Dual SIM for Channel-hoppers

Phone giant Nokia says it is ready to launch its first dual-SIM phone, a technology that could help expats who may have one phone with a French contract and a separate one with a UK number so people there can keep in touch.

Business people may also find the phones a blessing as they will no longer have to carry an extra “personal” phone for their own calls.

The phones have slots for two SIM cards – the chips that identify each phone and allow it to access a phone network. They will also allow users to take a call on one card when they are talking on the other one.

They have been used in the Far East for several years, however they have been slow in arriving in the West despite previous attempts by firms including Samsung and LG to introduce phones with similar technology.

Though some models exist, they tend to be costly and not offered as part of mobile phone contract deals (companies may fear they will reduce the use of the expensive roaming calls from abroad that are one of the main reasons for people carrying a second phone or SIM).

The Nokia C1 model will be €30, pushing competition and making the technology more popular and affordable here.

The firm is the world’s biggest maker of mobiles. Expats in France may also find that the dual-SIM solution helps them cut bills as well as not having to carry two phones around.