What is an Integrated SIM?
Integration: Drivers of an evolution in SIM Technology
Trusted Connectivity Alliance defines an integrated SIM as a solution where SIM or eSIM functionality is implemented on a hardware Tamper Resistant Element (TRE) within a host System-on-Chip (SoC).
The trend towards integration is supported by significant industry-wide specification development and global, open standards. Internationally recognised industry associations and standard development organisations have delivered specifications and definitions to promote the deployment of globally interoperable, secure integrated SIM solutions.
Following this activity, it is Trusted Connectivity Alliance’s position that GSMA’s Integrated eUICC initiative offers the most potential to meet increasing market demand and ensures that integrated SIM technologies have the same security and interoperability levels as removable SIM and eSIM.
What are the Benefits of Integrated SIM?
Industry-Backed
Global standardisation efforts have been successful, meaning all mobile ecosystem stakeholders can have high levels of confidence in the security, interoperability and reliability of integrated SIM solutions.
Enabling Device Evolution
Integration reduces the number of components to support the development of smaller, thinner devices, while optimising power consumption to increase battery life.
Supporting New Use-Cases
Integration is an evolutionary step for SIM technology which is unlocking a host of new use-cases, including utilities, logistics and supply chains.
Related Educational Resources
Publications
Integrated SIM: A Practical Approach
April 11, 2022
This new paper promotes deeper understanding of integration across the mobile ecosystem, by educating on technical and value chain considerations and advocating standardisation for optimal security and interoperability benefits
Publications
Introduction to integrated SIM
January 20, 2022
This ebook explains the concept of an integrated SIM, key emerging use-cases across the utilities, logistics and consumer IoT and the benefits of integration for device security.
Publications
White paper: Integrated SIM Functionality – Drivers, Approaches to Standardisation and Use Cases
May 4, 2021
In addition to defining the concept of integrated SIM, this paper considers market forces driving the integration trend, summarises current industry standardisation efforts, details use cases and explores the benefits of integration for device security.
News and Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tamper Resistant Element (TRE)?
A TRE is a standalone secure element or secure enclave, consisting of hardware and low-level software providing resistance against logical and physical attacks, capable of hosting secure applications and their confidential and cryptographic data, and are available in removeable, embedded and more recently, integrated form factors.
A TRE integrated inside a SoC is known as an integrated TRE.
What is the difference between the integrated SIM, integrated UICC and integrated eUICC?
The term ‘integrated SIM’ refers to the implementation of SIM or eSIM functionality on a hardware TRE within a SoC, so can be used to collectively refer to both integrated eUICC and integrated UICC solutions.
An integrated UICC is a UICC that is implemented on an integrated TRE and does not support Remote SIM Provisioning as defined by GSMA.
An integrated eUICC is an eUICC implemented on an integrated TRE that supports Remote SIM Provisioning as defined by GSMA.