SIM Card Standards
The specifications and regulatory frameworks governing SIM card technology
Standards Organizations
Several organizations are responsible for developing and maintaining the standards that govern SIM card technology:
ETSIVisit
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is the primary standards organization responsible for SIM card specifications. ETSI developed the original GSM specifications, including those for SIM cards [^8].
3GPPVisit
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) took over the maintenance and development of GSM specifications, including SIM card standards, as mobile technology evolved to 3G, 4G, and 5G [^8].
ISO/IECVisit
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) jointly developed the ISO/IEC 7816 series of standards for smart cards, which form the foundation for SIM card physical characteristics and communication protocols [^8].
GSMAVisit
The GSM Association (GSMA) represents mobile network operators worldwide and develops specifications for interoperability, including the eSIM specifications for remote SIM provisioning.
GlobalPlatformVisit
GlobalPlatform develops specifications for secure element management, which are relevant for modern SIM cards that support multiple applications and secure services.
JavaCard ForumVisit
The JavaCard Forum promotes and develops the JavaCard specification, which is widely used for programming applications on modern SIM cards.
Key SIM Card Standards
The following standards define various aspects of SIM card technology. Each standard plays a crucial role in ensuring interoperability, security, and functionality:
Evolution of Standards
SIM card standards have evolved significantly since their inception to support new technologies and use cases:
| Era | Primary Standards | Key Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2G (GSM) | GSM 11.11 / TS 51.011 |
| View |
| 3G (UMTS) | TS 102 221, TS 31.102 |
| View |
| 4G (LTE) | TS 102 221, TS 31.102, TS 31.103 |
| View |
| 5G (NR) | TS 102 221, TS 31.102, TS 33.501 |
| View |
| eSIM | GSMA SGP.21/22, SGP.01/02 |
| View |
Compliance and Certification
SIM cards must undergo rigorous testing and certification to ensure compliance with standards and interoperability:
GSMA SAS Certification
The GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS) certifies SIM card manufacturers for secure production and personalization processes. This certification is required by most mobile network operators.
Common Criteria
Many SIM cards undergo Common Criteria certification (ISO/IEC 15408) to validate their security features against internationally recognized standards.
ETSI Compliance Testing
SIM cards are tested for compliance with ETSI specifications to ensure they function correctly with mobile devices and networks.
GlobalPlatform Qualification
Modern SIM cards often undergo GlobalPlatform qualification to ensure compliance with secure element management standards.
Regulatory Considerations
SIM card technology is subject to various regulatory requirements around the world:
SIM Registration Requirements
Many countries require SIM cards to be registered to a verified identity, with regulations specifying the identification documents required and the registration process.
Data Protection and Privacy
Regulations like the GDPR in Europe affect how subscriber data stored on SIM cards can be processed and protected. SIM card standards have evolved to include enhanced privacy features in response to these regulations.
Lawful Interception
Many jurisdictions have requirements for lawful interception capabilities in mobile networks, which can influence SIM card authentication and encryption standards.
Export Controls
SIM cards with advanced cryptographic capabilities may be subject to export controls in some countries, affecting global distribution and manufacturing.
Future Standardization Efforts
Standardization bodies are working on several areas to address emerging needs in SIM technology:
iSIM Standards
Work is underway to standardize integrated SIM (iSIM) technology, which embeds SIM functionality directly into the device's main processor or modem chip.
Enhanced Security
Standards are evolving to address new security threats, including quantum-resistant cryptography for future-proofing SIM card security.
IoT Optimization
New standards are being developed to optimize SIM technology for IoT applications, including power efficiency, remote management, and long lifecycle support.
Digital Identity
Standards are evolving to enhance the role of SIM cards in digital identity ecosystems, including support for decentralized identity models.
References and Resources
The following resources provide additional information about SIM card standards:
Official Standards Documents
- ETSI Standards Search
Search for ETSI standards including TS 102 221, TS 102 223, and other SIM-related specifications.
- 3GPP Specifications
Access 3GPP specifications including TS 31.102, TS 31.103, and other USIM/ISIM standards.
- ISO/IEC 7816 Standards
Information about the ISO/IEC 7816 series of standards for smart cards.
- GSMA eSIM Specifications
Access GSMA specifications for eSIM technology, including SGP.21, SGP.22, and related documents.
Technical Guides and Whitepapers
- GSMA eSIM Whitepaper
Comprehensive overview of eSIM technology, architecture, and benefits.
- ETSI TR 131 900 - SIM/USIM Internal and External Interworking Aspects
Technical report on interworking between different generations of SIM cards.
- GlobalPlatform Introduction to Secure Element
Overview of secure element technology, which is a key component of modern SIM cards.
Standards Organizations
- ETSI - European Telecommunications Standards Institute
Responsible for GSM and UICC standards.
- 3GPP - 3rd Generation Partnership Project
Responsible for 3G, 4G, and 5G standards, including USIM and ISIM.
