SIM card in the context of "Address book"

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⭐ Core Definition: SIM card

A SIM card or SIM (subscriber identity module) is an integrated circuit (IC) in the range of a 25 MHz 32 bit CPU, and 256 KB of NVM. SIMs are intended to securely store an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its related key, which are used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile telephone devices (such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops). SIMs are also able to run apps and to store arbitrary information like address book contact information, and may be protected using a PIN code to prevent unauthorized use.

These SIM cards are always used on GSM phones; for CDMA phones, they are needed only for LTE-capable handsets. SIM cards are also used in various satellite phones, smart watches, computers, or cameras. The first SIM cards were the size of credit and bank cards; sizes were reduced several times over the years, usually keeping electrical contacts the same, to fit smaller-sized devices. SIMs are transferable between different mobile devices by removing the card itself.

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In this Dossier

SIM card in the context of Afghan identity card

The Afghan Tazkira (Dari: تذکره تابعیت; Pashto: د تابعیت تذکره) is an official national identity document issued to every citizen of Afghanistan, which includes the Afghan diaspora around the world.

The document is used to obtain an electronic Afghan identity card (e-Tazkira), which is valid for up to 10 years and required for many things such as employment, registering in school, operating a business, buying or renting a house, opening a bank account, sending or receiving money through Western Union, purchasing a SIM card, obtaining a passport, booking airline tickets, staying in hotels, etc. The documents serve as proof of identity and residency but more importantly Afghan nationality. Both the Tazkira certificate and e-Tazkira are issued by the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA), which is headquartered in Kabul but has offices by the name of Asan Khedmat (Easy Services) in various provinces of Afghanistan.

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SIM card in the context of Mobile operating system

A mobile operating system is an operating system used for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smartglasses, or other non-laptop personal mobile computing devices. While computers such as laptops are "mobile", the operating systems used on them are usually not considered mobile, as they were originally designed for desktop computers that historically did not have or need specific mobile features. This "fine line" distinguishing mobile and other forms has become blurred in recent years, due to the fact that newer devices have become smaller and more mobile, unlike the hardware of the past. Key notabilities blurring this line are the introduction of tablet computers, light laptops, and the hybridization of the 2-in-1 PCs.

Mobile operating systems combine features of a desktop computer operating system with other features useful for mobile or handheld use, and usually including a wireless inbuilt modem and SIM tray for telephone and data connection. In 2024, approximately 1.22 billion smartphones were sold globally, marking a 7% increase over the previous year and a solid rebound after two consecutive years of declines. Sales in 2012 were 1.56 billion; sales in 2023 were 1.43 billion with 53.32% being Android. Android alone has more sales than the popular desktop operating system Microsoft Windows, and smartphone use (even without tablets) outnumbers desktop use.

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SIM card in the context of Smart card

A smart card (SC), chip card, or integrated circuit card (ICC or IC card), is a card used to control access to a resource. It is typically a plastic credit card-sized card with an embedded integrated circuit (IC) chip. Many smart cards include a pattern of metal contacts to electrically connect to the internal chip. Others are contactless, and some are both. Smart cards can provide personal identification, authentication, data storage, and application processing. Applications include identification, financial, public transit, computer security, schools, and healthcare. Smart cards may provide strong security authentication for single sign-on (SSO) within organizations. Numerous nations have deployed smart cards throughout their populations.

The universal integrated circuit card (UICC) for mobile phones, installed as pluggable SIM card or embedded eSIM, is also a type of smart card. As of 2015, 10.5 billion smart card IC chips are manufactured annually, including 5.44 billion SIM card IC chips.

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SIM card in the context of 112 (emergency telephone number)

112 is a common emergency telephone number that can be dialed free of charge from most mobile telephones and, in some countries, fixed telephones in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, fire and rescue, police).

112 is a part of the GSM standard and all GSM-compatible telephone handsets are able to dial 112 even when locked or, in some countries, with no SIM card present. It is also the common emergency number in nearly all member states of the European Union as well as several other countries of Europe and the world. 112 is often available alongside other numbers historically used in the given country to access emergency services. In some countries, calls to 112 are not connected directly but forwarded by the GSM network to local emergency numbers (e.g., 911 in North America, 999 in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, and 000 in Australia).

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SIM card in the context of 000 (emergency telephone number)

000 or Triple Zero is the primary national emergency telephone number in Australia and the Australian External Territories. Triple Zero calls are initially answered by a Telstra Emergency Access Service Point, then transferred to the requested state and territory emergency services organisations. The Triple Zero system is overseen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and is intended only for use in life-threatening or time-critical emergencies that requires police, fire or ambulance.

When called on a mobile or satellite phone, the international standard emergency telephone number 112 will be redirected to Triple Zero (000). Other numbers including 911 may be answered, though this is strongly discouraged by the government. For people with a speech or hearing impairment, 106 can be called from a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) textphones. 000 is the only emergency number that can be dialled from fixed lines including public payphones. No SIM card or calling credit is required to call emergency services, and national 'camp-on' arrangements mean that calls to Triple Zero will be passed through any available mobile network.

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SIM card in the context of Mobile operating systems

A mobile operating system is an operating system used for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smartglasses, or other non-laptop personal mobile computing devices. While computers such as laptops are "mobile", the operating systems used on them are usually not considered mobile, as they were originally designed for desktop computers that historically did not have or need specific mobile features. This "fine line" distinguishing mobile and other forms has become blurred in recent years, due to the fact that newer devices have become smaller and more mobile, unlike the hardware of the past. Key factors blurring this line are the introduction of tablet computers, light laptops, and the hybridization of the 2-in-1 PCs.

Mobile operating systems combine features of a desktop computer operating system with other features useful for mobile or handheld use, and usually including a wireless built-in modem and SIM tray for telephone and data connection. In 2024, approximately 1.22 billion smartphones were sold globally, marking a 7% increase over the previous year and a solid rebound after two consecutive years of declines. Sales in 2012 were 1.56 billion; sales in 2023 were 1.43 billion with 53.32% being Android. Android alone has more sales than the popular desktop operating system Microsoft Windows, and smartphone use (even without tablets) outnumbers desktop use.

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SIM card in the context of ESIM

An eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) is a form of SIM card that is embedded directly into a device as software installed onto an eUICC chip. It connects to mobile network operators via remote SIM provisioning and users can change mobile network operators without the need to physically swap a SIM from the device. Most flagship devices manufactured since 2018 that are not SIM locked support eSIM technology.

Several eSIM plans can be stored at the same time and there is no need to obtain, store, and insert/eject (and potentially lose) small physical SIMs. Users can change plans or carriers instantly online.

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