Subscriber Identity Module (SIM); Functional characteristics
The present document defines the functional characteristics and requirements of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for use in Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (GSM) applications. All references to GSM shall apply equally to any band specified for GSM unless otherwise stated.
The SIM is the entity that contains the identity of the subscriber. When placed in a Mobile Equipment (ME), together they become a Mobile Station (MS) which may then register onto a GSM network.
The primary function of the SIM in conjunction with a GSM network is to authenticate the validity of an MS when accessing the network. In addition it provides a means to authenticate the user and may also store other subscriber-related information or applications. Subscription entitlements are stored not in the SIM, but in the network.
If the SIM functionality is incorporated into a multi-application card, the GSM application may be used in other telecommunication applications.
In addition, SIMs are permitted to contain non-GSM functionality. In the case of multi-application cards, the present document defines just the GSM application.