Vodafone, Qualcomm Technologies and Thales demonstrate first-ever smartphone with iSIM technology
01/25/2022
Three of the major players in the mobile sector, Vodafone, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Thales, have joined forces to demonstrate a smartphone equipped with the new iSIM technology (based on the GSMA ieUICC(1) specification), which allows to integrate the functionalities of a SIM card directly into the processor of the device. This major step paves the way for the commercialization of the technology, which could be deployed in many new devices that will then use iSIM to connect to mobile services.
Compliant with GSMA specifications, iSIM allows SIM card functions to be integrated into the device’s main processor, resulting in better system integration, higher performance and greater memory capacity. This technology is the latest evolution of SIM technology consisting of embedding eSIMs in devices. Unlike eSIM, iSIM does not require a separate chip, eliminating the need to dedicate physical space to SIM services.
iSIM technology therefore represents a major evolution compared to existing eSIM solutions and brings significant benefits to both users and telecommunications operators, as it paves the way for the integration of mobile services into devices other than smartphones, extending the mobile experience to laptops, tablets, virtual reality platforms, IoT devices or even wearables. The iSIM is integrated into the application processor of the terminal, providing many advantages:
- Simplifies and improves device design and performance by freeing up space inside
- Combines SIM functions with those of other critical components of the SoC (CPU, GPU and modem)
- Allows operator to activate and manage SIM remotely using existing eSIM infrastructure
- Opens the doors of mobile connectivity to a whole host of devices that previously couldn’t hold SIM cards
A POC (Proof of Concept) demonstration was carried out in Europe, one of the regions of the world with the highest smartphone penetration rate. This demonstration showed that the technology is ready for commercial use and that it can work with existing infrastructures, in this case those of Vodafone. The device used for the proof of concept on the Vodafone network was a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G equipped with a Snapdragon® 888 5G SoC integrating a Qualcomm® security processor (SPU) hosting the Thales iSIM system. This test was performed in Samsung’s research and development (R&D) labs using Vodafone’s advanced remote management platform.
Alex Froment-Curtil, Chief Commercial Officer at Vodafone, said: “Our goal is to create a world where every device is seamlessly and easily connected to others, and where the customer has complete control. iSIM, combined with our remote management platform, represents a big step in this direction, since it allows devices to be connected without a physical SIM or dedicated chip, making the promise of a world of connected objects (IoT) a reality. This technology will offer our customers the possibility of using several accounts on a single device, while it will allow operators to free themselves from traditional SIM cards and thus reduce plastic consumption. We will continue to work closely with Samsung, Qualcomm Technologies and Thales to develop further applications for this technology and accelerate its commercialization. »
“iSIM solutions offer great opportunities for mobile network operators, free up valuable space inside devices for OEMs and bring flexibility to users, allowing them to benefit from the full potential of networks and 5G experiences on a wide range of devices. Smartphones, laptops, VR/XR headsets and Industrial IoT are where iSIM technology will provide the most benefit. By integrating this technology into the SoC, we are able to create additional support for OEMs in our Snapdragon platform. » Enrico Salvatori, SVP and President, Europe/MEA, at Qualcomm Europe, Inc..
“As new types of networks and devices are deployed, innovation in SIM technology is essential to better serve the connected world. iSIM will support the design and manufacture of new devices while providing the same digital experience as eSIM and certified levels of security. Thales is committed to constantly innovating with its partners to offer the best connectivity experience. » Emmanuel Unguran, SVP Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales.
Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon and Qualcomm Secure Processing Unit are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
(1) integrated Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card