History of SIM card in Timeline
A SIM card is a specialized integrated circuit designed for mobile phones. Its primary function is to store a unique identification number (IMSI) and an encryption key, which are essential for authenticating the subscriber on the mobile network. SIM cards can also store contact information and are often secured with a PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
1991: First SIM Card Manufactured and 2G Network Launched
The first SIM card was manufactured in 1991 by Giesecke+Devrient and sold to Radiolinja, a Finnish wireless network operator. Radiolinja used the SIM cards to launch the world's first commercial 2G GSM cell network that same year.
1994: SIMEG Renamed to SMG9
The Subscriber Identity Module Expert Group (SIMEG) was renamed to SMG9 in 1994.
December 1998: Discussion of SIM Card Form Factor
The form factor of SIM cards was discussed in December 1998 by the 3GPP SMG9 UMTS Working Party, responsible for setting standards for GSM SIM cards.
1998: Introduction of Different SIM Card Voltages
Before 1998, most SIM cards operated on 5V. However, after 1998, SIM cards were produced to be compatible with both 3V and 5V. Modern SIM cards now support 5V, 3V, and 1.8V.
2000: Introduction of R-UIM for CDMA Devices
The TIA-820 standard (3GPP2 C.S0023) was published in 2000, defining the Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) for CDMA devices. This marked a shift towards card-based CDMA devices, particularly in Asia.
2002: Use of Integrated SIMs in 2G & 3G Phones
Between 2002 and 2015, Sprint Corporation and Verizon used integrated SIMs (iSIM) in their 2G and 3G phones.
2003: Agreement on SIM Card Form Factor
In late 2003, the 3GPP SMG9 UMTS Working Party reached an agreement on the form factor for SIM cards.
March 2010: SoftBank Mobile Shuts Down PDC System
SoftBank Mobile shut down its PDC (Personal Digital Cellular) system on March 31, 2010.
April 2010: Introduction of Micro-SIM Cards
Various mobile service providers introduced micro-SIM cards in April 2010 for the launch of the original iPad and later for smartphones.
June 2010: iPhone 4: First Smartphone with Micro-SIM Card
The iPhone 4, released in June 2010, became the first smartphone to utilize a micro-SIM card, paving the way for its adoption in numerous subsequent smartphone models.
2010: Gemalto Investigates Hacking Operation
Gemalto investigated claims that the NSA and GCHQ hacked their network in 2010 and 2011. Though they found "reasonable grounds" to believe the operation occurred, they maintain that the number of stolen keys was not significant.
2010: Pay Monthly Mobile Subscriptions Grow
Throughout 2010, pay monthly mobile phone subscriptions in the UK saw significant growth, increasing from 41% to 49% of all subscriptions, reflecting a shift in consumer preference towards contractual plans.
2011: MVNOs Reach Global Presence
By 2011, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which lease network capacity instead of owning infrastructure, expanded to over 50 countries. This marked a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry, attributing to about 10% of global mobile phone subscribers.
2011: Gemalto Investigates Hacking Operation
Gemalto investigated claims that the NSA and GCHQ hacked their network in 2010 and 2011. Though they found "reasonable grounds" to believe the operation occurred, they maintain that the number of stolen keys was not significant.
June 2012: Introduction of Nano-SIM Card
In June 2012, mobile service providers in several countries began offering the nano-SIM card, also known as the 4FF, for phones compatible with the format. This smaller SIM card design was approved by the ETSI following discussions with companies like Apple, Nokia, and RIM.
July 2012: SIM-only Contracts Surge in Popularity
In July 2012, the UK experienced a surge in SIM-only mobile contracts, reaching a record high of 250,000 in a single month. This trend indicated a growing preference for flexible and often more affordable mobile plans.
September 2012: iPhone 5: First Device to Utilize Nano-SIM Card
Released in September 2012, the iPhone 5 became the first device to incorporate a nano-SIM card, further popularizing the format among other handset manufacturers.
2012: Shutdown of Japan's 2G PDC System
Japan's 2G PDC system was officially shut down in 2012.
July 2013: Vulnerabilities Found in DES-Supporting SIM Cards
Security researcher Karsten Nohl revealed vulnerabilities in some SIM cards that used the DES encryption algorithm. These vulnerabilities could allow attackers to remotely clone phones or steal payment information stored on the SIM.
