There is an imminent revolution in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card industry. An integrated SIM (iSIM) is on its way to replacing the physical chip. Vodafone, Qualcomm and French-based multinational company Thales have tested this technology with a proof of concept Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 tested on Vodafone’s network.
The new iSIM standard builds upon eSIM by directly integrating the SIM technology in the device’s main chipset. For reference, eSIM required a separate chip to process data. The key feature for iSIM is that it eliminates separate dedicated space for SIM services while offering all the benefits of eSIM such as remote SIM provisioning by carriers, and it can be used to access best nz online casino.
The new standard will also allow a slew of devices such as wearables, laptops, tablets, VR and IoT devices to benefit from active data connections without wasting valuable space. No timeframe was provided as to when we should expect the first iSIM devices on the market. But what else do we know about this new technology?
About iSIM
iSIM enables the functionality of a SIM card to be integrated into a device’s main processor. Rather than a SIM card slot in any device, one would have the SIM in-built in the processor. The tech is actually like an eSIM but it is embedded into the devices. iSIM complies with GSMA specifications, embeds the SIM functionality into the device’s main processor. Qualcomm says that this will allowfor better performance, more memory capacity and greater system integration. You could get more out of your devices with an iSIM.
Benefits
This technology means that SIM cards could go beyond mobile phones. They could be integrated into laptops, IoT devices, smartwatches and even virtual reality platforms. Qualcomm says that the benefits could be on multiple levels. For instance, the device design and performance could be enhanced as it gives more space within a device. With no SIM card slot, there’s more scope of innovation with design. Also, telecom operators can leverage existing eSIM infrastructure. It further brings the capabilities of a SIM card to devices where previous imagining a SIM wasn’t possible.
Any difference with eSIM?
Think of eSIM and iSIM as siblings: two distinct individuals with many shared traits—but also some important differences, however, both can be used to play games on www.wolfwinner.com for now.
eSIM and iSIM are technologies for authenticating subscribers and devices on mobile networks. eSIM was the initial innovation, based on the open, vendor-neutral standard developed by the GSMA. iSIM is a more recent development and hasn’t been declared a standard as yet. Generally, the iSIM is a new eSIM form factor –built as a trusted area (or TRE, i.e. Tamper Resistant Element)– into a multi-function chip (SoC, i.e. System on Chip).
How secured is the iSIM?
When it comes to security, the iSIM follows the same paths as the eSIM, and reaches the highest security certification level. First, the iSIM is fully standardized and endorsed by the industry. For example, the GSMA has started the specification and certification of the integrated UICC in 2015, and has finalized it in 2020.
Any iSIM device so far?
Qualcomm with Vodafone did a concept demonstration to show the technology’s commercial readiness and efficiency working on existing infrastructure. A demonstration was conducted in Europe on Vodafone’s network. The device used was Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G powered by a Snapdragon 888 5G processor, running the Thales iSIM operating system. The proof of concept took place in Samsung’s R&D labs using Vodafone’s remote management platform.