- GSMA - GSM Association
Industry organization representing mobile network operators, responsible for eSIM specifications.
- GlobalPlatform
Responsible for secure element standards and management.
- ISO - International Organization for Standardization
Responsible for ISO/IEC 7816 and other smart card standards.
3GPP Specifications Deep Dive
Core 3GPP Specifications
USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module)
- • 3GPP TS 31.102: USIM Application Toolkit
- • 3GPP TS 31.103: ISIM Application Toolkit
- • 3GPP TS 31.104: UICC Application Toolkit
- • 3GPP TS 31.111: USIM Application Toolkit
- • 3GPP TS 31.113: USIM Application Toolkit
ISIM (IP Multimedia Services Identity Module)
- • 3GPP TS 31.103: ISIM Application Toolkit
- • 3GPP TS 31.104: UICC Application Toolkit
- • 3GPP TS 31.111: USIM Application Toolkit
- • 3GPP TS 31.113: USIM Application Toolkit
5G Security Architecture
- • 3GPP TS 33.501: 5G Security Architecture
- • 3GPP TS 33.502: 5G Security Procedures
- • 3GPP TS 33.503: 5G Security Algorithms
- • 3GPP TS 33.504: 5G Security Key Management
SUCI/SUPI Implementation
- • 3GPP TS 33.501: SUCI/SUPI Protection
- • 3GPP TS 33.502: 5G-AKA Procedures
- • 3GPP TS 33.503: ECIES Encryption
- • 3GPP TS 33.504: Key Derivation Functions
Advanced Security Protocols
MILENAGE Algorithm Details
3GPP authentication algorithm for 3G/4G networks
- • f1: Network authentication
- • f2: User authentication
- • f3: Cipher key generation
- • f4: Integrity key generation
- • f5: Anonymity key generation
TUAK Algorithm Features
3GPP authentication algorithm for 4G/5G networks
- • Enhanced security features
- • Support for longer keys
- • Improved resistance to attacks
- • Backward compatibility
5G-AKA Protocol
5G Authentication and Key Agreement
- • SUCI/SUPI protection
- • Enhanced privacy features
- • Improved key management
- • Network slicing support
Implementation Guidelines
Security Best Practices
- • Key Management: Implement secure key generation and storage
- • Authentication: Use strong authentication algorithms (MILENAGE/TUAK)
- • Privacy: Implement SUCI/SUPI protection for 5G networks
- • Monitoring: Deploy comprehensive security monitoring
- • Updates: Regular security updates and patches
Compliance Requirements
- • 3GPP Standards: Full compliance with latest specifications
- • Security Testing: Regular penetration testing and audits
- • Documentation: Comprehensive security documentation
- • Training: Staff security awareness training
- • Incident Response: Robust incident response procedures
ETSI Standards Implementation
Core ETSI Specifications
GSM 11.11 - SIM Card Specifications
- • Physical Characteristics: Card dimensions and electrical properties
- • File System: Hierarchical file structure and access methods
- • Security Features: PIN/PUK management and authentication
- • Commands: APDU command set and response formats
- • Applications: SIM Application Toolkit (SAT) support
TS 102 221 - UICC Physical Characteristics
- • Card Dimensions: Standard form factors and tolerances
- • Electrical Interface: Contact specifications and protocols
- • Environmental: Temperature, humidity, and mechanical requirements
- • Security: Physical security features and tamper resistance
TS 102 223 - Card Application Toolkit
- • Proactive Commands: SIM-initiated operations
- • Event Download: Network event notifications
- • Profile Download: Configuration management
- • Menu Selection: User interface management
TS 102 241 - UICC Application Programming Interface
- • API Framework: Standardized programming interface
- • Security Services: Cryptographic operations
- • File Management: File system operations
- • Communication: Network interface management
Security & Authentication Standards
GSM 03.20 - Security Algorithms
Authentication and encryption standards
- • A3: Authentication algorithm
- • A5: Encryption algorithm
- • A8: Key generation
- • COMP128: Hash function
TS 102 225 - Secure Channel
Secure communication protocols
- • SCP02: Secure channel protocol
- • SCP03: Enhanced security
- • SCP80: OTA security
- • SCP81: TLS-based security
TS 102 484 - Security Requirements
Comprehensive security framework
- • Access control mechanisms
- • Cryptographic requirements
- • Key management
- • Security evaluation
Implementation Guidelines
Development Best Practices
- • Standards Compliance: Full adherence to ETSI specifications
- • Security Implementation: Proper cryptographic implementation
- • Testing Requirements: Comprehensive conformance testing
- • Documentation: Detailed technical documentation
- • Certification: ETSI certification process
Quality Assurance
- • Conformance Testing: ETSI test suite validation
- • Interoperability: Multi-vendor compatibility testing
- • Performance Testing: Response time and throughput validation
- • Security Auditing: Independent security assessment
- • Field Testing: Real-world deployment validation