Samsung says consumers will start carrying multiple SIM cards in the future

At Samsung’s IFA 2010 press conference today, September 2nd, President of Samsung Mobile Communications Business JK shin was on hand to talk about the just-announced Galaxy Tab Android tablet. The Tab offers full 3G connectivity with the ability to make phone calls. But how will consumers react to having multiple SIM cards and multiple rate plans with a carrier? JK Shin believes that multiple SIM cards are not going to be a barrier to adoption.

The 7-inch Tab offers more features than the iPad. One of the stand-out features is the ability for the Galaxy Tab to make voice phone calls. That means users will have to pay for an additional wireless subscription, in addition to their existing contract for their mobile phone. That could be a potential barrier to adoption. The extra cost associated with the Tab might turn away some consumers, but Samsung believes it won’t be a problem.

During the Q&A session, Mr. Shin asserted that he believes consumers “From now on, many people will carry multiple sim cards” and pay for multiple wireless subscription plans.

I can see that happening, since I regularly carry two or three different SIM cards with me. But, then again, I’m not your average user. For the average user to carry multiple SIMs and pay for multiple wireless plans, the cost of those plans are going to have to be cheap enough to be worthwhile. Wouldn’t it be something if carriers offered current customers deep discounts on monthly rate plans when purchasing a Tab?

It’s not clear if Mr. Shin is alluding to the possibility that carrier partners will offer special rate plans to make the Tab more accessible to customers who already have wireless subscription, but we’d be more than happy to see cheaper rate plans made available for the Tab.

As it stands, we’ll have to wait for official announcements from partner carriers before we know just how much the Galaxy Tab will cost and when exactly will be made available.