2014: Equity Bank's Thin SIM Raises Security Concerns
In 2014, Equity Bank's MVNO, Equitel, planned to introduce thin SIM cards in Kenya, sparking security concerns among competitors regarding mobile money safety. Following extensive testing and legal scrutiny, the Communications Authority of Kenya approved the rollout.
February 2015: NSA and GCHQ Accused of Stealing SIM Card Encryption Keys
The Intercept reported in February 2015 that the NSA and GCHQ had stolen encryption keys from Gemalto, a major SIM card manufacturer. This allowed the intelligence agencies to monitor communications without the knowledge or consent of network providers or legal authorities.
2015: Use of Integrated SIMs in 2G & 3G Phones
Between 2002 and 2015, Sprint Corporation and Verizon used integrated SIMs (iSIM) in their 2G and 3G phones.
2016: Automatic SIM Reactivation Introduced
In 2016, carriers introduced automatic SIM reactivation, allowing users to reuse expired SIM cards upon re-subscribing. This innovation streamlined the process, particularly beneficial in prepaid-dominant markets with high churn rates, eliminating the need for physical SIM card purchases.
2016: SIM Card Market Growth and Revenue
In 2016, the International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) reported that 5.4 billion SIM cards were manufactured globally, generating over $6.5 billion in revenue for traditional SIM card vendors.
2016: Introduction of the eSIM Standard
Initially introduced in 2016, the eSIM standard started to gradually replace traditional physical SIM cards in various sectors.
September 2017: Apple Watch Series 3: First Apple Product with eSIM
Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 3 in September 2017, marking their first product to feature eSIM technology.
September 2018: Apple Introduces Dual SIM and eSIM Technology
In a technological advancement, Apple launched the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in September 2018, featuring Dual SIM capabilities using a nano-SIM and eSIM. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 4 was introduced with Dual eSIM functionality.
October 2018: iPad Pro with eSIM Support
In October 2018, Apple introduced the third-generation iPad Pro, making it the first iPad model to offer support for eSIM.
December 2018: ITU-T Issues List of Issuer Identifier Numbers
On December 1st, 2018, the ITU-T issued a list containing all issuer identifier numbers up to that date. This list remained current as of August 2023.
January 2019: ITU-T Publishes Operational Bulletins with IIN Codes
As of January 2019, the ITU-T regularly updates and publishes a list of all internationally assigned IIN codes in its Operational Bulletins, released twice a month.
September 2019: Simjacker Vulnerability Exploited to Track Users
Security researcher Cathal Mc Daid discovered that a vulnerability called Simjacker, affecting SIM cards with the S@T Browser library, was being actively exploited to track the location of thousands of mobile phone users globally.
October 2019: Simjacker Vulnerability Disclosed
Further details about the Simjacker vulnerability were presented at the VirusBulletin conference on October 3rd, 2019.
2020: Predicted Growth of SIM Card Market
Ericsson predicted that the addressable market for SIM cards would surpass 20 billion devices by 2020, driven by the rise of cellular IoT and 5G networks.
2020: eSIM Supersedes Physical SIM Cards
In 2020, eSIM technology, which uses a software-based SIM embedded within devices, began replacing traditional physical SIM cards in certain sectors, particularly cellular telephony.
December 2021: UK Mobile Networks End SIM Lock Practices
In December 2021, a significant shift occurred in the UK mobile industry as carriers ended the practice of SIM locking. This change allowed users to switch carriers more easily by simply inserting a different SIM card into their devices.
2021: Deutsche Telekom Introduces nuSIM for IoT
Deutsche Telekom introduced the nuSIM, an "Integrated SIM for IoT," in 2021. This further advanced the development and adoption of iSIM technology.
September 2022: iPhone 14 Series: First eSIM-Only iPhone in the US
Apple released the iPhone 14 series in September 2022, which became the first iPhone lineup in the United States to exclusively utilize eSIM, eliminating the traditional physical SIM card slot.
August 2023: ITU-T Publishes Complete Lists of IIN Codes
As of August 2023, the ITU-T also publishes complete lists of issuer identifier numbers, with the most recent list, issued on December 1st, 2018, remaining current.
