (or even three) SIMs. Because these types of handsets are generally scorned by mobile operators, most of the global handset brands have largely avoided this segment. The low-cost vendors from China and India have driven the market and now dominate it. However, on June 3, Nokia announced the launch of four new low-cost handsets; two of these were their first-ever devices to support dual SIMs. A number of other vendors are also increasing their focus on this segment, driving innovation and choice.
We believe that multi-SIM handsets will enjoy increasing popularity and adoption, particularly in low-income, competitive and highly prepaid markets. Low-cost handset vendors are being joined by global handset brands now that the multi-SIM segment has reached a size and level of importance that no longer can be ignored, increasing the variety available and spurring innovation.
This report details the multi-SIM handset segment, why it is important and highlights key developments. It starts by analyzing global subscriptions and SIMs, estimating total multi-SIM ownership and breaking out the main reasons for users to have more than a single SIM. Then we look in more detail at the key driver of multi-SIM ownership, namely cost reduction, and highlight some of the largest multi-SIM markets. We then look at developments on the vendor side, in particular at how the low-cost vendors have managed to dominate the multi-SIM segment, as well as highlight recent innovations and market entrants. This section also provides our estimate of multi-SIM handset sales. We then analyze the view from the operators, including several examples of operators that are using multi-SIM handsets to gain market share. Finally, we summarize with the key conclusions and recommendations, both for vendors and operators.
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