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Vodafone, Qualcomm & Thales Demo Integrated SIM (iSIM)

Vodafone, Qualcomm & Thales Demo Integrated SIM (iSIM) Image Credit: Vodafone

Vodafone, Qualcomm Technologies and Thales have jointly presented a working smartphone with iSIM (based on the GSMA specification ieUICC) - a new technology in which the function of the SIM card is integrated into the main processor of the device. 

This milestone paves the way for the commercialization of the technology, which could be used in a variety of new devices in the future that use iSIM to connect to cellular services. Compliant with the GSMA specification ieUICC, the iSIM embeds the SIM functionality in the device's main processor, enabling better system integration, higher performance and greater storage capacity. This technology is the latest advancement in SIM technology, where eSIMs (embedded SIM) are placed in devices. While a separate chip is required for the eSIM, this is no longer necessary with the iSIM, meaning that dedicated storage space is no longer required for the SIM services.

iSIM technology is a significant evolution of existing eSIM solutions and offers benefits to both consumers and telecom operators. It paves the way for the integration of mobile services into devices beyond mobile, bringing the mobile experience to laptops, tablets, virtual reality platforms, IoT devices, wearables and more. The iSIM is integrated into the application processor of the device, which brings numerous advantages:

Simplifies and improves device design and performance by freeing up previously occupied space within the deviceIntegrates the SIM functionality into the main chipset of the device alongside other important functions such as GPU, CPU and modemEnables remote SIM deployment by the operator using existing eSIM infrastructureEnables connection to mobile services for a variety of devices that previously did not have built-in SIM capabilities

The world's first Proof of Concept (POC) demonstration took place in Europe, one of the regions with the highest smartphone penetration in the world. The POC illustrates the commercial possibility and efficiency of the technology, which works on the existing eSIM infrastructure and uses Vodafone's network capacities. The demonstration used a fully functional proof-of-concept smartphone on the Vodafone network, based on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G powered by a Snapdragon®888 5G mobile chipset. It has an integrated Qualcomm® Secure Processing Unit running the Thales iSIM operating system for this demonstration. The proof of concept took place in Samsung's R&D labs and leveraged Vodafone's advanced eSIM remote management platform.

Alex Froment-Curtil, Chief Commercial Officer at Vodafone
Our goal is to create a world where all devices are connected seamlessly and easily and the customer is in full control. The iSIM in combination with our remote management platform is an important step in this direction. It enables devices to be connected without a physical SIM card or special chip and enables networking with many objects from the IoT world. This allows our customers to manage several accounts on one device, while from the operator's point of view there is no need for separate SIM cards and the associated additional plastic consumption. 

Emmanuel Unguran, Senior Vice President Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales
As new types of networks and devices are introduced, innovations in SIM technology are essential to best serve the connected world. The iSIM supports the design and manufacture of new devices while offering the same digital experience as the eSIM and certified security levels.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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