The reloaded iso is the digital download version, as can be seen in the EULA that everybody clicks past without reading:
"ELECTRONIC ARTS
END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
FOR THE SIMS 3 GAME
(DISTRIBUTED BY DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)"
also
"B. Technical Protection Measures. When you purchase the Software online via digital download (the “Digital Download Version”), you receive a Digital Download Version of the Software that uses SecuROM digital rights management technology provided by Sony DADC Austria AG. The SecuROM technology is integrated into the Digital Download Version of the Software and is not a separate installation. For more information about SecuROM, visit
www.securom.com and http:/faq.securom.com/. By installing the Software, you acknowledge and agree to the Software’s use of SecuROM. An internet connection is required to authenticate the Software and verify your license (“Online Authentication”)."
So that would explain the phoning home, no idea why it's on an iso though.