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The term UICC may seem foreign, but many, if not most, people
are already familiar with its generic name, the SIM (Subscriber
Identity Module) card. The
SIM is the small computer inside GSM
network mobile phones that securely authenticates the subscriber
to the network, and securely stores information, such as
phonebook contacts.
The UICC is the equivalent to the SIM in UTMS, or 3G, networks. The UICC is a small computer, like the SIM, that contains the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) application and the IMS Identity Module (ISIM). Sometimes the UICC is also called a USIM card. It is a foundational platform that can store and run multiple applications – like mobile banking and instant messaging -- securely. This is a key factor for why billions of UICCs have been deployed and are currently used in UTMS networks worldwide.
Subscribers on networks that use them know the UICC as the small card in their mobile device that securely gives them access to the network. They can also securely store personal information on it, making it easy to transfer their data to a new device. The new generation of UICCs can now store up to 2GB of personal content and offer the latest communication speeds to make the mobile experience richer and more personalized.
Operators can securely and remotely manage UICCs transparently to subscribers using Over the Air (OTA) platforms. They perform updates to the cards and deliver new services, change subscriptions, mirror roaming agreements and more. Some operator "service portals" accessed on mobile phones are UICC applications and are regularly updated by operators. Operators use these portals to make applications, billing and payment, mobile banking, general information, etc, available to their subscribers.
All of these benefits to subscribers and
operators have made the UICC a critical component of existing networks. Now, the
use of the UICC will be extended to LTE to securely authenticate subscribers, as
well as to secure many of the exciting new applications and services that will
be available.
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The UICC is the smart card used in mobile terminals for GSM and UMTS/3G
networks.