[BIBA]

I have just been informed by Vodafone UK that a replacement SIM for my 9800 cannot be "an ordinary one".

So, how extraordinary will it be . . . . and why!

[dc/dc]

You are overcomplicating things. A SIM is a SIM. The only real differences on SIM cards are the physical size and the amount of memory on the chip. Vodafone will give you the correct card for your device and services.