Nano SIM Cards: The Microscopic Key to Mobile Mobility

1. Introduction

The work begins with an introduction to the key subject matter at hand. It introduces the reader to the main ideas that will be explored in the following chapters. This section provides an overview on nano SIM cards, which are much smaller than the traditional SIM cards found in the market. The chapter explains the technology used to manufacture nano SIM cards. It also explores the design structure and how the nano SIM card differs from the micro SIM and the normal SIM card. Finally, the reader is introduced to a full explanation of a SIM card, mandatory requirements by the electronic communications (EC) and how the SIM card operates in connecting the mobile device to a mobile network. By offering a detailed explanation on nano SIM cards and linking it to the mobile phone technology, the reader is able to understand that “nano SIM cards” is not just an ordinary topic but a technological concept that plays a critical role in the mobile phone industry. It allows the reader to connect the real implications of nano SIM technology in daily life, business, and how the technology benefits society and the relevant industries.

1.1. What are Nano SIM Cards?

Basically, they are SIM cards, the chip that connects a phone to the mobile network. The Nano SIM, as the name suggests, is the smallest, at 8.8mm wide, 12.3mm long, and 0.67mm thick. To demonstrate how tiny this is, a Nano SIM can essentially fit in the rest of the word “SIM” on a full-size SIM card. However, as technology advances and the potential for digital interaction increases, the Nano SIM will become a standard requirement for mobile phone users around the world. Using the card involves inserting it into the phone and registering or transferring all the information and data across. The information is stored on the card, including the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), how the user connects to the mobile network, and any security data. This is to ensure that the SIM card and therefore the mobile phone is personal and unique to the user. There is also the possibility, particularly in the UK, for the SIM card to have Near Field Communication (NFC) capability. This is a method of wireless data transfer and is widely used in, for example, contactless payment technology. The upshot of all these technological advancements is that the Nano SIM can provide more and more features and services to the mobile phone user.

1.2. Evolution of SIM Cards

The first big step in the SIM card industry was the introduction of mini SIM cards in 1996. This category of SIM cards measured 25 x 15 x 0.76 mm and compared to the original size, those were already significantly smaller and therefore easier to manufacture and fill into the mobile devices. The mini SIM was largely spread in the coming years and was the most used SIM card in the mobile industry for a pretty long time until the next major change, which occurred in 2003. It was then that 3G technology was released worldwide and the SIM cards had to also make a change in the technology and design. The idea of a SIM card on a subscriber identity module was then introduced and the size of a SIM card was reduced to 15 x 12 x 0.76 mm in order to fit in a credit card-sized hard plastic card to allow the whole SIM to be as big as the credit card. However, those rumors did not come in the end because the first SIM card was used on 6th June 1991 in a small Finnish Radiolinja company Telenokija. On the other hand, in the large United States, the first SIM cards were finally made available by Omnipoint electronic customers in Chicago in 1996, so the date regarding the initial use of SIM cards may be referring to different locations or mobile networks. After cutting a standard SIM into a nano SIM, which is a popular practice, it is not possible to put the rest of the plastic inside a nano SIM because the chip is located exactly in the place of the rest of the plastic of a standard SIM.

2. Benefits of Nano SIM Cards

Since the invention of the SIM card in the early 1990s, it has always been a challenging task for the manufacturers to achieve compatibility between different generations of SIM cards and the devices that make use of the SIM card. However, with Nano SIM cards, this challenge has been addressed. All mobile manufacturers are now working to ensure that new products will make use of Nano SIM cards. As a result, users will enjoy the benefit of using the same Nano SIM card on different devices without any compatibility issues.

Some devices offer enhanced security measures, such as having customized security settings and digital signatures that enable users to secure their mobile transactions. The function of the digital signature is to authorize the validity and integrity of digital messages or documents in mobile communication. Well, Nano SIM cards are designed to support such features besides providing a more robust and reliable connection as compared to the traditional SIM cards. Therefore, users will enjoy a seamless connection and better user experience while using the Nano SIM cards.

It is apparent that with the continuous release of new and better devices, storage space is a factor to be considered. However, when it comes to Nano SIM cards, users will have more space to store their contacts, messages, and any other forms of data that are crucial in their day-to-day activities. Unlike the predecessors, the Nano SIM cards have relatively more storage space, which means that over time, the cards will serve the evolving data storage needs of the users. This is a major benefit of Nano SIM cards that users should take advantage of when deciding on the most suitable SIM card to use with their devices.

