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The UICC is the trusted operator anchor in the user domain in LTE/SAE. The SAE flat and open architecture brings high-security risks that must be mitigated by deploying highly secure and tamper proof devices in the user domain. All LTE/SAE services are based on the high level of security of the UICC card. Furthermore, it’s a solution platform that secures applications residing not only in the handset but in any device used in an open access network.
The standardized, removable cards bring many benefits to the carrier and the subscriber alike. Among the most important are portability, security, trust, and a clear liability separation model. The separation of the USIM card with the subscription on one side and the handset on the other creates an open distribution model that is both efficient and beneficial to end-users, operators and equipment vendors. All mobile services rely on the high level of security of the USIM card which offers the highest guarantee of security for businesses and mobile users alike. Last but not least, convenience and ease-ofuse are crucial to customer satisfaction and for 95% of the mobile users worldwide, the USIM is part of their way of life.
For today’s networks as well as tomorrows, carriers can rely on the UICC to protect themselves from becoming simple bit pipes. Each carrier can use the card as a network end point independently from the mobile phone.
The UICC is the port of call within each mobile device where mobile carriers can store the applications that bring their services to fruition, such as for roaming, branding, device tracking and browsers to name a few. Storing such applications in the UICC means that they benefit from the UICCs’ security credentials, thus offering revenue protection for the operator. Being removable, it is easy to transfer them in the caseof device renewal with no need to rewrite the application.
The UICC is the only operator-owned item that resides in the hands of the end-user. It connects into the operator system via Over The Air technology which is synonymous with secure remote management. To take roaming as an example, the combination of UICC and OTA technology means that carriers can update their roaming agreements, remotely, and with no visible impact for the end-user.
In a world where 3G connectivity is directly embedded into each user’s laptop, the battle is on for ownership of services and the connection. A USIM in a “mobile broadband” notebook solution means that the carrier can manage personalization of the device (branding, service access, etc) post issuance. Over The Internet technology will also play a crucial role in the life cycle management of PC and UMPC applications.
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High-level applications based on standard APIs Java Card applets Example Device tracking Based on service engines using standard APIs Low-level applications Requiring chips with optional features |
As mentioned above, the UICC can store browsers which make the navigation of end-user centric applications easy and intuitive. This brings the end-user experience more in line with the use of the Internet while at the same time rendering the applications according to the capabilities of the mobile device.
Co-existing on the same UICC platform with the USIM application is the ISIM - IP Multimedia Services Identity Module – which provides access to the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) via any IP access network.
The ISIM enables each subscription to have multiple public identities. It enhances interoperability by reducing the options for implementation as there is no need to accommodate legacy USIM or CSIM (CDMA Subscriber Identity Module) applications. In addition, the ISIM facilitates the provisioning of important parameters across all mobile terminals.
It works by providing a set of IMS security data and functions for IMS access: mutual authentication and key agreement, provisioning and GBA for IMS-based services.
As part of the wider mobile eco-system, the UICC offers wireless carriers certain advantages. More handsets support SIM technology than don’t, so its integration into LTE networks opens up the handset base offering more choice for subscribers and keeping the price down. Within the GSM market place, statistics show that handset renewal is on a two-yearly basis, compared with CDMA, which is every four years. Good news for handset manufacturers and wireless carriers as it makes for a more dynamic market. In addition, storing all user, network and service configuration data in the UICC simplifies handset upgrades and reduces inventory costs.
The world over, mobile carriers have to address the issue of mobile devices sold directly to the consumer. This means a lack of customization and the improper configuration of mobile handsets for operator services. In some countries this accounts for more than half the devices on the market, for example, in China, Belgium, and for some very large accounts such as Orange Group and Vodafone Group.
To tackle this, many operators have turned to device tracking solutions in order to reduce the costs of customer care and insurance fraud. Automatic device provisioning services within the UICC make it possible to offer post-issuance customization and remote management of the device settings, while also sending service messages to the unsubsidized devices. They can also customize any device with a local service portal, which ties into the device tracking tool to provide device specific features.
The very core of the UICC is the notion of security. It checks that the right person has access to the network in the conditions agreed with the operator. It securely stores personal information and is instrumental in the personalization of mobile communications. Each subscription is unique and therefore each card is different.
The UICC stores algorithms and certificates that make it extremely tough for an external third party to access your communications. The semi-open environment means that it can house different applications, while offering the level of security necessary in the banking world for financial transactions. Everything you do with your credit card is now possible with your phone, thus opening up the possibilities of revenue generation through transaction fees, and boosting data traffic on your network.
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“Personalizing” a smart card means making it specific for each carrier’s network and unique for each and every subscriber with the contents and features chosen by that particular carrier. Once the card has been activated, it can also be managed remotely via an OTA (Over the Air) platform, whose functions include remotely updating card profiles and downloading/deleting application applets on the cards. |
This also enables the introduction of new services during deployment or post-issuance.
The card issuer is also responsible for personalizing the cards using data provided by the wireless carrier, under the utmost confidentiality.
The extra storage capacity of the UICC brings it into the realm of a connected storage device. Coupled with the high speed USB interface between the card and the handset, carriers can open up mobile services to a host of new potential applications such as mobile TV and user generated content:
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The new generation of multimedia-enabled USIMs offers protected storage of all user related content (emails, pictures, videos, PIMS data) and handset settings for portability. This means that the end-user can carry their whole user environment from one handset to another. Not to mention personal data protection in case the handset is lost or stolen. |
Within LTE networks, the USIM will continue to provide key additional value with roaming revenue enhancement and secure mobile transactions.
