Evolution of SIM Cards – What's Next?

Abstract

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is an integrated circuit card on the mobile phone used for identifying and authenticating subscribers on mobile networks and for establishing a connection with the mobile network. Over the years, we have witnessed considerable change in the size of SIM card. SIM card size has reduced from 1FF (Form Factor) to 4FF (nano SIM), which is currently being used in smart phones. Apart from the size of the SIM getting smaller, the amount of storage a SIM could provide, the number of operator profiles a SIM could support and the file systems included in a SIM card have all improved over time. Virtual SIM or eSIM is a new technology to replace the traditional SIM and with remote provisioning it allows user to change the SIM profile remotely over the air. An eSIM that allows interoperability of operator profiles can handle Machine-to-Machine communication in a better way. This paper presents a study of the evolution of SIM with various usage scenarios of eSIM. In addition, it proposes a design for next generation SIM along with the implementation of a security algorithm between a SIM card and Service Provider.