W-SIM (Willcom-SIM) is a SIM card developed by Willcom which, in addition to standard SIM functions, also has the core components of a cellular telephone (PHS), such as the radio receiver/transmitter, built inside. It is currently used in some terminals (listed below), which do not have radio modules.
The W-SIM core module is an extended version of a SIM card, containing not only user data but also all the transmission technology needed for a mobile device to work.
A terminal device developer can build a customized terminal without the design and development of a radio module, and users can change to a different radio module W-SIM without changing the terminal itself.
Similar to traditional handsets made by WILLCOM, W-SIM terminals can be used in Japan, including global roaming with Taiwan and Thailand. For Mainland China, China Netcom had W-SIMs available, though its PHS network is due to be phased out this year. In addition, a GSM version called the CM-G100 had been developed for use in other countries.
WILLCOM branded terminals WS001IN / "TT" Hand-set terminal by Net Index. WS002IN / "DD" Data communication terminal by Net Index. WS003SH / W-ZERO3 Hand-set terminal(smartphone) by Sharp. WS004SH / W-ZERO3 Hand-set terminal(smartphone) by Sharp. Higher-spec version of WS003SH. WS005IN / nico. Hand-set terminal by Net Index. WS007SH / W-ZERO3 [es] Hand-set terminal(smartphone) by Sharp. Stylish and slender version of W-ZERO3. WS008HA / WS008HA ExpressCard data communication terminal by Hagiwara Sys-Com. WS009KE / 9(nine) Hand-set terminal by KES.
Terminals branded by other than WILLCOM Kids Ke-tai ! Hand-set terminal by Bandai. The internal code is WS006.
References
External links Willcom Inc.'s page Engadget entry TT Phone DD "Data Driver" Sharp W-Zero3 PDA phone