With the latest Apple iPad-related gossip making rounds that the newly-unveiled device features only a ‘micro’ SIM card compatibility for using mobile broadband, reports say that mobile operators O2 and Orange have placed bulk orders for these micro SIM cards.

Though thus far the tech world was not quite familiar with the micro SIM card, which essentially is a mini version of the regular SIM card, it is now being projected that the micro SIM is a potential new standard of SIM cards that will replace the regular SIM cards.

The bulk orders of micro SIMs that O2 and Orange have placed are a clear indication that they intend buying the stock up, anticipating that the cards will be in great demand when the 3G version of the iPad hits the stores in the UK in June or July this year.

It is also likely that that these two companies probably have a joint exclusive on the new Apple device.

Though neither O2 nor Orange has confirmed that they will be stocking the iPad, it is obvious that O2 would definitely be looking at having some kind of a secure hold on the iPad in the UK, similar to its exclusivity for the iPhone, which it handled notably well.