2.1. Smaller Size, More Space

The discovery that smaller SIM cards would work in new cell phones resulted in the development of nano SIM cards. With the same internal data storage size as its predecessors, the micro SIM and the mini SIM, the nano SIM allows cell phone makers to produce thinner phones. The nano SIM itself is also thinner than its predecessors. It measures in at 0.67mm, making it around 15% thinner than the micro SIM and with 0.09 cubic centimeters less volume than the original mini SIM, the nano SIM has 12.3% less volume. Since the nano SIM is so much smaller than previous versions, it takes up less room and leaves more space inside the phone. This area can be used for internal components, such as additional RAM and processors, and the reduced thickness means that lighter and slimmer phones can be produced. All of these benefits contribute to a smaller, lighter, more efficient cell phone being made thanks to the reduction in size from the original mini SIM to the nano SIM.

2.2. Enhanced Performance and Speed

And last but not least, nano SIM cards are also the best when it comes to speed and performance. All these are currently possible due to the fact that this type of SIM card is using the most advanced technology to enable the services it offers. This means that the card has the capacity to significantly improve the speed of transferring data and improve the overall performance of the network. The nano SIM card is able to achieve this as it offers perfect interconnections, and this ensures that the data is always streamed at a very high speed. On the other side, the gold plated components found in the nano SIM card have been very effective in preventing rusting, and this also makes it really faster in data transfer. Such a high level ability to support faster data transfer and internet connectivity is a vital requirement, especially now when everything is shifting towards the mobile internet and smart devices. Users will therefore be able to realize the full potential of their mobile handsets and other smart devices whenever they are using nano SIM cards for their network services. This is in terms of speed and reliability of network connections for various services. Also, the providers are finding better solutions to step up their games when it comes to offering and improving the technology in the network services. For instance, high-speed LTE networking is now being optimized to fully support the use of nano SIM cards. This, however, presents great news to people who might be using the latest mobile handsets which are LTE enabled. The LTE networking is preferred due to its high speed and under the current ongoing developments and improvement in the technology, the future for nano SIM cards becomes even brighter as better and faster networking services will emerge.

2.3. Compatibility with Latest Devices

The 4FF (or nano-SIM) card debuted in 2012, after complaints from the manufacturers about the demand for a still smaller SIM card. The creation of the nano-SIM card was a breakthrough in technological development, as producers of the smartphone were gradually looking to make yet more smartphones but seemingly larger while the consumers’ expectations for easy handling and comfort remained intact. The additional bit of the interior tray of the SIM card removal kit is designed for the new size of the SIM card, which is then fixed in the tray. This deletion provides even closer and better positioning of the parts removing the possible production error. The other advantage of the 4FF card is that it is made of the same material as its predecessor – which is a gold plated substrate on a laminated plastic card. The secure element is also mounted on the card that saves manufacturing and assembly cost of the card to an expert’s current opinion. The nano-SIM card is 0.67mm thick, which creates an adequate external use durability and allows it to be easily inserted into the electrical contacts of the card holder. However, based on the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 specification, the 4FF card is tested rigorously, which makes sure it can withstand static and torsional strength for robustness. These additional tests assure that the 4FF card will not fracture or make any permanent deformation too soon in use. With the creation of nano SIM cards, designers will now have more options because of the extra space provided. It was said that in order for mobile phone producers to adopt the new size, an extensive number of intellectual property licenses needed to be acquired, suggesting that the creators of the new nano-SIM card may face some legal and patent issues concerning its production and integration.

3. Implementation of Nano SIM Cards

The term smart card means a card that has the ability to store data by incorporating a microprocessor into the usual credit card sized plastic card. The telephone number is stored on the card and not on the phone itself. This may not sound particularly significant to most people but what it means is that phone data, such as contacts and messages, can be stored in one place on the SIM. When people change handsets there is no need to transfer data from the old phone’s internal memory to the new phone – it’s simply a matter of transferring the SIM to the new phone and all the data is available as before because the SIM is the data carrier. SIM cards are constantly getting smaller and smaller as technology develops. The latest offering from Apple, the iPhone 5, is the first iPhone to make use of nano-SIM technology, which is the smallest SIM card format currently available. The nano-SIM is about 12% smaller than the micro-SIM and over 50% smaller than the conventional mini-SIM.

