If you look at the SIM card, there isn’t much evolution.
Physical SIM cards still dominate while ESIM has not really become a mainstream.
Qualcomm, one of the largest chip makers in the world, along with Vodafone and Thales want to change it with new technology called ISIM.
Here we explain what ISIM and how it can change the way you use a SIM card.
What is ISIM technology? ISIM is a new technology that allows SIM card functionality to be integrated into the main processor of the device.
So instead of having a SIM card slot on any device, someone will have a default SIM on the processor.
This technology is actually like ESIM but is embedded into the device.
ISIM adheres to GSMA specifications, embed a SIM function into the main processor of the device.
Qualcomm said that this would enable better performance, more memory capacity and greater system integration.
You can get more from your device with ISIM.
What are the benefits of using ISIM? ISIM technology means that the SIM card can go beyond the cellphone.
They can be integrated into laptops, iot devices, smartwatches, and even virtual reality platforms.
Qualcomm said that the benefits could be at several levels.
For example, the design and performance of devices can be increased because it provides more space in the device.
Without a SIM card slot, there is more scope of innovation with design.
Also, telecommunications operators can utilize existing ESIM infrastructure.
Next bring the SIM card capabilities to the device where previously imagining the SIM is not possible.
What might the impact of ISIM and when could it arrive? This technology can open the world of new possibilities, especially for IoT devices.
One can use ISIM on devices connected anywhere in the world and safely on the IOT network.
Plus, this reduces a lot of plastic consumption with a SIM card that is not needed at all.
Telecommunications operators, however, must embrace the idea for it to be the mainstream.
It could be a few years before the technology was completely debuted.
Have ISIM devices so far? No, but Qualcomm with Vodafone conducted a concept demonstration to show commercial readiness and technology efficiency that worked on existing infrastructure.
Demonstrations were carried out in Europe on the Vodafone network.
The device used is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G which is powered by the Snapdragon 888 5G processor, running the operating system Thales Isim.
Proof of the concept took place in the Samsung R & D Laboratory using the Vodafone remote management platform.