Lazybit

SIM Manager 2.5 is finally here, so far it is officially available only as an English version, but the other versions are on their way; it can be downloaded from this address: http://files.dekart.com/RC/SIMManager-25-RC2.exe So, what's new?

3G USIM extended phonebook support

SIM Manager is able to read all the 3G phonebook details, including the extended fields:

• second name;
• group;
• second number;
• second number category;
• email.

(click to view larger version)

(SIM Manager's edit USIM contact dialog)

A group management and secondary phone category tool is included as well. Now you can unleash the full potential of your 3G USIM card, explore all its contents and use its features to the maximum.

The best part is that you have all these contact details at your fingertips, you can manage them easily, using the full power of a computer (a real keyboard, a large screen) - no need to go through the pain of trying to do this with your phone's tiny keypad.

PLMN management

A PLMN is a "public land mobile network", and every SIM card contains several lists of mobile operators to which it will connect or not.

(click to see a larger version)

SIM Manager can help you manage the list of mobile networks to which the phone is not allowed to connect (FPLMN) and the list of networks to which it will connect if they are reachable (PLMN).

How is this option going to benefit you? It's primary purpose is to help you keep your bill under control.

When you travel, you leave your operator's network and enter the network of a partner mobile operator that has a roaming agreement with your mobile company. Agreements with different operators can have different fees, therefore it is in your best interests to choose the one which is the cheapest for you.

Use the FPLMN (Forbidden PLMN) list do indicate to which mobile networks you don't want your phone to ever connect. This list should include the serious offenders who charge a lot for their services.

The PLMN list contains a list of mobile networks to which your phone will try to connect when they are in range. First it will try to connect to the first network, if that fails - to the second one, and so on. With SIM Manager you can prioritize this list and change the order of preferred mobile networks.

The lists of mobile operators will contain some details you may find interesting, such as: the MCC (Mobile Country Code) and MNC (Mobile Network Code) of each operator. You can also determine the country and the name of each mobile network.

Armed with this tool, you can make sure that your vacations will never be ruined by the bills again - you have an instrument that gets you in control of the situation, so accidents simply won't happen.

Detailed reports

SIM Manager can generate a printable report of a SIM card, containing the entire phonebook, the SMS archive, as well as the lists of mobile networks.

This comes handy if you need a hard-copy for archival purposes.

Other changes

The new version includes several bug-fixes, as well as changes in the interface (now there is a Dutch translation, as well as a reviewed German and French interface).