3.1. SIM Card Adapters

Now that we have understood what nano SIM cards are, we are going to delve into how these much smaller SIM cards are able to be used in the machines and devices that require the bigger sizes, like micro SIM or regular SIM. One of the strategies is to use an adapter. As the name suggests, SIM card adapters are for people who would like to use their smaller nano SIM card in a device that requires a bigger card, like a regular SIM. The adapter is a casing that is cut in a way to house the smaller nano SIM, so that the overall size becomes the same as the size of a regular SIM card. It is a handy tool to have as it gives the users more flexibility as to which device they want to use the same phone number for, without the user having to go through the trouble of deactivating and reactivating with different SIM cards.

3.2. SIM Card Ejector Tools

So, we’ve heard about the process of transferring a mobile phone number and activating a new SIM card, but what happens if a SIM card is inserted incorrectly into a mobile phone or smart card? In some mobile phones and smart cards, a small tray or slot, into which the SIM card must be inserted, is covered by an access panel. The access panel can be removed using a SIM card ejector tool. This is a small, often key-shaped piece of metal, which is specifically designed for opening the access panel to enable insertion or removal of the SIM card. Mobile phone and smart card users will have to consult the device user guide for specific information about the location of the access panel and the use of a SIM card ejector tool. The device will manual explain how to open the access panel and use the tool to remove or insert the SIM card correctly. However, it is also possible to have a simple SIM card slot without an access panel. These types of phones have a designed space where the SIM card is slotted and ejected using a SIM card ejector tool. Although the tool is not needed for opening an access panel, it can be used to physically eject the SIM card from the slot. It is worth noting that the actual size of the SIM card ejector tool can vary. Older models tend to be a long, thin piece of metal not dissimilar in size and appearance to a staple, however newer models may come in the form of a clip or pin. The main factor is that the tool should be strong and rigid, enabling the user to effectively manage the opening of the access panel and the ejecting of the SIM card.

3.3. Activation and Transfer of SIM Cards

When acquiring a new SIM card, the card is not active until after it has been inserted into a mobile device and the device has been powered on. This allows for the card to be transferred between devices without the need to inform the network. On the other hand, by transferring the mobile number and network profile to a new SIM card and ensuring that the old card does not interfere with the transfer, a process known as SIM card cloning, a user can effectively make the older card invalid. The transfer of information from one SIM card to another is known as a SIM card swap. In the United Kingdom, the mobile network provider schemes together to provide a service known as the ‘PAC Code’ process that allows for the change of service provider while keeping the same mobile number. ‘PAC’ stands for Porting Authorisation Code. This process begins by the user sending a text message to a free mobile number with the body of the text being the word ‘PAC’ and the user’s date of birth in the format ‘DDMMYYYY’. The message is then sent to the number 65075. The user then receives a reply from the current service provider by text message containing the PAC code that is valid for 30 days. This code is given to the new service provider when setting up a new contract and the user’s current number will be transferred to the new card when it is activated. However, if the user wishes to keep the existing contract but also use the same mobile number, the PAC code should not be given to the new service provider straight away. First, the user must transfer the mobile number to the new SIM card using the PAC code and then move their existing number to the new card. Lastly, the user retains the same service provider but is furnished with a new 070 number. It is only after ensuring that the new 070 number is functional and the old number has been successfully transferred that the PAC code is given to the service provider to connect the transferred number with the new SIM card.

4. Future of Nano SIM Cards

Moving on from the subject of nano SIM cards in cars, one must ask – what could we expect from a smaller card in the future? Well, as luck would have it, the next section of this blog will be discussing exactly that. As hinted at by the name, an eSIM is an embedded SIM card which, instead of being a physical object, is built into the device itself. As the regulations surrounding eSIM technology begin to relax, it is highly likely that nano SIM cards will soon be totally replaced by eSIMs. One of the major advantages that eSIMs offer is flexibility. By allowing the digital profile that an eSIM uses to be changed over the air, it is easy to see how eSIMs could revolutionize the way in which people connect to the internet using mobile data. For example, with an eSIM it would be technically possible to intelligently switch between phone networks in order to achieve the best coverage wherever you are. Such constant connectivity can pave the way for even smarter traffic information, further improving the efficiency of traffic systems in built-up areas. Also, another potential use of eSIM technology could be in the automotive industry. Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly connected in order to support things like live traffic updates and remote diagnostics. By making the switch from nano SIMs to eSIMs, car manufacturers could benefit from the flexibility and ease of connection that comes with eSIM technology. However, bear in mind that in order to connect to existing mobile networks, it may be necessary to use a physical SIM card as well as an eSIM. Therefore, while the future seems to be heading more and more towards technology, do not expect to see the humble nano SIM card disappearing from cars.

4.1. Integration with eSIM Technology

The development of eSIM technology creates exciting opportunities for nano SIM card integration. Because eSIM can be reprogrammed multiple times, this type of software and future-proofing for different carriers and developments does away with the need for an ejectable physical plastic SIM. This means a smaller amount of space, faster data transfer, and an increased potential for minimalization as eSIM itself continues to be developed and adopted further by major carriers and technologies. The end result is that as eSIM becomes popular and replaces the current micro SIM design, nano SIM designs will be combined with this type of technology to provide enhanced data rights, transfer speeds, and phone network flexibility. Also, these cards boast an improved level of security and protection for both the phone and its user in comparison to the previous micro SIM and standard SIM designs. All SIM cards can use a type of encryption known as COMP128, which is a global encryption standard for SIM cards. However, the older SIM designs such as the now-vanished standard SIM and the micro SIM use a 2G version of this encryption. This simply means that if someone who knows how to remove the network lock on their phone and use it on another carrier, the person could feasibly do so without much trouble on devices that use these older cards. But by comparison, nano SIM cards can only use the newer 3G version of the encryption. Not only does this allow for a more secure data transfer between the phone and the network, but it also means that both over-the-air and standard physical phone network to SIM interactions are also more secure. This is down to the fact that the algorithms and ciphers used in the newer version of the encryption are more advanced and considerably more secure against attack.

4.2. Potential for Further Miniaturization

When we compare nano SIM card with micro SIM card, the only difference is the size. These both types of SIM cards can be used in mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and other devices like Wi-Fi routers and MiFis. Milli-SIM or regular SIM cards are the largest in size and are used in some old mobiles and oldest model smartphones. Secondly, comes the micro SIM cards, which are slightly smaller than Milli-SIM but the thickness is the same. The micro SIMs are used in most smartphones nowadays. And the nano SIM cards are the latest in size and with less thickness compared to other older SIM cards like Milli-SIM and micro SIM. These nano SIM cards are used in the latest smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The latest mobile devices like iPads, iPods are designed to use the nano SIM card, especially the iPads. iPads are designed to use the nano SIM card. These nano SIM cards are slightly thinner than micro SIM cards and have a similar thickness with respect to the height. But in practice, users can cut the SIM cards and change the size of SIM cards according to their requirements with the help of SIM cutters. A SIM card cutter is a simple form of punch. These SIM card cutters are basically designed to cut a micro SIM card into a nano SIM card and also for cutting the micro SIM card into a nano SIM card. The process of cutting the SIM card is very easy. Simply insert the SIM card into the cutter and press down the handle, then the SIM card is cut accordingly to the proper size. It is this ease by which one can change the SIM card sizes and thus the ease by which manufacturers can continue to make the card smaller, which suggests that the nano SIM card and similar devices certainly are not the end of the road when it comes to the miniaturization of technology.

4.3. Advancements in Security and Authentication

Nowadays, multiple authentication procedures can be launched in parallel between the SIM card and the telecommunication network, including mutual authentication, over-the-air authentication, location updating, and so on. In the evolution from 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network, there has been a tremendous amount of advancement in the security part of the SIM cards, known as algorithm agility. New cryptographic features and algorithms are introduced in the new generations of SIM cards to enhance security and provide better protection over the user’s data and privacy. For example, the classic “comp128” algorithm is replaced by the state-of-the-art “milenage” algorithm in the 3G and 4G SIM cards. This algorithm strengthening can significantly mitigate the security threats such as the Man-in-the-Middle attacks. In addition to the algorithm strengthening, remote application management and security protocols are implemented in the new SIM card technology over the recent decades. This technology, known as smart card web server, enables the SIM card to act as a secure device and run security-sensitive applications in an isolated environment. By using such technology, over-the-air installation of a new algorithm is possible to the SIM card. This means that in case a particular algorithm is discovered to have a security flaw, a new version of the algorithm and its associated cryptographic key can be sent securely and installed to the SIM card over-the-air, without the need of changing a physical SIM card. Such advancements in software and cryptographic algorithms not only improve the security aspect of the SIM card itself but also facilitate the security maintenance and management of the SIM card.